4 homes burned, 1 killed, 1 hospitalized in fireworks-related fire in Pacoima
One person died, another was hospitalized and four homes were burned during a fireworks-related fire in Pacoima Thursday night, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The LAFD said the fire started at roughly 9 p.m. in the 12900 block of Corcoran Street, where firefighters said fireworks were active at the scene. The LAFD entered defensive mode and started fighting the fire from a safe distance "to prioritize life safety," the department said. The LAFD described the incident as a "major emergency" with more than 130 firefighters in the area. They knocked down the fire right before 10 p.m., according to the LAFD.
Firefighters took one 33-year-old woman to the hospital in critical condition. Crews treated multiple people with smoke inhalation, but they declined transport to the hospital.
Once the flames were extinguished, firefighters recovered the remains of a 30-year-old man at the scene, although authorities can't confirm if the person died from the fire. An autopsy would need to determine the cause of death.
LA City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez thanked first responders for their work to secure the scene and battle the blaze. She added the incident will be investigated by LAFD Arson, LAPD Bomb Squad and other agencies.
"This incident is a reminder that the selfish and thoughtless use of fireworks are not harmless, they can be deadly and cause irreparable harm," she said.
California Highway Patrol drove an injured dog to an emergency veterinary hospital.
The Los Angeles Police Department's Bomb Squad and Mayor's Crisis Team responded to the fire.
