Fireworks blamed for July 5 blaze

A two-alarm fire in a Costa Mesa business in the early hours of July 5 was caused by fireworks, fire department officials said Thursday.

Costa Mesa Battalion Chief Kevin Diamond said the fire at Power Chip, 986 W. 17th St., started on the roof about 1 a.m. July 5 because of a firework. The blaze required firefighters to open a sliding steel door in the front of the business and punch a hole in the roof for ventilation.

Forty firefighters, seven fire engines, two fire trucks and an urban search-and-rescue responded to the blaze. The flames were extinguished in 25 minutes.

No one was injured.

— Joseph Serna