On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at approximately 6:06 p.m., the Bell Gardens Police Department responded to the 6500 block of Purdy Avenue in the city of Bell Gardens regarding several reports of explosions, followed by a structure fire at the location.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two male victims suffering from injuries caused by the explosion and fire. Both victims were transported to a nearby hospital. One victim was medically treated and released, while the second victim is listed in critical condition.
A third victim was found deceased inside the apartment where the explosion and fire occurred.
Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Enforcement Bureau – Arson and Explosives Detail responded to the scene. During their initial investigation and processing of the scene, they observed materials consistent with homemade explosives and fireworks.
Investigators have determined that this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community.
There is no additional information available at this time.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
Forwarded by:
Sheriff's Information Bureau
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
211 West Temple Street
Los Angeles California 90012
http://www.lasd.org
213-229-1700
**ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE**
INCIDENT: Apartment Fire Investigation
DATE: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
LOCATION: 6500 block Purdy Avenue, Bell Gardens
UNIT: Special Enforcement Bureau – Arson Explosives Detail
NARRATIVE:
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Special Enforcement Bureau – Arson Explosives Detail responded to the 6500 block Purdy Avenue, Bell Garden to assist Bell Gardens Police Department with a fire investigation.
The investigation is ongoing and there are no further details.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Arson Explosives Detail at (323)881-7500 . If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google Play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
Forwarded by:
Sheriff's Information Bureau
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
211 West Temple Street
Los Angeles California 90012
http://www.lasd.org
213-229-1700
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Robert G. Luna, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
