Firefighter Mike Shepherd, 47, of Squad 41 in the Bronx, is a third-generation New York City firefighter, following in the path of his grandfather and great-grandfather. When there was an explosion at a building in the East Village on Thursday, he raced to the scene.

This is his account.

“I was having lunch at a restaurant around the corner, on Seventh Street,” Firefighter Shepherd said. He was alone and off-duty.

“There was a couple. They were taking a photo. I went out and I said, ‘Would you like me to take a photo of the two of you?’ They said yes please. I took it and I handed them their phone back.”

“Then — baboom.”

“I turned and looked and I just took off running down the middle of the street.”

He went in the direction of the blast.