Apparently, the owner (who died in the explosion) was illegally using the the building as a shop, a store-room, and for cheap rented accommodation (possibly for the owner and his family). It is illegal in China for a shop and residential areas to be located in the same single building. Although it is not entirely clear, it may be that all three-floors were being used during Chinese New Year to store excessive firework supplies designed to meet the expected (enhanced) two-week demand. It is illegal to store excessive stock – even within a fully registered shopping area. There is also talk of a “back-draft” – or fires rushing up the stairs – and burning the people trying to escape.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 