News Summary

FAIRFIELD TWP. — The odor of gun powder still lingered five hours after hundreds of fireworks exploded in a garage Tuesday, July 1.

The Division of State Fire Marshal ruled the fire accidental that broke out around noon at 7209 Huntsman Way.

"The fire started after occupants of the home attempted to modify (consumer) fireworks," according to a news release issued late Tuesday.

Fairfield Twp. Fire Department extinguished the blaze in a matter of minutes, said Fire Chief David Downie. No one was injured, but damages are estimated at $10,000. Some of the fireworks — when they ignited during the fire — blew three-inch holes in the roof of the garage, Downie said.

Fairfield Twp. police Chief Richard St. John confirmed late Tuesday that resident William Hengeli was issued a summons to Butler County Area II Court on a misdeameanor charge of illegal possession of fireworks.

According to the state fire marshal, authorities found more than 25 boxes of fireworks inside the garage and basement of the home.

Investigators from the Fairfield Twp. Police Department, Butler County Sheriff's Office bomb squad, the state fire marshal's office and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are all participating in the investigation, St. John said.

People gathered in the backyard of the home refused to comment.

Neighbor Carolyn Williams stood in her driveway next to a charred pickup truck. She said she was on the phone when she heard what sounded like an engine backfiring. When the popping continued, she said she feared a plane was going to crash into her home.

"I was numb, and I'm still somewhat numb," she said. "I kept expecting it to hit the house."

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5126 or eschwartzberg@coxohio.com.