LOS ANGELES — Most residents of a Pacoima neighborhood have returned home Sunday following a controlled burn of a home where there was a large explosion, believed to have been ignited by fireworks.

"Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all agencies involved, repopulation will begin at 5:00 p.m. today," the Los Angeles Police Department said Saturday on X, formerly Twitter. "The only exception is Remick Street between Gain Street and Remington."

What You Need To Know

  • Authorities conducted a controlled burn of a home in Pacoima after a large explosion possibly ignited by fireworks

  • A 24-year-old man was critically injured with first-degree burns over 50% of his body

  • Officials said evidence was found of chemicals used to produce fireworks

  • The LAPD evacuated 60 homes in the area before the controlled burn

Police Chief Jim McDonnell and Mayor Karen Bass were on the scene Friday evening near 13556 Remington St., at the Golden State (5) Freeway and Terra Bella Street, where Thursday's explosion left an approximately 24-year- old man critically injured with first-degree burns over 50% of his body. His condition has not been updated.

Officials said evidence was found of chemicals used to produce fireworks, and McDonnell on Friday said some of those chemicals would react explosively to water — prompting the decision to do a controlled burn.

"All other options have been examined," Bass said, regarding the controlled burn.

"Public safety leaders have made clear that it is unsafe to enter the property because of the unstable and dangerous materials inside. It is also unsafe to transport these materials elsewhere in the city due to the risk it would pose to all Angelenos."

The LAPD evacuated 60 homes in the area before the controlled burn, while Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters covered nearby buildings with thermal gel to protect them. A metal mesh fence was constructed to contain possible flying objects from landing on buildings or residents, CBS 2 reported.

Friday's evacuation was ordered for the area between Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Terra Bella Street, the Golden State Freeway and Pierce Street.

An evacuation shelter was opened at Ritchie Valens Recreation Center at 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd. It was unknown how many people were evacuated.

McDonnell said bomb squad personnel conducted an investigation and discovered chemical powders, containers and other materials consistent with pyrotechnics, indicating evidence of illegal fireworks manufacturing.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is leading the criminal investigation into the explosion, McDonnell said.

"This house is essentially a bomb," ATF Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cooper said during at a press conference, CBS 2 reported. "We are basically notifying the public to render this explosive device safe; we are going to use fire in a slow, methodic burn to alleviate that threat."

"This is a dangerous situation, and all members of the public should avoid in or around this area until this situation is resolved," McDonnell said, adding that "anyone who interferes with this operation will be subject to arrest."

Firefighters were dispatched at about 9 a.m. Thursday to the home where they reported a partial collapse of the structure, according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Lyndsey Lantz.

Over two dozen homes were initially evacuated. Four dogs at the house were found safe.

The city has also asked the Environmental Protection Agency to measure the air quality as the operation continues, CBS 2 reported.