(June 17, 2005) -- Some person(s) setting off fireworks -- all types are illegal in the City of LB -- may have set a house on fire in NLB, displacing a family of seven (two adults plus five kids).

LBPD Public Information Officer Capt. Jim Arvizu says LBFD responded at about 11:30 p.m. on June 15 to the 400 block of E. 53d St where a one story, single family dwelling was on fire. Arson investigators believe the blaze was caused by fireworks. (The fireworks were not being used by the house residents; they were the victims.)

Capt. Arvizu says the entire family was at home when the late night fire broke out. He says the mother was awake and indicated she heard fireworks being set off in the area -- including numerous skyrockets and the like -- just before the fire started.

The blaze began outside the home along its side, travelled to the bathroom and kitchen area and did about $100,000 in damage to the structure and the contents.

The family made it out safely but has been displaced (i.e. now basically homeless). They're being assisted by the Red Cross.

Capt. Arvizu says LBFD hasn't determined if the fireworks were "safe and sane" or something else...but all fireworks are illegal in the City of LB, period. Under the circumstances, using fireworks anywhere in LB is a both a crime (up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail) and potentially a big drain on one's net worth, since a person can be held responsible for resulting damages.

To better experience the rockets' red glare and bombs bursting in air on July 4th, LB area residents can attend the annual professional pyrotechnic show at ELB's Vets Stadium (Clark @ Conant). Its fireworks are visible and audible for miles around.

As also previously reported by LBReport.com, efforts to restore LB's spectacular beachfront fireworks show are (as we post) up in the air.