‘Controlled Burn’ Destroys Remaining Hazards From Pacoima House Explosion

PACOIMA, LOS ANGELES, Mar. 22 (KNN) — Authorities developed a plan of a controlled burn to dispose of remaining explosives found in a home in the 13500 block of Remington Street, which officials believe was being used to manufacture illegal homemade fireworks.

To mitigate water runoff, crews built a dirt berm around the structure and applied thermal gel on neighboring homes and what appeared to be a plastic tarp.

As a precaution, officials evacuated at least 60 homes in the surrounding area and ensured that all civilians and personnel were in safe positions before the planned burn at 11 p.m. Friday.

A fire broke out at the property, followed by a large explosion, which appeared to be fireworks. The target property caught fire as crews employed the LAFD RS3, an unmanned firefighting apparatus, to cool adjacent homes and prevent damage from the flames.

Firefighters allowed the target home to burn while using a drone to monitor potential exposures and the home itself. Currently, it does not appear that anyone was injured during this operation.

Just before 6 p.m. Saturday, the Los Angeles Fire Department announced that the Evacuation Order had been lifted.

The ATF and the Los Angeles Police Department are handling the investigation.

Jason Stilwell, Video Journalist / KNN