Merced firefighter’s home gutted by flames sparked by fireworks
A fire early Monday in north Merced, sparked by smoldering fireworks, burned two homes, including one owned by an on-duty Merced city firefighter.
Flames broke out around 3:30 a.m. on Theresa Lane, melted two gas lines and struck a propane tank, causing major damage to firefighter Kevin Buccola’s home. The fire caused about $5,000 in damages to his neighbor’s home and more than $30,000 to his house, firefighters said.
“I’ve seen them burn in other garbage cans, but I’ve never had to come to my own house for a fire,” Buccola said Monday.
Firefighters said early damage estimates could change after investigations are completed.
Battalion Chief Billy Alcorn said teenagers in the area were playing with fireworks and apparently didn’t properly dispose of them afterward. The smoldering fireworks were discarded in a plastic trash bins and eventually caught fire, Alcorn said.
Buccola was on-duty at the time, stationed at the firehouse on 21st Street in Merced, when he received a phone call telling him his house was burning.
“We don’t respond to this area from that station, it’s outside our area, but everybody knew it was my home,” Buccola said.
Sixteen city firefighters responded to the blaze and remained on scene for nearly four hours mopping up the blaze.
Neighbors reported hearing loud popping sounds, a loud explosion when flames reached a propane tank attached to an outdoor grill, and the hissing sound of open gas lines.
Alcorn called it an “unfortunate” reminder of the need to properly dispose of fireworks during the coming Fourth of July festivities.
Buccola said he has a place to say, but said he wouldn’t know how long he’ll be without his home until he speaks with his insurance company.
“I don’t mind fireworks, but people think they’re just fun things and don’t understand about lighting them the right way or getting rid of them,” Buccola said. “You should put them in a bucket of water and leave them overnight.”
Rob Parsons: 209-385-2482
Fireworks Safety Tips
- Use only fireworks approved by the state fire marshal
- Local ordinances should be verified before purchasing and/or using fireworks
- Always read directions
- Always have an adult present
- Use fireworks outdoors only
- Never use near dry grass or other flammable materials
- Light one at a time
- Have a bucket of water and a hose handy
Fireworks Injury Prevention Safety Tips
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse
- Back up several feet immediately after lighting fireworks
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Never experiment with fireworks
- Never attempt to relight or “fix” fireworks
- Do not wear loose-fitting clothing
- Never carry fireworks in your pockets
- Fireworks are not toys
Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
This story was originally published June 29, 2015 at 12:12 PM with the headline "Merced firefighter’s home gutted by flames sparked by fireworks."