Los Angeles City Firefighter Killed, Second Critical in Explosion

Los Angeles Firefighter Killed - In the Line of DutyLA Times -- A Los Angeles firefighter was killed and another critically injured Wednesday afternoon after they were apparently hit by exploding manhole covers while responding to a call in Westchester, a department spokesman said.

The firefighters were called to Sepulveda and La Tijera boulevards at 1:57 p.m. after a report of smoke from a possible fire. Once they arrived, there was a larger explosion, and they were hit by the manhole covers, said Ron Myers, spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department. Firefighters called in a rescue helicopter to fly the injured individuals to a nearby hospital, Myers said.


Read the full Story in the Los Angeles Times
- Scene Photos from KNX1070.com - Gallery from the L.A. Times - KNBC Early Scene Video - KABC Coverage, Video & Photos - KTLA Thursday Morning Update


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LOS ANGELES CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT RELEASE

IIt is with great sadness that the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department share word of one City of Los Angeles Firefighter dying today in the line of duty.

On Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 1:57 PM Los Angeles Firefighters were summoned to investigate smoke in the 8800 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard in the Westchester area of Los Angeles - not far from Los Angeles International Airport.

At approximately 2:20 PM, an explosion occurred at a nearby building, causing injury to two male Firefighters and one civilian.

Firefighter Brent A. Lovrien (pictured right), age 35, a 10 year veteran of the LAFD assigned to the 'A' Platoon at Fire Station 95 since October 2005, died shortly after arrival at the Centinela Freeman Regional Medical Center, Marina Campus.

Engineer Anthony J. Guzman, age 48, an 18 year veteran of the LAFD assigned to the 'A' Platoon at Fire Station 95 since February 2002, suffered multiple fractures and facial trauma. He was transported to the UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, where he remains in serious but stable condition.

Preliminary reports indicate the civilian was treated at the scene and released.

As dictated by Fire Department policy, a formal and detailed multi-agency investigation is underway to determine the exact nature of the explosion, as well as the precise cause and manner of the Firefighters death.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department thank you for your kind words and sentiment at this time of overwhelming sorrow and immense loss.


The latest information about this incident, as well as details regarding memorial services will be offered via this blog, and can be accessed anytime via LAFD.ORG

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Comment by wefd on March 27, 2008 at 9:10am
From the members of the West Elmira Fire Dept. Our thoughts and prayers are with you brothers and your familys.
Comment by susan on March 27, 2008 at 9:08am
My condolences to the LAFD and to the families of the 2 firefighters. May God be with you
Comment by BILLY SCHLAGER on March 27, 2008 at 8:48am
OUR CONDOLENCES ARE WITH THE LAFD AND THE FAMILY OF ONE OF OUR FALLEN BROTHER . MY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE IN THE LAFD AND THE FAMILY MEMBERS OF OUR FALLEN BROTHER. ON THE BEHALF OF THE CLAREMONT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT (VA)
Comment by Mike S. on March 27, 2008 at 8:45am
Our prayers are with the firefighters family, and the LAFD. May god have mercy on all and provide comfort in this time of need.
Comment by Chan Rivera on March 27, 2008 at 8:15am
From the Napanoch Fire Co. in Ulster County, NY our heatfelt condolences to the (LAFD) and to the family and to the fallen brother. GOD BLESS YOU to ALL of YOU.
Comment by William Reinhard on March 27, 2008 at 7:14am
To the family and brothers and sisters of LAFD, you have my prayers. GOD BLESS.
Comment by penny on March 27, 2008 at 7:05am
On behalf of all the members of the Island & Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Dept., in Nova Scotia, Canada, we would also extend our many prayers and thoughts with both families of this tragedy. Heaven will embrace and comfort another of our brothers. Stay strong and gather strength from each other.
Comment by Gary L. Zeno on March 27, 2008 at 7:02am
My condolences to the LA Fire Dept. and the family of a fallen Brother. The prayers of Colchester Center Vol. Fire Co. are with you. My God bring you comfort and peace in this time of sorrow. Our brother has truly lived up to the scripture that says."Greater love has no man, that he lays down his life for his friends." We at Colchester salute you.
Comment by Jukka Virlander aka Jack on March 27, 2008 at 4:47am
My condolences to the family and the LAFD from Finland.
Comment by Henry on March 27, 2008 at 2:25am
The prayers and condolences of the Elfin Forest Harmony Grove Fire Department are with the LAFD and their families.

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