Hand Sanitizer Fire Challenges Los Angeles Firefighters

    July 18, 2025
    Due to the high alcohol content, Los Angeles firefighters could not use water on the burning pallets.

    Burning pallets of hand sanitizer created challenges for Los Angeles firefighters.

    "Water cannot be used safely in these conditions, as alcohol can float on water and spread flames. Crews are instead focused on protecting nearby structures and limiting environmental impact from runoff," an LAFD spokesperson told KCAL. 

    Sand dams were built to protect storm drains and firefighters considered using dirt to suffocate the flames.

    Crews were expected to monitor the flames in the storage lot throughout the night.

     

    About the Author

    Susan Nicol | News Editor

    Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues. 

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