An L.A. house filled with fireworks was 'essentially a bomb.' How officials defused it without destructive blast
Briefly

A recent explosion in Pacoima was caused by a 24-year-old man's stockpile of fireworks, leading to his hospitalization for severe burns. Firefighters performed a controlled burn of the hazardous debris to ensure safety, given the volatile nature of the chemicals. Though the explosion posed risks, no neighboring properties were damaged, and locals were evacuated as a precaution. Authorities managed the situation well, with at least one resident expressing gratitude for the precautions taken. This incident follows a costly fireworks-related incident in 2021 that resulted in a $21 million settlement, highlighting increased caution in such matters.
"This is essentially a bomb," Kenneth R. Cooper, special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' Los Angeles field office told reporters Friday. "We are going to use fire, slow methodic burn to alleviate that threat to public safety."
Firefighters soaked hay in diesel fuel, then set fire to what remained of the unattached home that evening in a 'controlled burn.' The pile eventually exploded in a dazzling array of white sparks.
Read at Los Angeles Times
[
|
]