One of the Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LAFD) mottos is “train like your life depends on it, because it does.”
The training never stops for those who choose a career in the fire service. But on Thursday, February 15, 2024, an abnormal occurrence that almost ended in tragedy shook the entire Department and spurred a two-day training that brought 32 fire departments from across the U.S. and Canada to Frank Hotchkins Memorial Training Center in Los Angeles.
Captain Andres “Andy” Saenz and Firefighter/Paramedic (FF/PM) Tom Rodriguez were part of the Fire Station 49 crew that responded to a call for an auto fire that Thursday morning in February. After arriving on the scene to find a trailer-less semi-truck ablaze, they confirmed that there was no driver, located the nearest fire hydrants, “and we went to work,” Captain Saenz said. “We did what we normally do. There was nothing – no clues, no signs that anything was different.”
After approaching the truck to continue addressing the fire, the last thing FF/PM Rodriguez remembered was opening the driver-side door to gain access. He awoke later in the back of an ambulance.
A sudden and completely unexpected explosion had ripped from the semi, knocking back FF/PM Rodriguez and other firefighters who were near the epicenter. Captain Saenz, though not as close as the others, was abruptly thrown to the ground.
Upon further assessment, it was discovered that one of the truck’s compressed natural gas (CNG) tanks had combusted. The severity of this incident prompted the LAFD to respond by gathering industry leaders together to learn from this experience and better understand CNG hazards and risks.
Two months later, the LAFD hosted a Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle Training, complete with hands-on demonstrations and hours of education from subject matter experts, tailored to the more than 300 first responders from across the nation that were in attendance.
The conference provided details on the numerous causes of extremely rare, but not impossible, CNG explosions. Attendees learned how to identify faulty pressure release devices (PRDs) and other damaged safety equipment that could trigger disaster on CNG vehicles. Training covered how to recognize when the likelihood of a CNG explosion is heightened, and best practices for knowing when to step away from the fire to ensure everyone’s safety.
At the end of the day, the convening offered much more to attendees than policies and procedures. As FF/PM Rodriguez and Captain Saenz stood in front of the audience to recount their experiences, everyone in attendance was reminded of the sense of camaraderie and family that is foundational across the LAFD.
“When I think of this incident and I see those videos, gratitude and gratefulness come to mind,” Captain Saenz emphasized. He and FF/PM Rodriguez expressed gratitude for all those on scene who came swiftly to their aid, for the fellow members who transported them safely to the hospital, and for everyone who checked in on them.
Though the road to recovery is long, FF/PM Rodriguez is grateful for his life. “I’m happy to be alive. Happy to be here,” he expressed.
