About 25 tons of illegal fireworks found at South Gate home, police say

Authorities were working Thursday to safely remove multiple tons of illegal fireworks from a residence in South Gate.

The South Gate Police Department received a call around 1:15 p.m. about people selling fireworks at home in the 5700 block of Main Street.

When officers arrived, they located about 25 tons of illegal fireworks. According to South Gate PD, several U-Haul trucks were found filled with fireworks as well as more tons inside the garage.

At least 5 people were arrested with possession of fireworks, police said.

“Really the main goal is to get them out of the community as quickly as possible and if they’re within the boxes, we don’t consider them too much of a danger,” said Fred Fielding with the LA County Fire Department. “We just want to make sure that the large amount is dispersed into secure facilities and away from homes.”

Law enforcement requested that the LA County Fire Department assist with the investigation.

NewsChopper4 was over the residence where authorities were working to clear out the fireworks.

“It’s a safety issue. Every year, illegal fireworks, dangerous fireworks cause not only injuries to people but fires and so damage to property,” said Lieutenant Roman Amador. “That’s why things like this can turn into something pretty significant. Not just for residents here but for the entire community.”

Source: NBC Los Angeles