LAUDERHILL, Fla. – Authorities responded to a warehouse in Lauderhill Thursday afternoon after receiving a tip that it was loaded with fireworks, authorities said.
The call came from someone reporting the operation to Lauderdhill code enforcement, which in turned called the Lauderhill fire and police departments.
The warehouse, an automotive business at 3759 NW 16th St., was raided about 4:45 p.m.
Investigators found professional grade products in the warehouse, according to authorities.
"You've got a warehouse full that is potentially a ticking time bomb," Lauderhill Fire Rescue Department Assistant Chief Jeff Levy said.
Multiple law enforcement agencies were called to the warehouse, including Lauderhill police and fire rescue, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and a state fire marshal.
Authorities said the warehouse is located next to automotive repair shops, which poses a great risk to the businesses since many items inside their shops are highly flammable.
"They do have vehicles in there that they do work on," Levy said. "So the combination of the explosive fireworks, gasoline and oil from vehicles, it's a nasty combination."
The business owner, Bruce McFadden, declined to comment to Lock 10 News.
"Nah," McFadden said when asked if he was selling fireworks.
McFadden signed a promise to appear in court, and investigators are determining what charges he may face.
All of the fireworks were removed from the warehouse by authorities on Friday. The power to the complex was shut off and the complex was evacuated as a precaution while the fireworks were removed.