2 employees shaken by explosion at Flagler County fireworks factory

BUNNELL, Fla. – There was a scare Friday morning at a fireworks manufacturing in Flagler County when a small explosion sparked a flash fire and startled two employees, but caused no serious injuries.

The incident happened about 8:45 a.m. in a 150-square-foot building on County Road 305 used to house the machine that presses gunpowder into pellets. Flagler County Fire-Rescue got the fire under control quickly.

"When something like that happens, your adrenaline pumps and your heart races," Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief Don Petito said. "They are fine. We didn't have to transport them to the hospital. They are staying at work."

Four firefighter-paramedics arrived on scene within three minutes.

After the incident, manufacturing operations at Santore resumed as they prepare fireworks for Independence Day. The company provides fireworks to Disney, Universal and major sports teams.

The county's fire chief says Friday's incident was minor and the facility takes safety seriously.

"They are protected with blast for the walls and so forth, and then the next building is actually where they pack the powder into a container, which is protected also," Petito said. "So he has a very good outfit out there."

Daniel Deily, who has lived right around the corner from the Santore facility for 10 years, say there's never been a fire or problem at the facility. In fact, there are benefits to living near the plant.

"The wife and I, one night we sat on the back porch for 45 minutes and watched fireworks," Deily said.