On Thursday night, more than 130 firefighters battled a devastating fire that consumed four homes in the Pacoima neighborhood of Los Angeles. The incident unfolded around 9 p.m. when the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded to reports of multiple burning one-story homes at 12933 W. Corcoran St. Fireworks were exploding in the vicinity upon their arrival, increasing the risk of additional ignitions in the surrounding areas.
Fire crews initially approached the blaze in a defensive mode, prioritizing their safety due to the potential for further explosions caused by the nearby fireworks. By 9:30 p.m., the LAFD declared the incident a “major emergency.” Tragically, officials confirmed on Friday morning that one person had been found dead. A 33-year-old woman was transported to a hospital in critical condition, while an injured dog was taken to an emergency veterinary hospital for treatment.
Fire crews successfully extinguished the flames by 10 p.m.; however, the fire had already spread to a fourth home and a vehicle. Additional reports indicated that several animals suffered injuries during the incident. Furthermore, a 68-year-old woman declined hospital transportation despite experiencing smoke inhalation injuries.
The fire incident also prompted a response from a gas company due to a reported gas leak at one of the affected homes. The L.A. Department of Water and Power was called in to manage downed power lines in the area. The LAFD dispatched its arson and hazmat teams to investigate the cause of the fire, while the L.A. Police Department's bomb squad was also on-site to ensure public safety.
In the aftermath of the extinguished fire, the Mayor’s Crisis Team arrived to provide counseling and support resources to residents affected by this tragic event. Neighbors expressed their shock and fear, with one resident describing the moment, saying, “I felt almost like the impact, you feel it. As soon as I heard that, I turned the street to see if anyone needed help, and more fireworks started going off.”
Pacoima Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez took to Facebook to emphasize the dangers of fireworks, stating that the incident serves as a reminder that the “selfish and thoughtless use of fireworks are not harmless; they can be deadly and cause irreparable harm.” In light of this incident, Animal Control was also requested to assist with the situation, and organizations like the Red Cross and the L.A. Department of Building and Safety are stepping in to help with recovery efforts.
The fireworks explosions in Pacoima are part of a troubling trend across California. Similar incidents have raised alarms statewide, including a detonation in a Simi Valley home that resulted in one fatality, and another explosion in the Bay Area that critically injured two individuals suspected of manufacturing fireworks. Additionally, seven workers remain unaccounted for following a massive explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Esparto, about 40 miles northwest of Sacramento.
During a press conference, Yolo County Undersheriff Matt Davis urged the public to remain patient as emergency services continue their efforts to locate the missing individuals and ensure the safety of the scene. “It’s important that we operate safely, carefully, and securely, and in a dignified manner that respects all involved,” Davis stated.
The fireworks industry, particularly the business operating in Esparto, confirmed that an unspecified number of workers were “lost” during the explosion, leading to a prolonged evacuation of nearby communities. Authorities are investigating the Pacoima fire, and the LAFD has reiterated its warnings that all fireworks are illegal in Los Angeles, urging residents to avoid personal displays during the upcoming holiday festivities.
