Los Angeles City Firefighter Killed, Second Critical in Explosion

LA 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 YOU GO, WE GO on March 27, 2008 at 2:24am: ON BEHALF OF ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE LIVINGSTON FIRE DEPT. THAT WE SEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE L.A.F.D. & THE FAMILY OF OUR FALLEN BROTHER. MAY THE HAND OF GOD COMFORT THEM IN THIS HOUR.

Comment by Fire Fighter Mark Smithson on March 27, 2008 at 2:06am: On behalf of the East Prairie Fire Department we send our condolences to the LAFD for our fallen brother may the lord be with every member.

Comment by Gerard Boyer on March 27, 2008 at 1:38am: My thoughts and prayers are with you all at the LAFD and with the families of Our Fallen Brothers...Bless you all.. from LFD and Husky Fire Team (Canada)

Comment by FIREMEN BUTTS DRIVE ME NUTS on March 27, 2008 at 1:21am: My condolences to the families & firefighting famly of the fallen brother my prayers are with all.

Comment by Devil Doc on March 27, 2008 at 1:14am: Rest easy, sleep well my brothers. Know the line has held, your job is done. Rest easy, sleep well. Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held. Peace, peace, and farewell... May god bless our fallen, their department and their families.

Comment by Zachary on March 27, 2008 at 1:10am: My heart goes out the the Family and also I hope things will get better for LAFD they should never have to to suffer a loss....

Comment by joel schwarz on March 27, 2008 at 1:03am: From the Pac North West, We wish to express my condolences to the family and LAFD brothers and sisters for their loss. Our prayers are with those still recovering.

Comment by Joshua Paul Rhoades on March 27, 2008 at 12:49am: Our fire department out here in Iraq send our prayers and thoughts to the family of these fire fighters and their department. God Bless You

Comment by Brad Wincott on March 27, 2008 at 12:46am: My heart goes out to the LAFD, and to the family of our fallen brother. My flag is at half mass and my prayers are with you. My thoughts and prayers go out to the injured FireFighter and civilian for there full recovery.