LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Authorities are continuing their investigation Tuesday into an explosion at a homeless encampment in the Sepulveda Basin where a firefighter was critically injured and 10 more firefighters were hurt.
Firefighters were sent to the 15700 block of West Burbank Boulevard near the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area around 1:30 p.m. Monday regarding a brush fire in the encampment, according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Melissa Kelley.
As crews were making their way into the area the explosion occurred, injuring the firefighter, who was taken by helicopter in critical condition with a severed ear to Northridge Hospital Medical Center. LAFD officials said the firefighter’s injuries were considered serious, but not life-threatening.
Fox 11 reported that the firefighter’s ear was re-attached at the hospital.
Los Angeles Police Department and members of the LAFD’s Arson Division will be handing the investigation of the explosion.
“Initially we thought it might have been a propane tank,” said LAPD Deputy Chief Ruby Flores, adding that investigators found no evidence of a propane tank.
Crews on the scene halted the spread of the brush fire within about 30 minutes, and no other injuries were reported.
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