La Habra

Man Injured by Firecracker: A local man was in stable condition after losing his right hand and right eye when a firecracker he was trying to light exploded in his face, police and hospital spokesmen said. Bret Bemis, 26, underwent seven hours of surgery at UCI Medical Center following the explosion of a “very large firecracker” in the street at Holgate Street and Walling Avenue Friday night, La Habra Police Lt. Tom Machado said. Bemis was treated at the scene by paramedics, then transported by helicopter to UCI Medical Center, Machado said. Bemis told officers at the scene that he had attempted to light an “M200”, Machado said, who added that the device is unlawful.