LITTLEROCK, Calif. (KABC) — A Los Angeles County firefighter died Friday while battling a large vehicle fire in Littlerock, near the city of Palmdale, authorities said.
Los Angeles County Fire Department crews responded around 2 p.m. to the 7300 block of Pearblossom Highway.
County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said that shortly after crews arrived, perhaps around 2:10 p.m., an explosion occurred, killing 19-year veteran Andrew Pontious.
“Pontious was assigned to FS 93 in the City of Palmdale,” reads a post on LACoFD’s X. “He faithfully served our Department along with the residents and communities of #LosAngelesCounty for over 19 years.”
A second firefighter who was near the explosion was taken to Antelope Valley Medical Center, but did not suffer serious injuries and was being released from the hospital, Marrone said.
“I don’t know how the fire started and I don’t know what exploded,” Marrone said, noting that a thorough investigation will be conducted.
County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone gives information during a news conference with the help of a translator.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone gives information during a press conference with the help of a translator.
Marrone called Pontious a “wonderful man,” saying he was married and a father. Eyewitness News has learned that Pontious leaves behind a son.
“It’s a tragedy,” he said.
By late afternoon, the large front-loading truck was still burning, belching thick black smoke into the air. Firefighters stayed away from the equipment, which was in an isolated area of land without danger of spreading the flames to other vehicles.
Crews maintained a hose line on the vehicle, and most of the flames appeared to have been extinguished by the afternoon.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose district includes the Littlerock area, issued a statement expressing her “sorrow” over news of the death.
My deepest condolences to his family and the other firefighters at Station 93,” he said. “It is a disturbing reminder of the dangers our first responders face every day. We owe them our strong support as they deal with this loss. “I am committed to ensuring our fire personnel are connected to the mental health support they need while they suffer.”
City News Service, Inc. contributed to this report.
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