PACOIMA, LOS ANGELES – In what authorities referred to as a controlled burn, a house in Pacoima that exploded was purposefully lit on fire after “dangerous materials” were discovered there.
When firemen set fire to the house at approximately 11 p.m. on Friday, AIR7 was over the site, resulting in another significant explosion.
The house on Remington Street and Remick Avenue exploded Thursday morning, causing the controlled fire. Fireworks are thought to have caused the explosion. The house was almost completely destroyed, and a guy suffered severe first-degree burn injuries.
The decision to conduct a controlled burn of the property was made after officials indicated earlier Friday that evidence of chemicals used to make fireworks had been discovered. According to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell, some of the chemicals might react explosively to water.
“All other options have been examined,” Mayor Karen Bass stated in reference to the controlled burn.
“Public safety leaders have made clear that it is unsafe to enter the property because of the unstable and dangerous materials inside,” Bass stated. “It is also unsafe to transport these materials elsewhere in the city due to the risk it would pose to all Angelenos.”
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives official Kenneth Cooper described the occurrence as a “criminal investigation.”
Cooper informed the public at a news conference that “this house is essentially a bomb.”
The region between Pierce Street, the Golden State Freeway, Terra Bella Street, and Laurel Canyon Boulevard had to be evacuated. Sixty residences were evacuated in all.
According to McDonnell, after conducting an investigation, bomb squad members found containers, chemical powders, and other items that were consistent with pyrotechnics, which suggests that illicit fireworks manufacture was taking place.
McDonnell stated that the criminal investigation into the incident is being led by the ATF.
“This is a dangerous situation, and all members of the public should avoid in or around this area until this situation is resolved,” McDonnell stated. He further stated that “anyone who interferes with this operation will be subject to arrest.”
The length of the controlled burn is unknown.
