2 injured after fireworks explode inside Hayward home

HAYWARD, Calif. - Fireworks exploded at a home in Hayward, leaving two people critically injured on Thursday afternoon, authorities said.

Scary moments for neighbors

What they're saying:

The explosions occurred inside a residence on Mandarin Avenue near Sumatra Street, according to the Hayward Police Department.

Residents say they heard a series of booms beginning around 12:15 p.m. Police and firefighters arrived after the first blast and found a man in the home with fireworks-related injuries.

Authorities said while officers were at the scene, a second explosion happened, prompting nearby homes to evacuate.

"They knocked on the door. They were like ‘You guys are not in trouble, but you guys need to get out because you guys are just way too close to the spot’," said neighbor Jino Ferrer.

Aerial video showed the damage to the home where the explosion happened. The roof over the garage was apparently blown off by the explosion.

Several people were evaluated by medics at the scene and two were hospitalized. 

"I don't think this should be happening. They put fear in our kids," said another neighbor, Gisselle Melgoza.

Police say residents were manufacturing illegal fireworks

Dig deeper:

Police suspect people were manufacturing illegal fireworks inside the home, though they're still investigating the origin of the fireworks. They have not said whether any arrests have happened or are forthcoming. 

Neighbors said police have been called to the home in question several times because of fireworks.

"Honestly, even when it's not a holiday, they do light off fireworks pretty often," said neighbor, Edilla Ferrer. "They do get noise complaints about that pretty often."

Nearby residents were allowed back into their homes late Thursday.

Yolo County fireworks explosion

Seven people are missing Thursday following an explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Yolo County that caused a massive fire that spread to farm fields and forced evacuations in the surrounding community, authorities said.

Emergency crews and investigators are working with the property’s owner and monitoring the area using drones to find the missing individuals, said the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. 

Among those missing are brothers, Jesus Maneces Ramos, 18; Johnny Ramos, 22; and Joel Melendez, 28.

People were urged to avoid the area after the blast, which set off a barrage of fireworks and caused a blaze that led to other spot fires and collapsed the building near Esparto, about 40 miles northwest of Sacramento.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

July 4th safety

Ahead of Independence Day, fire and police departments in the Bay Area are warning of the dangers of fireworks, and advocating for safe holiday celebrations. 

The Alameda County Fire Department set a controlled burn on Wednesday to demonstrate how fast a fire can spread when residents use fireworks illegally. 

The department says they will have increased staffing over the holiday weekend to help put out any potential fires.

A deputy chief explained other ways the department is preparing to mitigate fire risk.

 "Making sure that vegetation is managed with our fuel management crew. Four additional fire engines, one water tender, one bulldozer, one hand crew, and one battalion chief," Ryan Nishimoto said. 

In Oakland, the police department plans to have additional officers throughout the city this weekend. 

They say officers will be focusing on enforcing laws against illegal drug and alcohol sales, celebratory gunfire, sideshows and illegal fireworks. 

All fireworks are prohibited in Oakland. 

If you're caught possessing or using fireworks in Oakland, you could face a fine of up to $1,000.

"We do ask that you celebrate responsibly. All fireworks are considered illegal in the city of Oakland, including those labeled safe and sane," said Oakland Police Capt. Aaron Smith. "Residents can surrender unused fireworks at any of the Oakland fire stations designated."

Hayward