Homes Evacuated After DIY Fireworks Lab Discovered – Residents Rattled by Early Morning Explosions
What sounded like a war zone in the early hours of Monday morning turned out to be something far more dangerous than just an overenthusiastic Fourth of July prepper.
Loud blasts jolted residents awake and shook windows for blocks in Coal Grove after explosive materials used to make fireworks were discovered inside a home on Pike Street. Emergency responders quickly evacuated nearby homes and shut down the street as a precaution, fearing a potential blast zone.
According to a statement released by local officials, the situation unfolded when 911 dispatchers received a call about “firework making materials” found inside the residence. Police immediately called in the Fire Department and Hazmat Team, and once they saw what they were dealing with, the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office and ATF were brought in to handle the potentially explosive mess.
🚫 A Bombshell of a Discovery
Residents within 100 feet were evacuated, and Pike Street was closed off as specialists carefully removed the materials and detonated them in a controlled explosion—which many neighbors say felt anything but “controlled” from inside their homes.
People reported hearing the blasts strong enough to shake windows as far away as Ashland, Kentucky.
Officials acknowledged the loud detonation and the inconvenience to locals, but emphasized that secrecy and swift action were vital to keep the scene secure and safe.
🤯 Homemade Fireworks? Think Again.
While some might think mixing up fireworks in the garage is just a fun DIY project, the reality is deadly. Firework-making involves volatile chemicals like potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal—all of which can ignite from a single spark, bit of friction, or even static electricity. The risk of explosion, severe injury, fire, or death is extremely high, especially when handled by someone without professional training.
Authorities warn: Leave the fireworks to the pros. What might seem like backyard fun could end with a criminal investigation—or worse, a tragedy.
🚓 Was Anyone Arrested?
Early reports from multiple news outlets claimed someone had been taken into custody, but local officials later corrected that statement. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the incident remains under investigation.
🔥 Thanks to the swift work of first responders, hazmat specialists, and federal authorities, no injuries were reported, and Pike Street has since been reopened.
This explosive incident should serve as a loud—and we mean loud—reminder that homemade fireworks aren’t just illegal, they’re downright dangerous.
