Major fire injures firefighters in downtown LA

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (KION) Multiple buildings caught on fire near the area of Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday after an explosion.

CBS News reports 11 firefighters were injured and taken to the hospital with burn injuries. The Los Angeles Fire Department says the incident happened just a few blocks from Skid Row and began around 6:26 p.m.

The LAFD says while firefighters responded to the initial fire at 327 East Boyd Street, there was an explosion.

Two firefighters were critical, one was in serious condition and the rest had moderate injuries, according to officials.

L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted, “My thoughts are with our brave @LAFD firefighters. Closely tracking this situation as we continue to get more information.”

Several emergency response teams battled the fire, including more than 230 firefighters, according to the LAFD. First responders also created a medical treatment center.

Flames and smoke could still be seen coming from the buildings after 7:30 p.m., about an hour after the initial report. LAFD said the fire was knocked down just after 8 p.m.

They are still investigating the cause of the fire and explosion.