An off-duty Orange County fire captain sprang into action Wednesday after an electric vehicle crashed into a Mission Viejo nail salon, triggering a dangerous blaze fueled by highly flammable lithium-ion batteries.
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Captain Chris Chang was nearby when the vehicle plowed into Blossom Nails & Spa around 11:42 a.m., immediately erupting in flames. Without hesitation, the veteran firefighter rushed into the burning business to ensure all customers and employees escaped safely.
“Springing Into Action”
“This morning, an electric vehicle crashed into a nail salon and immediately caught fire. Off-duty OCFA Fire Captain Chris Chang sprang into action, running into the burning salon to make sure everyone was out,” the fire authority said in a statement.
Dramatic footage from the scene showed thick black smoke pouring from the wrecked vehicle as Chang and other responders worked to contain the flames. The firefighter’s quick response may have prevented the inferno from spreading to adjacent businesses.
Serendipitous Backup
By chance, other OCFA personnel were already in the area handling a separate medical call when the crash occurred. “Engine 12’s captain and engineer were nearby, following an ambulance in which their two firefighter/paramedics were transporting a patient to the hospital on a different call,” OCFA explained. “When they heard the fire dispatch on the radio, they diverted to the nail salon where they were first on scene.”
Chang’s path to firefighting wasn’t traditional – he initially worked as a chiropractor before pursuing his passion, excelling in fire academy and paramedic training, according to his department biography.
Lithium Battery Dangers
The incident highlights the unique hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries, which power most electric vehicles as well as many household devices. Fire officials warn these batteries present extreme volatility, often resisting traditional firefighting methods while risking explosive reignition.
This isn’t Chang’s first brush with heroism. His department profile notes his “rapid response to a fire where his actions helped prevent the blaze from spreading,” showcasing the quick thinking that likely saved lives Wednesday.
Source: www.breitbart.com โ https://www.breitbart.com/health/2026/11/05/video-off-duty-california-fire-captain-rushes-into-burning-nail-salon-freeing-trapped-customers/