Firefighters conducted a controlled burn of a residence in Pacoima into the early morning hours Saturday following a large explosion that resulted from suspected illegal fireworks manufacturing.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell were on the scene Friday evening near 13556 Remington St., near the Golden State (5) Freeway and Terra Bella Street, where a massive explosion Thursday critically injured a man in his 20s who suffered first-degree burns over 50% of his body.
Investigators discovered chemicals used to make fireworks, some of which would react explosively to water, prompting the decision to do a controlled burn, McDonnell told reporters.
“All other options have been examined,” Bass said of 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. It is also unsafe to transport these materials elsewhere in the city due to the risk it would pose to all Angelenos.”
Authorities evacuated 63 homes near the controlled burn, but some residents chose to remain in their homes, Los Angeles Fire Department Assistant Chief Guy Tomlinson told KTLA.
The evacuated homes were located between Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Terra Bella Street, the 5 Freeway and Pierce Street.
An evacuation shelter was established at the Ritchie Valens Recreation Center, 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd. The number of people evacuated was unavailable, and as of Saturday morning residents were still not allowed back into their homes.
“This is a dangerous situation, and all members of the public should avoid in or around this area until this situation is resolved,” McDonnell said. “Anyone who interferes with this operation will be subject to arrest.”
Most people who evacuated were allowed to return Saturday starting at 5 p.m. with the exception of those who live on Remick Street between Gain Street and Remington, the LAPD announced on X.
Prior to the controlled burn, LAFD crews covered buildings in the area with protective thermal gel. A metal chain-link fence was set up to contain airborne debris from landing on buildings or people, according to published reports.
McDonnell said a bomb squad investigation found chemical powders, containers and other materials affiliated with pyrotechnics, which was evidence of illegal fireworks production.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is leading a criminal investigation into the explosion, McDonnell said.
“This house is essentially a bomb,” ATF Special Agent in Charge Kenneth told reporters. “We are basically notifying the public to render this explosive device safe; we are going to use fire in a slow, methodic burn to alleviate that threat.”
Firefighters responded at approximately 9 a.m. Thursday to the Remington Street home where they reported a partial collapse of the structure, LAFD spokeswoman Lyndsey Lantz reported.
Initially more than two dozen homes were evacuated, and four dogs at the property were found safe.
City officials have also requested that the Environmental Protection Agency measure the air and water quality as the operation continues, CBS 2 reported.
Updated March 24, 2025, 8:45 a.m.
