The fire was reported shortly after 5:30 a.m. on May 9, in the 2400 block of S. Ninth Avenue. Emergency units responded to the property and found flames emanating from a detached garage.
Fire crews brought the blaze under control by approximately 5:52 a.m. After extinguishing the fire and searching the area, responders located a deceased individual inside the garage. The victim has not yet been identified.
A 30-year-old woman was also evaluated at the scene for injuries, though it is unclear whether she required hospital treatment.
Due to reports of multiple explosions during the fire, including what appeared to be fireworks activity, additional emergency units were requested. Officials later confirmed that “commercial-grade fireworks” were found inside the garage. A bomb squad and investigators were also sent to the scene.
The incident remains under investigation.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.
How Fireworks Can Increase Fire Risks in Residential Areas
Fireworks contain combustible materials that can ignite quickly when exposed to heat, sparks, or open flames. When stored in residential structures such as garages, they may significantly increase the risk of fast-moving fires and explosions. Even small ignition sources can lead to sudden flare-ups when explosive materials are present.
In fire investigations, crews often examine burn patterns, ignition points, and the presence of hazardous materials to determine how a blaze started. Detached garages can pose additional challenges because fires may grow before they are noticed. Emergency responders also assess whether stored items contributed to the spread or intensity of the flames. These factors can help investigators better understand how residential fires develop and why they escalate rapidly in certain situations.