Illegal Diwali fireworks sparked major house fires in both the United States and Canada this week, leaving families homeless and prompting renewed calls for tougher enforcement of fireworks bans. In New York state’s Queens (South Ozone Park), a fire broke out around 2:25am on Wednesday after fireworks, believed to be part of a Diwali celebration, flew into a home and ignited flames that spread to three houses on Foch Boulevard and Lincoln Street, according to the FDNY, reported CBS News.Surveillance footage showed fireworks shooting directly into one of the homes before bright orange flames engulfed the area. “I was up and I smelled the smoke and saw the fire,” said neighbor Mohiuddin Saif. “Came running down, called my mother- and father-in-law… we basically all just ran outside at the same time.”Three people inside the first home managed to escape, though two were hospitalized, officials said. Neighbors described chaotic scenes as thick smoke filled the sky and heat melted exteriors of nearby houses.One resident, Juanita Colon, said her family lost everything. “We got nothing now because everything is ruined. My son has no clothes. We have to be in a hotel room living out of a hotel,” she told CBS News.Saif said he had called 911 around midnight to report people setting off fireworks in the street. “I was told that somebody would come and check. But then I was waiting, nobody came,” he said. “I did take some pictures, videos… then, I just went back to my bed.”Multiple 311 complaints were reportedly made about fireworks and noise before the fire. “It was all night, since 9 p.m.,” said neighbor Ruth Ragoonauth. “You can celebrate to a certain time, but why celebrate until 1, 2, 3 in the morning when people’ve got to get up early to go to work?” added Charlie Cuebas.By afternoon, the street was littered with melted vehicles, hollowed-out homes, and leftover boxes of fireworks. “It’s crazy, it’s totally gone,” a resident said. “At least they were able to get out. That’s the most important thing, their life.”A similar incident was reported in Edmonton, Canada, where a family also lost their home after alleged illegal Diwali fireworks set it ablaze, as permits are required within city limits. Edmonton fire rescue estimated damages at around $175,000, and police charged three people with arson, according to Yegwave. The fire also spread to a neighboring house.The homeowner, whose Millwoods residence was destroyed, said his family “lost their house” and called for tougher penalties against illegal fireworks use.Authorities in both New York and Edmonton have reiterated that fireworks are strictly prohibited without a permit, even during cultural celebrations such as Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
