Deadly California fireworks explosion caused $3.2 million in damage

FILE - In this Tuesday, March 16, 2021, file photo, smoke rises in the background after a fireworks stash exploded in Ontario, Calif. The explosion of a large cache of fireworks Tuesday rained debris down over a wide area and dozens of residents were evacuated. Ontario Police Chief Mike Lorenz said Wednesday, March 17, that the coroner's office had not yet identified the bodies found in the backyard of the property where the blasts began. (Watchara Phomicinda/The Orange County Register via AP, File)

Deadly California fireworks explosion caused $3.2 million in damage FILE - In this Tuesday, March 16, 2021, file photo, smoke rises in the background after a fireworks stash exploded in Ontario, Calif. The explosion of a large cache of fireworks Tuesday rained debris down over a wide area and dozens of residents were evacuated. Ontario Police Chief Mike Lorenz said Wednesday, March 17, that the coroner's office had not yet identified the bodies found in the backyard of the property where the blasts began. (Watchara Phomicinda/The Orange County Register via AP, File) (Watchara Phomicinda)

By Jared Leone, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

ONTARIO, Calif. — A fireworks explosion in California that left two people dead earlier this week caused $3.2 million worth of damage, investigators said.

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Debris rained down over a wide area of Ontario on Tuesday after a large cache of fireworks ignited causing damage to dozens of homes nearby and forcing residents to evacuate.

Cousins Alex Paez, 38, and Cesar Paez, 20, were reported missing after the blast. Authorities have not yet officially confirmed the victim’s identities.

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Fireworks are illegal in Ontario, as in many California cities. Investigators are using bar codes on the fireworks to trace where they were purchased. Officials said the fireworks were not commercial grade as initially thought. The investigation may result in charges. Officials are still determining where the fireworks came from and what sparked the explosion.

Nearly 200 bins, each holding 27 gallons of fireworks, have been burned to destroy them safely. Other fireworks were too dangerous to move and were burned on site. More burns are planned over the next few days. Ammunition was also found in the debris.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.