Pacoima, Calif. — Residents of a Pacoima neighborhood began returning to their homes Saturday after being evacuated due to a controlled burn of a house where an explosion occurred, believed to have been caused by fireworks. Authorities initiated the burn to safely neutralize dangerous chemicals found at the scene.
The Los Angeles Police Department announced on social media that people could return to their homes by 5:00 p.m., except for those residing on Remick Street between Gain Street and Remington. The area had been secured following the Thursday explosion at a home near 13556 Remington St., which critically injured a man in his mid-20s, suffering from severe burns covering half of his body.
According to police officials, the residence contained chemical substances used in the production of fireworks. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated that the chemicals were sensitive to water, thereby necessitating the controlled burn as other methods of disposal were deemed too risky.
Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the necessity of the controlled burn for public safety, given the unstable and hazardous nature of the materials found. The risk of transporting these materials was considered too great for the community’s safety.
The initial explosion and subsequent safety measures led to the evacuation of 60 homes in the area. The Los Angeles Fire Department took additional precautions by applying thermal gel to nearby buildings and erecting a metal mesh fence to prevent debris from affecting neighboring properties.
The evacuation affected residents between Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Terra Bella Street, the Golden State Freeway, and Pierce Street. During this time, an evacuation shelter was made available at the Ritchie Valens Recreation Center.
The explosives investigation, led by the LAPD bomb squad, confirmed the presence of chemicals and materials consistent with the illegal manufacture of fireworks. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) took charge of the criminal investigation, with ATF Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cooper describing the residence as “essentially a bomb.”
In light of the dangers, Cooper detailed the controlled burn approach, explaining its slow and methodical nature designed to mitigate threats safely. Chief McDonnell underscored the severity of the situation, warning the public to keep clear of the area and advising against interference with the operation, with penalties including arrest.
Responders initially arrived at the scene following reports of a structural collapse at the aforementioned address. In the midst of the chaos, rescuers found and safely evacuated four dogs from the premises.
As the controlled burn continued, concerns about air quality prompted city officials to consult with the Environmental Protection Agency, ensuring that pollution levels remained within safe limits during the operation.
The resolution of this incident underscores ongoing concerns about unauthorized fireworks and chemical storage in residential areas, highlighting the critical need for stringent safety regulations and community awareness to prevent similar dangers.