A "major emergency" has declared in Los Angeles after 11 firefighters were injured following an explosion.
Two firefighters were left in a critical condition, while one is suffering serious injuries, Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed.
A total of 230 firefighters had been tackling a huge blaze which spread to several buildings after the blast at 6:30pm on Saturday.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, but the fire service says it may have been sparked by hash oil at a cannabis facility.
The emergency prompted LAFD to issue a mayday alert in the early evening.
Multiple explosions were heard in the area as fire crews tackled the blaze.
Images show huge plumes of smoke billowing into the sky, while witnesses reported ash and debris falling on nearby streets.
Two air ambulances and 23 ground ambulances were deployed to treat the injured.
Crews were called to the scene after reports of smoke in a one-story commercial building.
Roads surrounding the scene in East Boyd Street, an area known for smoke shops, were closed off to traffic.
In a statement, the LAFD later said: "Firefighters have moved to a defensive posture for fire attack, and a medical branch has been created for treating and transporting injured firefighters."
LA Mayor Eric Garcetti said on Twitter that his thoughts are with the firefighters and that he is "closely tracking" the situation.
