Fireworks Suspected as Cause of Fire That Badly Damaged Pasadena Home

[UPDATED] A fire that severely damaged a Pasadena home and displaced two residents Monday was initially believed to have been sparked by fireworks set off by neighbors, authorities said.

The fire was reported just after 5 p.m. at Howard Street and El Sereno Avenue, according to city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian.

“Heavy fire” was emanating from an attached garage of the single-story home when firefighters arrived, she said. The fire had made its way into the attic and interior of the house.

Firefighters declared a “second-alarm” and managed to extinguish the extensive flames in just under an hour, officials said.

No injuries were reported, but the fire caused an estimated $700,000 worth of damage to most of the home, according to Derderian. Two residents of the home

were displaced, but declined Red Cross assistance. Firefighters salvaged as much of the residents’ belongings as they could.

Based on witness interviews and evidence found at the scene, fireworks lit off from a neighboring property were suspected to be what ignited the fire, she said. The person or people responsible for the fireworks were not immediately identified.

Another fire that destroyed a residential garage at Buckeye Street and El Molino Avenue.on July 3 was also blamed on fireworks, officials said at the time. A man and his 13-year-old son were cited for unlawfully starting a fire in connection with the blaze.

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly described the nearest cross street of the fire. The article has been updated.