"Sad Day in the History of Long Beach": Two firefighters shot after firing a fire at the seniors' residence

Two firefighters were hospitalized after being shot down during a fire and explosion response Monday morning in a residence at a senior's residence in Long Beach.

A firefighter was in critical condition. The other suffered non-fatal injuries.

A resident struck by gunshots was also hospitalized, but details regarding the condition of this individual were not immediately available.

Police said the suspect gunman was in detention.

"He's knocking at home, we're just doing our job," said Long Beach police sergeant. Brad Johnson. "Firefighters, they face fire, they do not mind bullets, it's a sad day in the history of Long Beach."

The shooting was reported in a high-rise building at 600 East 4th Street after the authorities responded to reports of an explosion and a fire. Covenant House, which is in the area of ​​Atlantic Avenue and Fourth Street, was surrounded by police vehicles and firefighters early Monday, while evacuee residents were waiting outside.

The details of the explosion were not immediately available.

"There has been a lot of unrest," said witness Dan Rafferty, whose video captured SWAT agents helping residents get out of the residence.

An aerial video shows a firefighter ladder extended to the balcony of one of the residences. Firefighters reported a strong smell of gas from the house.

"It's a very stressful situation," said firefighter-paramedic Jake Heflin, of Long Beach Fire Department. "It's a very serious day for us."