Fireworks Blasts Kill One, Injure Others and Prompt July 4 Show Cancellations in California

10 posts • OpenAI (o3)

Published Jul 4, 2025, 07:05 AM

California authorities are confronting a string of fireworks-related disasters in the run-up to the Fourth of July. The incidents have left one person dead, at least three others critically injured and forced the cancellation of several municipal fireworks displays across the state.

In Ventura County, the Simi Valley Police Department said fireworks stored in a residential garage detonated around midday Thursday, killing one occupant and spreading flames into the attic and main house before crews could contain the blaze.

Hours later, the Los Angeles Fire Department declared a "major emergency" after fireworks ignited in a detached garage in Pacoima, engulfing three neighboring homes. More than 130 firefighters brought the fire under control within an hour, but a 33-year-old woman was transported in critical condition and several pets were reported injured. Crews also dealt with a gas leak and downed power lines at the scene.

Northern California is facing similar repercussions. A massive blast Tuesday evening at a fireworks warehouse in Esparto, Yolo County, injured two workers and prompted San Jose and other Bay Area cities to cancel their July 4 displays. San Francisco officials say the cancellations could swell crowds at the city’s waterfront show, and statewide agencies are urging residents to forgo personal pyrotechnics, which remain illegal in Los Angeles and many other jurisdictions.

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#California #Fourth of July #Ventura County #Simi Valley Police Department #Los Angeles Fire Department #Pacoima #Northern California #Esparto #Yolo County #San Jose #Bay Area #San Francisco #Los Angeles

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Los Angeles Times

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Multiple homes burn in massive Pacoima fireworks explosion; 1 critically injured

Mario Nawfal

@MarioNawfal

🚨🇺🇸 NEW FOOTAGE SHOWS FIREWORKS EXPLOSION IGNITING HOMES IN LOS ANGELES New video shows the aftermath of a fireworks explosion in Pacoima, Los Angeles. Multiple homes caught fire as flames spread through the neighborhood. Thick smoke and debris filled the air as emergency