Police say illegal fireworks and practice bombs were found in a man’s home in Hanford

HANFORD, Calif. (KFSN) – A Hanford man was arrested after a major raid on a building containing illegal fireworks that forced the evacuation of several homes.

Police learned of a possible illegal fireworks sale and identified the suspect as 33-year-old Rian Branch.

They say his previous military service heightened concerns, and a search warrant was issued for his home on Thursday.

Officers found stacks of packaged illegal fireworks, some of which were marked for sale.

They also found materials for making homemade fireworks, a ghost gun and an MK76 practice bomb.

His house and the surrounding houses were evacuated due to the possible risk of explosion.

The Central Valley Bomb Squad was called to investigate along with explosives technicians from the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno.

After determining that there was no safety risk, residents were allowed to return home and all fireworks were removed.

Branch was booked into the Kings County Jail on several charges, including possession and sale of illegal fireworks.