UPDATE: Illegal Firework Maker Causes House Explosions, At least 2 Injured in Blast

Albuquerque –

The Albuquerque Northeast Heights was startled by a large boom that could be heard across the metro area. Quickly, messages came into ABQ RAW about extreme fire and explosion damage to at least two homes. Albuquerque Fire Rescue responded to the scene and started battling a fire offensively and defensively. The fire effected homes and structures on the 9400 block of Woodland Ave. NE.

“Crews are starting to clear the scene, as you see, the next phase of this investigation, because it does involve fireworks and this large explosion, the result of the partial collapse of the house. There’s this is going to be a multi-agency investigation involving, a forest fire investigators, APD bomb squad, and and possibly some federal agencies as well as it starts unfolding,” said Lt. Jason Fejer Public Information Officer for AFR.

While on scene we observed many neighbors assessing the damage and some had their dogs escape their backyards and home out of fear. Some neighbors told us on scene that their windows several homes away shattered from flying debris.

AFR had as many as 16 apparatuses on scene to control the fire. At least two people were taken to a local hospital for burns. “There was a high amount of energy released,” said Lt. Fejer.

Investigators will be on scene from sometime as they collect evidence and examine the scene.