On Thursday, March 20, 2025, a home in Pacoima exploded due to illegal fireworks stored on the property. The blast caused significant structural damage to the home and led to an extensive evacuation of the surrounding neighborhood. Firefighters arrived on W. Remington Street shortly after 9 am to find the house partially collapsed from the explosion. Inside, a 24-year-old man suffered severe burns covering more than half of his body and was transported to the hospital in critical condition, his identity has not yet been released. Emergency crews also rescued four dogs from inside the residence.
Authorities discovered highly unstable explosive materials, some of which could react violently to water. This led officials to conduct a controlled burn late Friday night. As a precaution, more than 60 nearby homes were evacuated. The evacuated homes spanned from Terra Bella Street to Pierce Street and between the 5 Freeway and Laurel Canyon Boulevard. Karen Bass, Los Angeles mayor, assured residents that crews were implementing precautions to prevent further damage. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has launched a criminal investigation into the incident.
Dangers of Illegal Fireworks and Home Explosions
Home explosions, particularly those involving illegal fireworks, pose extreme dangers to both the occupants and nearby residents. The risks include:
- Severe burns and traumatic injuries: explosions can cause life-threatening burns, fractures, and lacerations due to the intense heat and flying debris.
- Structural damage: the force of an explosion can collapse walls, shatter windows, and even cause serious damage to neighboring homes.
- Toxic exposure: chemical compounds used in illegal fireworks may release hazardous fumes, leading to respiratory issues and other long-term health complications.
- Fires and secondary explosions: unstable chemicals can ignite and trigger subsequent blasts, worsening the destruction and increasing the risk to first responders and residents.
The aftermath of a home explosion can affect victims physically, mentally, and financially. “Incidents like this remind us of the catastrophic consequences of storing volatile materials in residential areas,” says attorney Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “Beyond the immediate devastation, victims and their families face a long road to recovery, dealing with medical bills, displacement, and emotional trauma. Our firm stands ready to support those affected and help them seek justice.”
Legal Recourse for Victims
Victims of the Pacoima explosion may have legal options to recover damages for property loss. The powerful blast damaged multiple homes in the surrounding neighborhood, leaving many residents displaced and facing significant repair costs. Homeowners and renters affected by the explosion may be able to seek compensation for:
- Structural damage – repairs or rebuilding costs for homes that suffered blast-related damage
- Personal property loss – compensation for furniture, appliances, clothing, and other belongings destroyed in the explosion
- Temporary housing expenses – the cost of hotel stays or rental accommodations while waiting for home repairs
- Diminished property value – losses due to decreased home values resulting from explosion-related damage
Depending on the ATF investigation findings, property owners may have legal claims against those responsible for manufacturing and storing the illegal fireworks.
If you were affected by the home explosion and illegal fireworks, contact Singleton Schreiber to learn more about your options. Call us at (619) 771-3473 or email us at info@singletonschreiber.com to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorneys.
