Los Angeles - Illegal Fireworks Suspected Following Chatsworth Blaze That Injured Two - Lafd News & Information

CHATSWORTH - A grass fire on Independence Day in the northwest San Fernando Valley believed to have seriously injured two persons, may have been sparked by illegal fireworks.

Fifty-five Los Angeles Fire Department personnel - including four LAFD helicopters, were summoned at 9:32 P.M. on Monday, July 4, 2011, to 10619 Andora Avenue in Chatsworth, where residents reported a grass fire at nearby iconic landmark and climbing enthusiasts .

According to witnesses, a thunderous explosion occurred before fire erupted near the site's massive outcroppings. Arriving quickly by ground and air, Los Angeles Firefighters hiked up steep and winding trails in the darkness to confine the wildfire, as LAFD helicopters flanked the blaze that scorched a half-acre of tinder-dry brush in the 43 minutes it took to extinguish the flames.

Despite their exhaustive search of rugged terrain across the 76-acre site nestled between the Simi Hills and Santa Susana Mountains, firefighters were unable to find a man and woman who witnesses say were badly burned in the fire. In seeking the pair's whereabouts, firefighters discovered and took custody of a large cache of fireworks found atop the towering cliffs.

The specific cause of the blaze remains part of an active investigation by Los Angeles Police and Fire Department Investigators. Those with information about the event and injured persons, are asked to call the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section at (213) 485-6095.

Dispatched Units: E107 E296 E87 T96 BC14 E496 BC15 E72 H4 H6 H1 H3 E106 E104 E103 BP8 AR2 RP88

Submitted by , Spokesman Los Angeles Fire Department