Bug Bombs Trigger Explosion In North Hollywood

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA — Overzealous use of 'bug bombs' led to an explosion in a North Hollywood apartment building Wednesday morning.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, multiple bug bombs triggered a minor explosion in one apartment unit, forcing the the evacuation of the building.

Firefighters were called to help at about 10:15 a.m. at the 6400 block of North Denny Avenue. There appeared to be no injuries in the explosion and only minor damage to the building, said fire department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart. However, one responding Los Angeles Police Department officer was being evaluated for a medical complaint, she added

There is no ongoing threat, according to authorities.

An LAFD hazardous materials squad "used sensitive odor detection equipment and found no existing life hazard in the structure," she said, adding that an Urban Search and Rescue team was summoned to evaluate the structural integrity of the building.

"While there does not appear to be any significant damage to the building as a whole ... they are `yellow-tagging' the two-story apartment building -- denying entry -- while awaiting L.A. Building and Safety for their complete evaluation and determination," Stewart said.

Damage included blown-out windows, stucco buckling and doors knocked off their hinges, Stewart said.

City News Service contributed to this report.