Eleven days following a devastating explosion in Wilmington, LAFD Firefighter Dan Goen was released from Los Angeles General Medical Center, making him the last of nine firefighters injured in the fiery incident to return home. The February 15th explosion occurred when the firefighters responded to an auto fire call and were met with a semi-truck ablaze, powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) with two 100-gallon tanks, as reported by LAFD News. While attempting to control the fire, one of the CNG tanks detonated, resulting in injuries to the firefighters with some being thrown several feet from their positions.
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley remarked on the serious nature of the profession, emphasizing the commitment of LAFD members "to place the safety of the public before their own," according to a statement obtained from LAFD News. Firefighter Goen, now at home, expressed his gratitude for the community's support and the medical team’s care.
An earlier report from Hoodline detailed that more than 150 firefighters were involved in the response to the Wilmington incident. It included not only battling the blaze but also handling medical and hazardous material situations. Despite the scale of the emergency, thankfully, civilian injuries were avoided. The report lauded the LAFD’s use of the Thermite RS3 firefighting robot, which played a crucial role in maintaining the safety of the fire crew by cooling the remaining cylinder remotely.
LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, with long-standing ties to Wilmington, spoke of the community's apprehension about truck traffic-related dangers. In the wake of the incident, residents were advised to either stay put or evacuate as the threat level demanded. The Wilmington Senior Center became a place of refuge for those affected by the exclusion zone. "I have no doubt our LA County doctors and nurses are doing everything they can to save their lives," Hahn told Hoodline. With Goen's discharge, the community's focus remains on the continued recovery of the two firefighters still hospitalized.
