No details on this one other than it occurred yesterday. The explosion happens around the :15 mark.
Also on STATter911 …
- FDNY close call: Propane tank on roof explodes in Brooklyn. – April 8, 2012
- UPDATE – Video added: Car explodes in Arlington County, Virginia. A bad couple of days for BMWs. – January 11, 2011
- Must see video: Blast raises roof as private ambulance burns in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bladensburg VFD on scene. – September 29, 2011
- ‘Thank the Lord for firefighters’. Citizen narration with a positive tone from early video after Topeka natural gas explosion. – January 31, 2012
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Nice air bag explosion. Like the thought on the uses of the saw on the hood, they (the hood ) can be a pain in the butt, but even with the use of the saw, the hood winns again.
Wasn't it this SAME department that almost lost one of their Captains to a head injury because of an incident just like this? The SAME department that put out the report afterward saying no one should be near a vehicle without SCBA, yet two guys are up in the crap there trying to do something without SCBA, and that's -AFTER- the first explosion. I guess we really don't learn from our mistakes.
Thanks Dave,
Another great post. I'm sure there will be a lot of discussion about protective equipment, risk vs benefit, tactics, etc. One of the first comments on YouTube sums it up fairly well. I'm not one to be overly safe (it's impossible in our job if you want to be able to save or protect someone's life), but there is such a thing as "Smart Aggressiveness".
Regardless of what everyone believes, these types of videos are great teaching and learning tools and reminds us that there are cameras every where! How the lessons learned are applied will always be up to the individual. Officers and Chiefs can only do so much and the bottom line is every firefighter needs to be accountable for his or her own safety. Firefighting will always be a risky business, but there are ways to minimize the risks so everyone can enjoy a long and healthy career, as well as their retirement.
I guess they've only got two SCBAs.
Dave,
Thank you for sharing this video. Many things can be discussed and are to be learned from this and other daily postings on STATter 911. We appreciate your being the conduit for making that happen.
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
Brian,
I know you were speaking to Dave, but on behalf of the fire service as a whole…thank you for a respectful and tactful reply. There are many who would go bezerk in defense of their department, without considering the impact it may have on their own reputation, and the reputation of their department.
Dave,
Perhaps this is the new trend for responding to critiscm. I hope so. (Although,I rather enjoy some of the off the wall, enraged responses.)
Lt. Lemon
Lt. Lemon,
As you realize, Brian is a real pro and was far ahead of all of us in finding a path for the fire service in the digital age. He has commented here a number of times and it is always appreciated.
Statter
HEY DAVE… THIS IS WHAT KEEPS UM COMING BACK EACH DAY AND WEEK… THANKS FOR SUCH A GREAT PLACE TO SHARE IDEAS
Sorry, Statter.
I've been skimming the comments for a while, but I just recently began reading EVERY comment. I realize that courtesy is part of Brian's job, but it is still nice to see. It really connected with the Ladd, Illinois post for me. That's why I posted.
Lt. Lemon
That’s why I provided the history. Your comment about Brian was right on. Just wanted you to know that he is consitant.
Statter
Welp, now the PIO from LAFD has seen and commented on the video. Wonder what happens next.
Some depts "cultures" take time to change….slowly. At least the nozzleman had Full PPE on when this occurred.
Thanks to Brian for responding. We do need more PIO'S like yourself Brian. Working in a neighboring county from you, its always good to hear you talk! Great Job.
My question goes to Dale: Are you proposing we dont attack vehicle fires as a way to keep us safe? Just curious
There were many many things done right here, my only criticism is that we as firefighters in general do not use the effective reach of our hoselines to start our attack. we could start 50' back applying water as we approach the vehicle. this woud add a level of added protection for our ff's.
Civility and professionalism are refreshing.
Couldn't find it on here, but here's the story and report from the January explosion…
http://www.firehouse.com/news/top-headlines/la-fire-captain-knocked-unconscious-blast
Dave et al,
Thank each you for the kind words and collegiate spirit of this conversation. In regard to an explosion in a vehicle fire that injured an LAFD Captain earlier this year, we were pleased to offer comprehensive coverage on the LAFD News & Information blog:
http://lafd.blogspot.com/2011/01/los-angeles-fire-captain-injured-in.html
..and:
http://lafd.blogspot.com/2011/02/lafd-releases-official-green-sheet.html
Again, thanks for your comments and suggestions. Like their 1,144,600 colleagues in America's fire service, the men and women of the LAFD benefit and value greatly, the constructive input they routinely receive from those in their vocation.
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
Ah, yet another opportunity to review an incident, take it back to the house and have a conversation on the strategies of fighting car fires. I always find it curious when some departments never even hesitate to whip out a saw even on the most routine calls, while others would rather beat, pry, and exhaust an incredible amount of energy to open the hood rather then "use up" the blade. Great video Dave!
"Truly great leaders never work hard at getting recognition for being a truly great leader"
-Capt. Chaos
My 2cents from Calif.
To: LAFD PIO Brian Humphery
Good prompt replies. Thanks again for the website address on the previous Green Sheet Report.
I'll be looking foward to the "Blue Sheet Report" on this fire. Will it be on a "Statewide" Cal EMA Notice or on the LAFD Website?
As the video shows, you never can be Complacent on a Vehicle fire. Whether its an Airbag detonation or Magnesium Block Reacting to the Hose Stream Water. About four months ago My FD had a fire in which a Propane Cyinder exploded inside of a Van.
No one was injured, and the engine suffered only minor damage to one window from flying metal shrapnel.
ukfbbuff,
Thank you. The staff at CalEMA have access to our information. You'll have to check with them as to what and when they decide to share.
If a blue sheet is created for this incident, we'll be happy to post it on-line.
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
Magniesum, not an airbag
rjd2051,
I wasn't there, and nothing has been administratively ruled in or out as to the cause. Whether a combustible metal, supplemental restrain system propellant – or a personal item within the vehicle, the most important thing we can stress is to be safe, a proposition that has many avenues!
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
As with all of the other comments on this blog, it is great to have someone respond. I visited the Green & Blue Sheets and was impressed with all of the information that we will be able to gleen from them.
On a critical note: This boils down the the Company Officer not ensuring that his personnel followed the department's policies.
It was good that no one was hurt, although the potential was definitely there. All of us, my department included, need to understand that this new age of instantaneous video posting, makes us responsible on a whole different level. What we do can affect hundreds, even thousands of new firefighters and their attitudes regarding the use of PPE and safety.
I understand the concern about protective gear, but the cause of the explosion was the reaction between the water/Class A foam to the contents of the vehicle. Obviously some form of Class D fire that would have been contained in seconds with a wetting agent for class A<B & D class fires.