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Illegal Fireworks Set Off Several Blazes Across Southern California
Fireworks are generally pretty cool (who doesn't love seeing stuff blow up?), but illegal ones can get out of control and ruin some people's night.
Two buildings in South Los Angeles, including a mattress factory, on the 1600 block of East 76th Street were set ablaze around 10 p.m., and it took firefighters about four hours to finally knock down the fire. Although the cause of the fire remains under investigation, the owner of the business told NBC 4 that illegal fireworks were spotted inside the building and around the property. One firefighter suffered minor injuries while fighting the blaze.
On Twitter, the Los Angeles Fire Department also reported on another blaze in Venice that was possibly linked to illegal fireworks. A pile of trash on the 300 block of Rose Avenue caught fire, but firefighters were able to put it out in less than half an hour:
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In Orange County, at least three fires were believed to be caused by illegal fireworks, including one in Stanton that displaced four people when the roof of their home caught on fire. In Laguna Hills a small brush fire was put out, while in Santa Ana a palm tree fire spread to an adjacent residential building. Those trees are flammable!
While fireworks banned in several cities in Southern California, a few do allow them, but not the kind that fly through the air or explode. Every year around 240 people go to the ER in the days around the July 4th holiday, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and firefighters are on even higher alert this year due to the dry drought conditions.
In Maine, a man died last night after shooting a firework off his head.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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