Ontario council ratifies local emergency after fireworks-related explosion on Francis Street

The Ontario City Council unanimously ratified a resolution declaring a local emergency after a fireworks-related explosion in the 400 block of Francis Street, the council said at its April 6, 2021 meeting.

Mayor Leon told the council that "Ontario PD and Ontario fire department are currently on the scene in the area of Fern Avenue and Francis Street" and warned there "may be some unexploded ordinance and fireworks on the ground." The item was added to the agenda as an emergency and the council voted to approve the addition before taking up the resolution.

City Attorney explained the resolution would ratify the city manager's proclamation made under authority in the city's ordinances and asked the council to make findings that an emergency exists. Councilmember Bowman moved to adopt the resolution; Councilmember Perata seconded. The clerk conducted a roll call and the motion carried unanimously.

The resolution directs the city's emergency organization to take necessary steps for the protection of life, health and safety in Ontario and to marshal city resources to assist the public. The city attorney also reported the council met in closed session earlier on unrelated labor and litigation matters and provided direction with no reportable action.

Council members later praised the police and fire departments for their on-scene work and for public-safety efforts during the incident. The city said residents in the immediate area were asked to evacuate or shelter in place while personnel collected potentially hazardous materials; the council and staff encouraged residents to follow official public-safety instructions and city announcements for updates.