LAFD fire captain seriously injured in vehicle blast
Applying water to the fire around the steering column caused the blast, according to a report by the department
By FireRescue1 Staff
LOS ANGELES — A veteran Los Angeles firefighter sustained serious injuries Sunday while responding to a vehicle fire.
A violent explosion knocked the fire captain backwards and rendered him unconscious after he hit his head on the pavement.
Applying water to the fire around the steering column caused the blast, according to a report by the department.
The seriously injured captain was transported to a local hospital where he remained in fair condition.
The arriving fire company had found a fully involved 2000 Chevy Impala and experienced trouble containing the fire with a hose line.
After a dry chemical extinguisher was also used to attack the fire, the captain ordered an additional line for Class B foam, but as the line was being set up he decided to make an attack with the initial line just before the blast.
"Firefighters should be aware that the fire may initially intensify with the application of water and may react violently," the report said.
"Full encapsulation and keeping a safe distance increase firefighter safety."
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