Explosion, Fire Reported On Naval Ship In San Diego

At least one person was treated for smoke inhalation after a fire broke out Sunday on board a ship at Naval Base San Diego, military officials said.

The blaze was reported shortly before 9 a.m. on USS Bonhomme Richard, said Krishna Jackson, the base’s public information officer.

SDFD is assisting on this fire on board the USS Bonhomme Richard. We are in unified command (partnered) with Federal Fire. #shipfire

— SDFD (@SDFD) July 12, 2020

No other injuries were immediately reported, Jackson said.

The cause of the fire was under investigation. Jackson didn’t know where on the 840-foot (255-meter) amphibious assault vessel the fire was sparked.

Jackson estimated about 200 sailors and officers were on board Sunday morning.

San Diego is the Bonhomme Richard’s home port and it was undergoing routine maintenance at the time of the fire.

The ship has the capacity to deploy and land helicopters, smaller boats and amphibious vehicles.