Los Angeles County firefighter killed in Littlerock explosion

A firefighter died when a burning tractor exploded at a Littlerock quarry Friday afternoon, authorities said.

According to the Los Angeles County Department, the explosion occurred around 2:10 p.m. at Hi-Grade Materials, 6500 E. Avenue T.

Firefighters had just responded to a report of a large articulated front loader on fire, Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said during a press conference.

It is not yet clear what caused the fire or the subsequent explosion, he said.

A second firefighter who was near the explosion site was taken to a hospital for examination but is expected to be released Friday evening, according to Marrone.

Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s homicide unit are conducting the investigation along with their counterparts from the sheriff’s arson and explosives division, said Sheriff Commander Mark Reyes.

Authorities did not release the name of the deceased firefighter until his family was notified.

Marrone described him as a 19-year veteran of the department, a husband, a father and a “wonderful man.”

“It’s just a tragedy,” the chief said. “We are really suffering and need your thoughts and prayers.”