A southern Californian home packed with explosives, volatile chemicals and ammunition has been destroyed in a controlled burn.
Firefighters along with arson and hazardous materials specialists set the house on fire yesterday, as the least risky way of disposing of the unprecedented quantity of explosive material on the site – said to be the largest single haul in US history.
Previously, Californian governor, Arnold Shwarzenegger, had declared a state of emergency for San Diego county.
The home was rented by George Jakubec who is in custody after pleading not guilty to eight charges relating to explosives and bank robbery. On Wednesday, a federal judge dismissed his appeal to delay the burn in order to recover material which may have been used in his defence.
Surrounding residents in Escondido, near San Diego, had been evacuated while those further away were instructed to shelter in their homes.
