By Rachel Engel
LOS ANGELES — One Los Angeles firefighter remains in the hospital after 11 were injured during an explosion while battling a one-story commercial building fire on Saturday.
An update by the Los Angeles Fire Department said that one firefighter remains hospitalized at Los Angeles County and USC Hospital, though several members injured in the blaze continue to receive specialized care at West Hills Hospital Grossman Burn Center.
In a video statement, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas said the department is working with state and federal agencies to determine the cause of the explosion.
“The LAFD’s arson investigators have been joined by the LAPD’s major crimes unit, and the National Response Team from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives,” he said. “Together, this large group of investigators will work to determine the cause and origin of this destructive fire. The findings of this investigation will be the basis for the LAFD’s effort to ensure this type of fire never happens again.”
Terrazas added that mental health professionals and LAFD peer support members were being made available to crews.
Charitable donation inquiries are being directed to the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Fire Foundation (UFLACFF).
The LAFD also released the initial summary of the incident, available below.
La Fire Expl Boyd St May 16... by epraetorian on Scribd