CARROLL COUNTY, Md. — State Fire Marshals and ATF are still investigating Friday morning’s fire that injured one Westminster man.
According to officials, the man was making homemade fireworks in his garage prior to the fire. Around 10 a.m., the Westminster Fire Department responded to the 300 block of Parisian Way for a house fire.
A Deputy State Fire Marshal was in the area and arrived just before the firefighters. He located the 68-year-old owner, who was severely burned, and told the investigator he was making homemade fireworks.
Shortly after, the fire department arrived and was able to contain the fire within the garage. The homeowner was then flown to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where he is listed in stable condition. No one else was inside the home at the time of the fire.
Investigators requested the assistance of bomb technicians assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad, along with certified explosive specialists with ATF, in rendering the residence safe, collecting evidence, and processing the scene.
Investigators searched the home after speaking with the Carroll County States Attorney's Office. They discovered and recovered materials used to make homemade fireworks as well as many destructive devices in various stages of manufacture.
With the help of the Carroll County HAZMAT Team, bomb technicians rendered all of the materials safe and appropriately disposed of any leftover items.
The investigation continues. Stay tuned to WMAR for more updates.
An investigation continues in the 300 block of Parisian Way in Westminster. Deputy State Fire Marshals, along with members of our Bomb Squad are being assisted by @ATFBaltimore after a house fire. This is an active scene and we will update the the cause ASAP. @CCSheriffMD pic.twitter.com/xNkJ2madeQ
— Maryland State Fire Marshal (@MarylandOSFM) April 21, 2023
