There was a “significant explosion” when the forces inside a commercial building tried to find the source of the fire, fire department spokesman Erik Scott said.
The explosion was “very high, very far” and “shook the whole area,” he said. It even melted some firefighters’ helmets. According to the authorities, the flames had spread to several buildings in the city center of the west coast metropolis. Local media reported dense clouds of smoke at the fire site in a business district.
More than 230 firefighters were deployed, Scott said. According to media reports, three comrades suffered serious injuries, mainly burns. It took about two hours for the fire department to get the fire under control.
An investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched. According to initial investigations, the commercial building in which the fire broke out is producing an oil that is used for e-cigarettes, among other things.