CARROLL COUNTY, MD – A 68-year-old Westminster man was injured while making homemade fireworks in his garage today, causing a fire that required the response of the Westminster Fire Department. Arriving at the scene, a Deputy State Fire Marshal discovered the injured man, who admitted to making homemade fireworks.
The victim was 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.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) have launched an investigation into the incident. During a search of the residence, investigators found materials used for making homemade fireworks and several destructive devices in various stages of construction.
Bomb Technicians from the Office of the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad, along with Certified Explosive Specialists from ATF, were called in to render the residence safe and dispose of the devices and remaining products. The Carroll County HAZMAT Team assisted in the operation.