Fire Captain Saves Nail Salon Customers in Burning Crash
Off-duty fire captain rushes into burning nail salon after electric car crash, freeing trapped customers.
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Off-duty California Fire Captain Chris Chang rushed into a burning nail salon in Mission Viejo to rescue trapped customers after an electric car crash sparked a fire on Wednesday, according to Orange County Fire Authority (OFCA). The incident occurred around 11:42 a.m. when an electric vehicle with highly flammable lithium-ion batteries collided with the business and burst into flames.
Heroic Response Prevents Fire Spread
Chang, an OCFA captain, acted swiftly upon witnessing the blaze, entering the burning salon to ensure everyone was safely evacuated. His quick actions potentially prevented the fire from spreading to nearby businesses. OFCA stated, “This morning, an electric vehicle crashed into a nail salon and immediately caught fire. Off-duty OCFA Fire Captain Chris Chang sprang into action, running into the burning salon to make sure everyone was out.”
Other firefighters were also nearby, having been en route to a different call. “Engine 12s captain and engineer were nearby, following an ambulance in which their two firefighter/paramedics were transporting a patient to the hospital on a different call. When the captain and engineer heard the fire dispatch on the radio, they diverted to the nail salon where they were first on scene,” OFCA added.
Chang’s Background and Experience
Chang’s path to firefighting was not conventional. He was previously a chiropractor before pursuing his passion for the field, excelling in the recruit academy, and completing paramedic school, according to his department bio. As a captain, Chang leads by example, mentoring firefighters, making critical decisions on scene, and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of his crew. His quick thinking and expertise were highlighted in a previous incident where his actions helped prevent a fire from spreading.
Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in electric cars and household items, pose a serious and volatile fire risk. Fire officials noted that these batteries do not respond to traditional firefighting methods such as water and can result in explosions, making them particularly dangerous in incidents like the one in Mission Viejo.
Source: Breitbart
