2 Firefighters Injured While Battling Structure Fire In Koreatown
KOREATOWN (CBSLA.com) — Two firefighters were recovering Wednesday from injuries sustained while battling a structure fire in Koreatown.
The blaze erupted shortly after 1 a.m. inside of a vacant home located in the 800 block of South Crenshaw Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Upon their arrival, firefighters located heavy flames burning from the 3,484-square-foot subdivided two-story residence.
"The construction style of the 88-year-old building, typical of the era, allowed flames to race unchecked through the walls," said Brian Humphrey, spokesperson for the LAFD. "During the fierce attack on the inferno, two firefighters were injured when the floor beneath them suddenly gave way, causing them to be briefly trapped by debris."
Paramedics transported one firefighter for treatment of a "significant ankle injury." He has since been released from the hospital to remain off-duty.
The second victim suffered painful but non-life threatening second-degree burns to as much as 10 percent of his body, including minor burns to his hands. Hospital officials said the firefighter remains listed in fair condition.
He was transported to a trauma center for stabilization before being transferred to a burn center for further evaluation.
More than 100 firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze by around 2:30 a.m.
The flames were prevented from spreading to nearby homes.
No other injuries were reported.
At this time, authorities are worked to determine the monetary loss.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.