A Los Angeles County firefighter was killed Friday when part of a burning front-loader exploded at a Littlerock quarry.
Los Angeles County Fire Department crews responded around 2 p.m. to the quarry in the 7300 block of Pearblossom Highway in the Littlerock community southeast of Palmdale on a report of a burning vehicle.
County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said a short time after crews arrived, perhaps around 2:10 p.m., an explosion occurred, killing Andrew Pontious, a 19-year veteran firefighter. Pontious’ body was taken to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office in Boyle Heights.
A second firefighter who was near the blast was taken to Antelope Valley Medical Center, but did not suffer any 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.
Marrone said Pontious was stationed in Palmdale and described him as a “wonderful man. He was married. He’s a father. It’s just such a tragedy.”
By late afternoon, the large front-loader was still burning and sending thick black smoke into the air. Fire crews kept their distance from the equipment, which was in an isolated dirt area did not present any danger of spreading flames to other vehicles. Crews kept a hose line on the vehicle, and most of the flames appeared to have been doused by early evening.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose district includes the Littlerock area, issued a statement saying her “heart is heavy” to learn about the death.
“My deepest condolences to his family and the other firefighters at Station 93,” she said. “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.”