A Los Angeles firefighter was severely injured in an explosion Monday afternoon as crews battled a brush hearth close to a homeless encampment on the Sepulveda Basin.
The firefighter was airlifted to Northridge Hospital and listed in severe however steady situation, mentioned Erik Scott, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fireplace Division.
“Through the exhaustive firefight, an explosion happened, and certainly one of our members suffered important head trauma,” Scott mentioned.
He mentioned 10 different firefighters had been additionally being evaluated on the hospital due to their proximity to the explosion, however none appeared to have important accidents.
Crews first responded to a half-acre hearth burning close to Burbank Boulevard and Woodley Avenue simply after 1:30 p.m., mentioned Melissa Kelley, one other LAFD spokesperson. The explosion occurred quickly afterward, and extra firefighters had been known as to proceed the struggle.
It took about half-hour to quell the flames; about 80 firefighters responded to the decision, Kelley mentioned.
“The trigger and what blasted is all beneath investigation,” Kelley mentioned.
Fireplace officers initially reported the blaze broke out within the homeless encampment. No property was broken. Folks close by had been evacuated after the explosion, Scott mentioned.
“Thankfully it wasn’t deadly, like our pricey L.A. County firefighter,” Scott mentioned, a reference to Andrew Pontious, who was killed earlier this month in an explosion within the Antelope Valley. “This can be a reminder of the inherent risks of this chosen career.”
The Los Angeles Police Division is helping with the investigation, Scott mentioned.
