LA County firefighter killed in quarry explosion

By Marilyn Kalfus
Los Angeles Daily News

LOS ANGELES COUNTY — A firefighter with 19 years of professional experience killed when part of a burning front loader exploded in a quarry in Littlerock is being mourned this weekend by Los Angeles County officials, police and fire departments, and private citizens.

“My deepest condolences to his family and the other firefighters at Station 93,” said Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County District Administrator, whose district includes the Littlerock area, adding that her “heart is heavy” after learning of firefighter Andrew Pontious’ death on Friday, June 14.

“It is a sobering reminder of the dangers our first responders face every day,” she said. “We owe them our unwavering support as they grapple with this loss. I will work to ensure our firefighters receive the mental health support they need as they grieve.”

Barger’s colleagues Hilda Solis and Janice Hahn also expressed their condolences.

“LA County firefighters are our frontline warriors who risk their lives every day without hesitation to protect us,” Solis said. “They are true heroes who embody public service and personal sacrifice. Today, one of those heroes fell, apparently the victim of a heavy-duty truck explosion in Palmdale. Our hearts are heavy and we extend our deepest condolences to the firefighter’s family and loved ones for their ultimate sacrifice.”

Hahn also pointed out the sacrifices and risks that firefighters face on a daily basis.

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Andrew Pontious, a brave Los Angeles County firefighter who served the fire department for 19 years and protected the residents of Los Angeles County,” Hahn said. “His tragic loss in the line of duty (Friday) afternoon is a powerful reminder of the selflessness and bravery that define our firefighters. My prayers are with his wife and stepdaughter, his family from Station 93 and the entire Los Angeles County Fire Department who have lost a hero.”

Responding to a report of a vehicle on fire, Los Angeles County firefighters responded to a quarry in the 7300 block of Pearblossom Highway in the Littlerock community southeast of Palmdale around 2 p.m. Friday.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said shortly after emergency crews arrived, possibly around 2:10 p.m., there was an explosion that killed Pontious and injured a second firefighter.

Late Friday, a procession of first responders escorted Pontious’ body from the 6500 block of East Avenue, at the quarry near Pearblossom Highway, to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.

The second firefighter was taken to Antelope Valley Medical Center but was not seriously injured and was later released, Marrone said.

“I don’t know how the fire started and I don’t know what exploded,” Marrone said, noting that a thorough investigation is being 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.”

The large front loader continued to burn after the explosion, sending thick, black smoke into the air.

Firefighters kept their distance from the unit, which was in a remote, unpaved area and posed no risk of flames spreading to other vehicles. Firefighters had attached a hose to the vehicle and by early evening most of the flames appeared to have been extinguished.

The investigation is being led by investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide and Arson Division.

Meanwhile, Sheriff Robert Luna joined other law enforcement officers from as far away as Charlotte, North Carolina, in mourning Pontious.

“On behalf of @LASDHQ, we extend our sincere condolences to @LACOFD as they mourn the passing of one of their members,” he posted on social media.

Additional honors came from the California Fire Department, the Glendale Fire Department, the Barstow Fire Protection District, and dozens of other law enforcement agencies and individuals.

“The Orange County Fire Department mourns the loss of Firefighter Andrew Pontious who passed away today in the line of duty,” the department posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and our brothers and sisters at @LACOFD during this difficult time.”

Several California elected officials also shared their thoughts on social media, including State Senator Scott Wilk, who represents the Antelope Valley, Victor Valley and most of the Santa Clarita Valley.

“It breaks my heart to hear that a (LA County) firefighter died in the line of duty today,” he wrote. “This is a stark reminder of the dangers our firefighters face every day. My prayers and deepest condolences go out to his family during this unimaginable time.”

State Rep. Tom Lackey, who represents the Antelope Valley and High Desert, also published an obituary.

“There are no words to adequately express the deep sadness and condolences for this fallen hero,” Lackey wrote. “It is at times like these that we are reminded of the great sacrifice that firefighters make for us. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the department during this time of this deeply tragic event.”