11 firefighters injured in fire, explosion in downtown Los Angeles

Eleven firefighters were injured in a major fire and explosion downtown Saturday evening, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) said.

It tweeted that the fire inside a one-story commercial building was reported at 6:26 p.m. local time (0126 GMT on Sunday).

"As firefighters were making their entry in and finding the seat of the fire, there was a significant explosion," LAFD Captain Erik Scott told a news briefing.

The explosion caused fires at several buildings.

"Over 230 firefighters are responding. Firefighters have moved to a defensive posture for fire attack, and a medical branch has been created for treating and transporting injured firefighters," the LAFD said in a fire update later.

Local television reporting showed flames raging and black smoke billowing into the sky.

Officials said that all injured firefighters will remain in the hospital overnight for observation. Three of the injured firefighters are in critical, but not life-threatening, condition.

The business at the building, called Smoke Tokes Warehouse Distributor, is "a supplier for those who make butane honey oil," according to officials.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.