Photos: Massive Explosion in Downtown Los Angeles Injures Firefighters

Firefighters spray water into the building after the blast

A massive explosion on Saturday, May 16, 2020, rocked Boyd Street in Downtown Los Angeles and left a dozen firefighters injured. Fire photographer Rick McClure shared some photos from the scene.

The fire occurred at a single-story vape and marijuana accessory wholesaler and is currently under investigation. A total of 12 City of Los Angeles firefighters were injured, several of them critically. Massive flames prompted firefighters operating on the roof to scramble to safety, some members doffing their PPE on the sidewalk. Per a report from the department, eleven members sustained burn injuries and one member suffered a lower extremity injury. Significant damage occurred to the apparatus, tools and equipment.

RELATED FIREFIGHTER TRAINING

Podcast: Command Show: Interview with LAFD Chief Deputy Al Poirier

LAFD Boyd Incident Blue Sheet (PDF)

Butane Honey Oil Risk Assessment for First Responders

Butane Hash Oil Manufacturing: It’s a Fire Service Problem, Too

MORE RICK McCLURE

Photos: Firefighters Control Trailer Fire in Los Angeles

Photos: LAFD Crews Battle Brush Fire in Pacoima

LAFD Crews Extinguish Fire in Five-Story Vacant Building

Los Angeles (CA) Firefighters Battle Fire in Vacant Medical Clinic

Hand entrapped in rope gripper

Elevator Rescue: Rope Gripper Entrapment

Mike Dragonetti discusses operating safely while around a Rope Gripper and two methods of mitigating an entrapment situation.
Delta explosion

Two Workers Killed, Another Injured in Explosion at Atlanta Delta Air Lines Facility

Two workers were killed and another seriously injured in an explosion Tuesday at a Delta Air Lines maintenance facility near the Atlanta airport.