Homeowner planned Fourth of July display
FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP - A cache of large, powerful fireworks caused a fire and explosions today at a house in the Hunters Trace subdivision here.
The heavy-duty fireworks, which were kept in the garage at a home at the intersection of Huntsman Way and Hamilton-Mason Road, started catching fire at about noon. Some of the fireworks exploded, fire and police officials said.
Bill Hengeli, the homeowner, and his brother-in-law were in the garage when the fireworks began to explode.
"I had my back turned," Hengeli said. "I got trapped in the corner. I ran through the center of it all to get out."
Hengeli, who was wearing a T-shirt with the logo "Extreme Pyro," was known for informal but spectacular fireworks displays in his neighborhood until three years ago, when he moved the display to a friend's farm in Indiana, said Buzz Marshall, a neighbor.
"As soon as I heard it, I knew it wasn't right. God was looking out after him," Marshall said.
Fire and police are investigating. No charges have been filed.
No damage estimate has been released, but the fire was mostly contained to the garage, said township Fire Capt. Jim Coggin.
"They were extremely lucky," Coggin said.
Hengeli said he did nothing wrong.
"They can investigate, but it's not illegal to possess fireworks," he said.
The Enquirer will update this story as information develops.
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