February 15, 2024
Contact: media@dhs.lacounty.gov

Wilmington Explosion Injures LA Firefighters

Los Angeles, February 15, 2024 – Statement on behalf of LA Department of Health Services, which operates both Harbor UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles General Medical Center where several of the victims are being treated following the disastrous explosion in Wilmington, CA that injured LA Firefighters.

On behalf of our medical teams and staff, we want to express our sincerest support to all who have been touched by this incident. As health care providers, and fellow first responders we are doing everything possible to care for the victims of the explosion in Wilmington.

As of 10am this morning, we can confirm 9 of the victims were initially brought to Harbor UCLA Medical Center, 2 of which are in critical condition. One of the victims in critical condition has now been transferred to our sister hospital, Los Angeles General Medical Center where we operate one of only 3 Burn Center units in Los Angeles.

At this time, we can confirm that 2 are being treated for critical injuries and 7 are being treated for general injuries. Our physicians are some of the best in the country when it comes to treating injuries such as those sustained by these firefighters, and our teams are working tirelessly to care for the victims entrusted to us. We defer to the Los Angeles Fire Department for more details regarding the explosion.

Due to HIPAA privacy laws, and out of respect for our patients and their loved ones, we cannot comment further on these patients or their injuries, however we continue to offer our support to their families during this most difficult time.

Harbor UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles General Medical Center are two of only five Level I Trauma Centers serving Los Angeles County. Notably, Los Angeles General’s Burn Unit offers cutting-edge care for burn victims. Our talented physicians, nurses, and medical staff are among the most skilled and experienced in the United States, making both Harbor UCLA and Los Angeles General world-class medical centers and teaching hospitals. Harbor UCLA and Los Angeles General are part of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, which operates four hospitals in Los Angeles County, where we provide exceptional care to all in need, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, immigration status, or ability to pay.