Pacoima Fireworks Blast Kills One, Critically Injures One, Destroys Four Homes

A devastating fireworks explosion in Pacoima, Los Angeles, on Thursday night, July 3, 2025, resulted in one fatality, critical injuries to another individual, and the destruction of four homes. The incident, which occurred just days before the July 4th holiday, prompted a massive emergency response from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) to the 12900 block of West Corcoran Street. The initial tweet from Mario Nawfal noted, "New video shows the aftermath of a fireworks explosion in Pacoima, Los Angeles," adding that "Multiple homes caught fire as flames spread through the neighborhood."

Firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after 9:00 PM to find multiple one-story homes ablaze, with fireworks "actively detonating" and "raining all upon the neighborhood," according to LAFD Public Information Officer David Ortiz. This active detonation complicated firefighting efforts, forcing crews to adopt a defensive posture to ensure safety. Over 130 firefighters battled the inferno, bringing it under control within approximately 53 minutes.

The explosion claimed the life of a 30-year-old man, who was found deceased after the fire was extinguished. A 33-year-old woman sustained critical injuries and was transported to a hospital, while four other individuals, including a 68-year-old woman, were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene but declined further medical transport. Multiple animals were also injured, with one dog rushed to an emergency veterinary hospital by California Highway Patrol officers.

The blaze ultimately engulfed four primary homes, several accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and a parked vehicle across four properties, rendering at least four homes uninhabitable. LAFD Arson and HazMat investigators, along with the LAPD Bomb Squad, were dispatched to the scene, and a gas leak was identified at one of the affected homes. Officials underscored the dangers of illegal fireworks, particularly when stored improperly in residential areas, emphasizing the risk to both users and the surrounding community.

The Pacoima incident followed another deadly fireworks explosion earlier the same day in Simi Valley, highlighting a concerning trend across Southern California. LAFD officials, including David Ortiz, urged the public to "leave the fireworks to the professionals," citing the immense power of illegal fireworks and the increased fire risk due to dry vegetation in the region. Residents described the blast as feeling "worse than an earthquake," underscoring the traumatic impact on the community.