5 firefighters hospitalized after fire breaks out at illegal cannabis operation, officials say
The firefighters were rushed to the hospital after feeling some sort of burning sensation on their faces, authorities said.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Five firefighters were hospitalized Saturday after a massive fire broke out at a two-story downtown commercial building that was housing an illegal cannabis operation, authorities said.
The fire broke out around 8 a.m. at a building on Newton Street, a few blocks north of 10 Freeway, sending a huge plume of smoke into the air.
The Los Angeles Fire Department said the firefighters were rushed to the hospital after feeling some sort of burning sensation on their faces. They have since been released.
"As first arriving LAFD crews forced entry and commenced their initial attack on the flames, a sudden and unexpected shift of wind at the rear of the structure enveloped five firefighters in a caustic mist - later determined to be sulfuric acid, that caused them to experience a burning sensation to their faces and extremities, and in at least one case, respiratory irritation," said the fire department in a statement.
The five firefighters are all expected to return to duty.
A pair of cadaver-detection dog teams were called to the scene "to address unconfirmed reports that one or more persons may have been within the now-heavily damaged building at the time of the fire,'' the fire department said.
According to investigators, they found no indication of human remains and there have been no reports of any missing people.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
