4 LAFD Firefighters Remain Hospitalized After Weekend Explosion

LOS ANGELES, CA – Seven of the 11 firefighters hospitalized in the explosion in Los Angeles’ downtown Toy District over the weekend have been released., the LAFD announced Tuesday morning.

The 11 firefighters were hospitalized after becoming engulfed by "a massive fireball" during the explosion, which remains under investigation by the LAFD’s arson and counterterrorism unit as well as the criminal conspiracy section of the Los Angeles Police Department’s major crimes division and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which is seeking to determine whether criminal conduct was involved in the explosion.

``ATF is committed to working alongside Los Angeles Fire Department to determine the origin and cause of this fire that tragically injured firefighters,'' Monique Villegas, special agent in charge of ATF's Los Angeles Field Division, told City News Service on Monday. ``ATF will provide whatever resources are necessary to thoroughly investigate and provide answers.''

As of Tuesday morning, a Go Fund Me effort that is seeking to raise $80,000 to assist the family of LAFD Captain Victor Aguirre had raised $75,635 to provide assistance for long-term bills, as well as to bringmeals to his wife and children, who are staying at a hotel near where he was hospitalized.

It is not known whether Aguirre is one of the firefighters that were released from the hospital on Sunday or Monday.

Carbon dioxide and butane canisters were found inside the building but it is unknown if they contributed to the explosion, LAFD spokesman Nicholas Prange told City News Service.

The explosion occurred about 6:30 p.m. Saturday while firefighters responded to the initial call of a fire in a single-story building at 327 Boyd St., between East Third and Fourth streets, housing Smoke Tokes Warehouse Distributor, ``a supplier for those who make butane honey oil,'' according to LAFD Capt. Erik Scott.

Firefighters had begun an offensive battle inside the building when there was an explosion and multiple buildings became involved, Scott said.

``There was a significant explosion that caused a mayday report,'' Scott said. ``This was upgraded to a major emergency category.''

City News Service contributed to this report