the street. >> we were able to evacuate those people. there could have been, 30, 40 lives lost because they didn't delay the fire. >> reporter: for the first time we are hearing from firefighters who were inside that terrible disaster. they say the explosion instantly tore apart two of their fire trucks. flattened homes nearby, and killed their friends on site. >> my wife and my kids are -- keeping me, help keeping me together. >> reporter: the fire fighter was killed in the force of the blast. he worked at the fertilizer plant, and organized the yearly barbecue where he and brothers at the firehouse raised thousand of dollars for new equipment and new trucks. >> the absolute grill master. >> reporter: they lost morris bridges, who loved his motorcycle. kenneth lucke harris, lucke with an e. >> and both iron workers, fathers and husbands.