'Trying to make your own fireworks is just insane,' OH Fire Marshal Says after Deadly Blast

June 10, 2025

An adult was killed while two others, including a toddler, were critically injured in the Liberty house explosion.

A deadly house explosion in Liberty has been tied to a homemade fireworks operation.

Justin Braun, 34, was killed and two others, including a toddler, were killed.

Liberty firefighters responding to a house fire found there had been an explosion, Fire Chief Douglas Theobald told WKBN.

Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said investigators determined residents were manufacturing homemade fireworks in the home.

“Trying to make your own fireworks is just absolutely insane,” Reardon said.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.