Man Burned in Homemade Fireworks Garage Explosion

The Westminster man suffered burns after an explosion in a garage

An explosion at a Westminster garage led to the arrest of a man who was injured as he attempted to manufacture homemade fireworks, according to Westminster police.

The 40-year-old man suffered second- and third-degree burns to his face and hands. He was being treated early Wednesday at UC Irvine Medical Center.

Westminster police and Orange County Fire Authority members responded at about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to the home in the 15300 block of Vermont Street. Fire crews extinguished a small fire that occurred after the garage explosion.

"I heard a boom, and then my window started shaking," said neighbor Taho Vo.

Orange County Bomb Squad members confiscated several items used to manufacture pyrotechnics, and Westminster detectives responded after methamphetamine was found at the residence, according to police.

Other items indicated the man was selling the drug, according to police.

"There has been no evidence to suggest that the male was involved in making any type of explosives other than fireworks," said Cpl. Eddie Esqueda, of the Westminster Police Department.

About six residents were evacuated during the explosives investigation.

Call 714-898-3315 with information about the case.
 

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