Fireworks explosions in SoCal leaves two dead, multiple homes burned

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Where: One explosion on West Corcoran Street in Pacoima killed a man and critically injured a woman, according to the L.A. Fire Department. Fireworks were still detonating when crews showed up last night around 9:00 p.m. By the time the fire was extinguished, four houses, additional ADUs and one parked car had caught fire.

A separate fire, also apparently involving fireworks, ignited a home on Edmund Street in Simi Valley and left one person dead, according to the Ventura County Fire Department. Crews responding to the structure fire found a body in the burning garage.

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Illegal explosives: Governor Gavin Newsom and state fire officials announced this week that more than 600,000 thousand pounds of illegal fireworks have already been seized this year. The sale, transport or using fireworks without a state seal is illegal. So is having or using any fireworks in communities where they’re not allowed.

Since last year, fireworks have caused more than $35 million in property damage statewide and caused more than 1,230 fires.

Preparations: Due to the risk of additional fires being set off by 4th of July celebrations involving fireworks, the L.A. Fire Department has said it will pre-deploy crews across the city to quickly put out any brush fires. An additional water-dropping helicopter will be in operation, and dispatch call center staff will be increased, city officials said.

How you can get ready: LAist has guides on how to keep your pets calm during loud fireworks displays, how to deal with the poor air quality that follows these explosions, and how to safely throw out used fireworks.