California FFs Recovering After Blast
SACRAMENTO, Calif. --
Three firefighters hurt in a Sacramento house explosion remained hospitalized in fair condition early Tuesday, while a fourth was recovering at home after a blast that investigators have labeled arson.
The explosion, which occurred Monday morning, sent debris flying from the vacant home at 3820 25th Ave.
The home, which was largely ruined, was surrounded by a temporary metal fence. Investigators were expected to return to the house on Tuesday.
Lloyd Ogan, acting Sacramento fire chief, said two of the injured firefighters entered the home two or three seconds before the explosion occurred.
Ogan said at 9:47 a.m., fire crews got a call about a gas leak at the home. The leak appeared to be uncontrolled. Fire units arrived at 9:51 a.m. Pacific Gas and Electric was called at 9:54 a.m.
Ogan said fire crews shut off gas and electricity at the home, then tried to go inside to see if anyone was there.
Ogan said when the crews started to go inside at about 9:56 a.m., the house exploded.
The four injured firefighters were taken to the UC Davis Medical Center.
They are:
- Jeff Coats, 31, a six-year fire department veteran.
- Mike Feyh, 45, a 16-year veteran.
- Scott Mckinney, a 40, a 10-year veteran.
- David Storck, 33, a 10-year veteran.
Storck was released from the hospital Monday and was resting at home in West Sacramento.
The firefighters kept at hospital overnight were said to have superficial burns to their hands and faces.
Although the house was empty, some neighbors reported that there may have been people inside.
Homeowner Sandra Liu said maintenance crews were at the house Monday to prepare it for new renters when they smelled the gas.
She said she reported the smell to PG&E, and told her workers to stay out until the gas company arrived. Her property manager showed up and called 911 to report the gas smell.
The homeowner said the house lock box was missing Monday morning when her crew arrived.
The past tenants moved out about two weeks ago, Liu said.
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