In a heart-wrenching incident on Friday, a Los Angeles County firefighter lost his life when part of a burning front-loader exploded at a quarry near Palmdale.
Around 2 p.m., the L.A. County Fire Department responded to reports of a burning vehicle at the quarry located in the 7300 block of Pearblossom Highway in Littlerock, just southeast of Palmdale.
According to ABC News, County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone reported that shortly after the crews arrived, approximately around 2:10 p.m., an explosion occurred, tragically killing Andrew Pontious, a firefighter with 19 years of dedicated service.
LOS ANGLES
— Abhay (@AstuteGaba) June 15, 2024
NEWSBREAK - Firefighter killed in Palmdale explosion
What happened to LA County firefighters in Littlerock?
Jun 14, 2024
In addition to one firefighter who was killed in the Antelope Valley, other firefighters might also be exposed to harm.
#Firefighter… pic.twitter.com/LwtOEwlNlt
"Pontious was assigned to FS 93 in the City of Palmdale," read a post on social media by LACoFD. "He faithfully served our Department along with L.A. County residents and communities for over 19 years."
Another firefighter who was near the explosion was taken to Antelope Valley Medical Center. Fortunately, he did not suffer any serious injuries and was released from the hospital later, according to Marrone.
"I don't know how the fire started, and I don't know what exploded," Marrone mentioned, emphasizing that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the incident.
Marrone spoke highly of Pontious, describing him as a "wonderful man" who was married and a father. Eyewitness News confirmed that Pontious leaves behind one child. "It's just such a tragedy," Marrone said.
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— LACoFD (@LACOFD) June 15, 2024
It is w/a heavy heart the #LACoFD & @local1014 share the Line of Duty Death of FF Andrew Pontious on June 14, 2024.
FF Pontious was assigned to FS 93 in the City of Palmdale. He faithfully served our Department along w/ #LACounty residents & communities for over 19 years. pic.twitter.com/UPc9HGMikK
By late afternoon, the large front-loader continued to burn, sending thick black smoke into the air. Fire crews maintained a safe distance from the equipment, which was situated in an isolated dirt area and did not present a risk of spreading flames to other vehicles. Crews kept a hose line on the vehicle, and most of the flames were extinguished by early evening.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose district includes the Littlerock area, expressed her condolences in a statement, saying her "heart is heavy" upon learning about the firefighter's death.
"My deepest condolences to his family and the other firefighters at Station 93," Barger stated. "It's a sobering reminder of the dangers our first responders face every day. We owe them our steadfast support as they grapple with this loss. I'm committed to ensuring our fire personnel are connected with needed mental health support as they grieve."