California: Explosion at Homeless Encampment Fire Injures 11 Firefighters
On 24 June 2024, at approximately 1350 hours local time, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) firefighters responded to a homeless encampment at 15700 W. Burbank Blvd. in Van Nuys for a half-acre of burning grass. As crews arrived, unspecified materials involved in the fire exploded, injuring 10 firefighters and critically wounding 1. The Los Angeles Police Department Bomb Squad and LAFD Arson Division responded to assist, examined the scene, and discovered what appeared to be a hand grenade and suspicious devices described as cylindrical objects.