Burbank Explosion Reported as Huge Boom Heard in California

Speculation was sparked online after residents heard a "huge explosion" in Burbank, California, late on Sunday night, but it turned out to be someone setting off fireworks.

Users of X, formerly Twitter, reported hearing the mystery noise around 11:00 p.m., but were divided on its possible source.

The sound sparked alarm and fear among residents; some said it sounded like an explosion, while others speculated that it could have been a lightning strike or even a sonic boom caused by an aircraft. But when Newsweek called Burbank Police Department seeking further information, the cause of the loud bang had a more mundane explanation; someone had let off fireworks.

A police spokesperson told Newsweek that officers had received several calls from concerned residents who were left shaken by the noise that was heard around the vicinity of Magnolia and 1st. "Officers were dispatched to the area and it was determined to be fireworks," he said.

Officers saw the fireworks themselves, but have not yet managed to find who released them and there have been no arrests.

The explosive noise had rocked locals, and several posted on social media sites as they tried to work out what had happened.

One person wrote: "Did anybody hear/see a huge explosion in Burbank (around Olive Ave near Black Angus) a little after 11pm? What the heck was that??? I thought it was a very close lightning bolt at first."

Another added: "Anyone know what that loud explosion was? Nearish downtown Burbank?" While a further X user suggested: "Anyone think this Burbank noise could have been a sonic boom. Either space reentry, or aircraft."

In California, fireworks are categorized as either "dangerous" (such as rockets), or "safe and sane" (such as fountains). Dangerous fireworks are always illegal and may only be used by a licensed operator, while safe fireworks can used by the public subject to certain limitations, such as the time of year they can be used.

Most violations are misdemeanors and offenders could be sentenced to a year in a county jail or fined up to $1,000, while possession of large quantities of illegal fireworks could be charged as a felony with offenders sentenced to three years in a state prison or fined up to $50,000, according to Shouse California Law Group.

There are numerous fireworks injuries every year in the U.S.

A wounded man was left facing possible criminal charges after commercial fireworks exploded in his face, leaving him critically injured in Cary, Illinois, last July.

While the same day, a dog was killed and a family's home was damaged when a used firework reignited as they slept in Gilbert, Arizona.

Some U.S. cities are now replacing firework displays with drone light shows instead due to environmental concerns.

Update 2/19/2024, 5:01 a.m. ET: This article was updated with later information.