April 23rd, 2023 by WCBC Radio

The Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are investigating a fire that injured a Westminster man while making homemade fireworks Friday morning.

At around 10:00 a.m., Westminster Fire Department responded to the 300 block of Parisian Way for a house fire. A Deputy State Fire Marshal was in the area and arrived just before the firefighters. He located the 68-year-old owner, who was severely burned, and told the investigator he was making homemade fireworks. The fire department arrived shortly after, and they were able to contain the fire within the garage of the home.

Maryland State Police Aviation Command flew the injured man 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.

Investigators requested the assistance of Bomb Technicians assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad, along with Certified Explosive Specialists with ATF, in rendering the residence safe, evidence collection, and processing the scene.

After consulting with the Carroll County States Attorney's Office, investigators searched the home. They located and recovered materials used for making homemade fireworks and several destructive devices in various stages of construction.

Bomb Technicians, with the assistance of the Carroll County HAZMAT Team, rendered all of the devices safe and properly disposed of any of the remaining products.

Carroll County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Roads Operations are credited with maintaining a safe perimeter and keeping the area clear of vehicular traffic while investigators worked throughout the evening.

The investigation continues.