Over 60 firefighters worked together to evaluate 33 patients while investigating and containing the spill of an unknown chemical at LA Live.

At 11:58AM on November 10, 2023 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the 1100 block of LA Live Way for a reported chemical spill. 

The first arriving fire engine located a 55 gallon drum, with unknown contents, at the underground loading dock and one patient complaining of feeling ill after being near the drum.

While upgrading the incident to a Hazardous Materials response, firefighters taped off the area and ensured the heating and ventilation system, which was near the drum, was shut off to prevent fumes from entering any structures. Firefighter/paramedics evaluated the patient who ultimately declined LAFD transportation to the hospital.

Once the LAFD Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Squad arrived on scene, they donned specialized gear to safely make entry to the 'hot zone' (area immediately surrounding the suspect drum) to locate and identify the product in question.

While the entry operation was underway, employees from the adjacent JW Marriott hotel came out onto the street, requesting medical assessment. Due to the number of patients, additional resources were added to help conduct patient triage.

A total of 33 patients were assessed and only one patient (adult female) was transported for a medical compliant not related to the incident. 

LAFD HazMat specialists investigated and classified the product in the drum as non-hazardous and determined there was no public risk. The Los Angeles County Health Department Hazardous Materials team took over command of the incident for the final determination of the exact product and the full investigation.