A backyard fireworks experiment went violently wrong in Lakewood on Saturday afternoon, sending a 47-year-old man to the hospital and blasting debris across a residential yard, authorities said.
According to a news release from the Pierce County Sheriff's Office, reported by The News Tribune, a homemade fireworks compound exploded around 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, in the 6100 block of Steilacoom Boulevard Southwest. Investigators say the man had been making explosives and explosive devices when one of his compounds detonated, seriously injuring him. A detached shed on the property suffered structural damage in the blast, and explosive materials were later found scattered throughout the debris.
Why Homemade Fireworks Are Risky and Illegal
Washington's fireworks code tightly controls who can manufacture fireworks and what kinds can be sold or used. Unlicensed manufacturing or possession of explosive devices is prohibited under state law; the detailed rules and definitions are laid out in RCW 70.77.
On top of that, local governments layer on their own rules. Pierce County and cities including Steilacoom and Tacoma have imposed limits or outright bans on fireworks use. Those local restrictions around the Fourth of July have been summarized in past seasons by Fox 13.
How This Fits a Worrying Pattern
Officials have long warned that homemade explosives are wildly unpredictable. A mix can detonate unexpectedly, sending shrapnel and hazardous materials across a property and injuring bystanders who might think they are a safe distance away.
Investigators point to a June 2025 case in Oak Harbor, tied to an illegal fireworks operation, as a recent example of how dangerous makeshift manufacturing can be. In that incident, deputies found about 25 pounds of illegal explosives in a home, as reported by KIRO.
Investigation Ongoing
The Pierce County Sheriff's Office said explosive materials were discovered throughout the blast debris. After deputies confirmed the Lakewood property was safe, the Lakewood Police Department took custody of the scene for follow-up investigation, according to The News Tribune. Authorities had not released the injured man's name or an updated condition at the time of that report.
Officials are urging residents not to make or handle homemade fireworks and to call 911 immediately if they encounter suspicious materials. They stress that people should never try to move or dismantle any suspected devices themselves. Public safety guidance bluntly warns that "homemade fireworks are deadly" and provides disposal and reporting tips; see Grant County for more information.
