Multiple police and fire units responded to the scene – about 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles – around 12:30 p.m. One house had flames, the department said.
Fireworks and plumes of smoke are seen above the scene in the video of the dramatic cell phone.
“An explosion of this size, I would imagine there could be little damage to the houses next to it,” said city spokesman Dan Belle.
Reena Jimenez, who lives near the blast site, told CNN that at least three blasts have occurred.
“The first explosion was like an earthquake or something close to us,” Jimenez said. “The second explosion was bigger and louder. It shook the whole house … My husband started filming when the third explosion happened. It was really big and huge and shook the house again. We were worried that the explosion would reach home.” So we got the kids ready to go. ”
Batley said there were deaths in the “area” of the blast and both men have not been publicly identified. A fire department spokesman said there were people in the house who were able to get out safely.
An additional general injury was reported, a fire official said. An investigation into the blast is ongoing.
Evacuations were ordered for at least three streets in the neighborhood and fire officials warned residents to stay away from the area.
A number of structures were damaged and covered with debris, the fire official said. At least one horse was released from the immediate area by firefighters.
Fireworks are banned in the city, and cannot be sold, purchased, stored, used or transported in the city, officials told CNN.
Jimenez told CNN that for the past five years, his family has been hearing loud fireworks in the area.
“About once a week, during the summer or near the fourth of July, one or more will go out, and we’ll just get used to them,” he said.
People have previously complained about the issue on the Ring Neighborhood app, however, he said.
Written and reported by CNN’s Alexandra Mix and Jessica Myers from Los Angeles and Rich Vera from Atlanta. CNN’s Janine McKay contributed to this report.
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