Fireworks Suspected in Costly Roof Fire

Firefighters Tuesday extinguished a roof fire that officials said may have been ignited by fireworks.

Larry B. Greene, the Fullerton Fire Department’s operations chief, said the blaze destroyed the roof of a two-story house at 1607 Fairgreen Drive. Firefighters arrived on the scene about 12:50 p.m. and contained the fire within 20 minutes, he said. Homeowner Chon Hui Chon came home as firefighters fought the blaze.

He said the roof caved in and caused an estimated $100,000 worth of damage. No one was home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.

Fire officials have not determined whether the fire started accidentally or was set intentionally, Greene said, and the investigation is continuing.

Greene said the incident may turn out to be an example of what can happen when fireworks are used carelessly. Also, he said, “All fireworks in the city of Fullerton are illegal, period. You just can’t bring them into our town.”

Greene said that the number of fireworks-related accidents skyrockets around the Fourth of July and that such incidents are especially dangerous “during these dry and hot conditions.”