Sacramento Fire Chief Promises Changes After House Explosion

Sacramento Fire Chief Ray Jones is planning changes to the department's policy after four firefighters were injured in a house explosion early this month in which they lacked crucial safety equipment, according to KOVR-TV.

The firefighters were not wearing gloves or protective masks when they approached the home in Oak Park for reports of a gas leak on the morning of July 5.

The explosion severely damaged the home and burned the firefighters.

Officials said following the incident that the firefighters were not in violation of the department's policy because it did not have one regarding gas leaks.

"In light of what happened and with 20-20 hindsight, we should have a policy," Jones told the news station. "The changes won't be knee-jerk, there are going to be changes that are responsibly measured."

He noted that while required them to wear the gear would have reduced the severity of the injuries, it likely would not have prevented them.

Jones also said that calls from gas leaks are so commonplace -- the department responded to 225 last year -- that there is a tendency to let your guard down."

The department responded to 225 gas leaks last year, almost all of which ended uneventfully.