Fire continues on USS Bonhomme Richard
57 firefighters injured in blaze aboard Navy vessel
WASHINGTON – Firefighters, backed by helicopters, were still battling the blaze raging Monday aboard the Navy’s USS Bonhomme Richard, more than 24 hours after flames were first reported at its pier in San Diego.
The fire and efforts to contain it have injured 57 firefighters, including 34 sailors. Most of the injuries have been minor, including heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation. Five personnel remain hospitalized in stable condition, said Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, at a briefing for reporters Monday.
Damage has been extensive, including to the ship’s upper decks and superstructure. The ship is listing, and sailors are working to keep it stable, Sobeck said.
The fire erupted well below the deck and generated extreme heat, reaching 1,000 degrees, Sobeck said. The top priority is preventing heat and flames from reaching the ship’s fuel tanks, which hold 1 million gallons of petroleum.
Plastic, rags, drywall and cardboard stored in a vast hold have fueled the flames.
Helicopters and tug boats are pouring water on the ship to cool it and extinguish the fire.
“We’re still using helos to dump water,” said Lt. Cdr. Nicole Schwegman, a Navy spokeswoman.
It’s unclear how long it will take to control the fire.
The cause of the fire aboard Bonhomme Richard, an amphibious assault vessel, is unknown, Sobeck said. The ship was undergoing maintenance when the fire began. All crew members have been accounted for.
Sailors reported the fire at about 8:30 a.m. PDT Sunday. Firefighters from the Navy, federal and local departments have worked in shifts to deal with extreme heat.
The Navy sent two destroyers, the USS Fitzgerald and USS Russell, away from their berths to avoid damage.