Los Angeles County firefighter killed in Antelope Valley – NBC Los Angeles

A Los Angeles County firefighter was killed while battling a vehicle fire in the Littlerock neighborhood of Palmdale, authorities confirmed Friday.

The firefighter was trying to extinguish flames from a large tractor in a quarry around 2 p.m. when an explosion occurred, killing him, said Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone.

What caused the explosion was unclear.

The deceased firefighter, whose identity has not yet been released, was a 19-year veteran, father, husband and a “wonderful man,” Marrone added.

Another firefighter was injured in the fire but was treated and is expected to be released from Antelope Valley Hospital Friday evening.

A homicide detective with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will investigate the cause of the incident, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Chief Mark Reyes.