safety
Man critically injured in fire involving illegal fireworks at Wilmington motel: LAFD
By Danielle Smith at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· July 3, 2026
· 2 min read
A man was critically injured and 12 people were displaced after a fire that involved illegal fireworks at a motel parking lot in Wilmington on Friday night, officials said.
The Los Angeles Fire Department said the fireworks went off inside a BMW in the parking lot of the Crescent Inn on West P...
Key takeaway ” Calvillo said the motel’s 22 rooms were evacuated, resulting in 12 people — including 10 adults and two children — displaced.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The incident at the Crescent Inn in Wilmington raises concerns about the dangers of illegal fireworks in densely populated areas. With the summer season approaching, this incident serves as a stark warning about the risks associated with fireworks, particularly in areas with high foot traffic and nearby businesses. The fact that a truck containing chlorine products was damaged in the fire, but did not ignite, is a fortunate circumstance that could have otherwise led to a more catastrophic outcome. The Los Angeles Fire Department's response and the evacuation of the motel's 22 rooms demonstrate the department's preparedness in handling such emergencies. As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, it is crucial for residents and visitors to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines, especially when it comes to fireworks. The displacement of 12 people, including two children, also highlights the need for support services for those affected by such incidents.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A man was critically injured and 12 people were displaced after a fire that involved illegal fireworks at a motel parking lot in Wilmington on Friday night, officials said.
The Los Angeles Fire Department said the fireworks went off inside a BMW in the parking lot of the Crescent Inn on West P...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Danielle Smith at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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