EGN NEWS DESK
“My deepest condolences to his household and the opposite firefighters at Station 93,” stated Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose district consists of the Littlerock space, including that her “coronary heart is heavy” after studying in regards to the demise on Friday, June 14 of firefighter Andrew Pontious.
“It’s a sobering reminder of the hazards our first responders face every single day,” she stated. “We owe them our steadfast help as they grapple with this loss. I’m dedicated to making sure our hearth personnel are linked with wanted psychological well being help as they grieve.”
Barger’s fellow supervisors, Hilda Solis and Janice Hahn additionally provided their condolences.
“L.A. County firefighters are our front-line warriors who put their lives in hurt’s approach every single day to guard us with out hesitation,” Solis stated. “They are true heroes who embody public service and private sacrifice. Today, a kind of heroes has fallen, the sufferer of an obvious explosion of a heavy-duty truck in Palmdale. Our hearts are heavy, and we ship our deepest condolences to the firefighter’s household and family members for his or her final sacrifice.”
Similarly, Hahn famous the sacrifices, and dangers, confronted by firefighters every single day.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the lack of Andrew Pontious, a courageous LA County Fire Fighter who served the division and guarded Los Angeles County residents for 19 years,” Hahn stated. “His tragic loss within the line of responsibility [Friday] afternoon is a stark reminder of the selflessness and bravado that outline our firefighters. My prayers are along with his spouse and stepdaughter, his Station 93 household, and your entire LA County Fire Department who’ve misplaced a hero.”
Los Angeles County Fire crews responded round 2 p.m. Friday to the quarry within the 7300 block of Pearblossom Highway within the Littlerock group southeast of Palmdale on a report of a burning automobile.
L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone stated a short while after crews arrived, maybe round 2:10 p.m., an explosion occurred, killing Pontious and wounding a second firefighter.
Late Friday, a procession of first responders escorted Pontious’ physique from the 6500 block of E Avenue, on the Rock Quarry close to the Pearblossom Highway, to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s workplace.
The second firefighter was taken to Antelope Valley Medical Center, however was not severely injured and was later launched, Marrone stated.
“I don’t understand how the fireplace began and I don’t know what exploded,” Marrone stated, noting {that a} thorough investigation will likely be carried out.
Marrone stated Pontious was stationed in Palmdale and described him as a “great man. He was married. He’s a father. It’s simply such a tragedy.”
The massive front-loader continued to burn following the explosion, sending thick black smoke into the air.
Fire crews saved their distance from the tools, which was in an remoted grime space and didn’t current any hazard of spreading flames to different automobiles. Crews saved a hose line on the automobile and many of the flames appeared to have been doused by early night.
Homicide and arson investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are overseeing the investigation.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Robert Luna joined different legislation enforcement officers from as distant as Charlotte, North Carolina, in mourning Pontious.
“On behalf of @LASDHQ, we provide our sincerest condolences to @LACOFD as they mourn the demise of one in every of their very own,” he posted on social media.
Other tributes had been shared by the California Professional Firefighters, the Glendale Fire Department, the Barstow Fire Protection District and dozens of different legislation enforcement companies and personal residents.
“The Orange County Fire Authority mourns the lack of Firefighter Andrew Pontious who handed away within the line of responsibility at this time,” the company posted on X, previously Twitter. “Our ideas and our prayers are along with his family members and our brothers and sisters on the @LACOFD throughout this troublesome time.”
Several California elected officers additionally shared their ideas on social media, together with state Sen. Scott Wilk, who represents the Antelope Valley, Victor Valley, and many of the Santa Clarita Valley.
“Absolutely heartbroken to listen to that an (L.A. County) firefighter died within the line of responsibility at this time,” he wrote. “It’s a stark reminder of the hazards our firefighters face every single day. My prayers and deepest condolences are along with his household throughout this unimaginable time.”
State Rep. Tom Lackey, who represents the Antelope Valley and High Desert, additionally posted a tribute.
“There are not any phrases to correctly categorical the heartfelt sorrow and condolences to honor this fallen hero,” Lackey wrote. “In occasions like this, we’re reminded of the profound sacrifice firefighters make serving us. I ship my ideas and prayers to the household and the division within the time of this deeply tragic occasion.”
