EGN NEWS DESK
Andrew Pontious, 52, a 19-year veteran firefighter, died round 2 p.m. Friday within the explosion at a quarry within the 7300 block of Pearblossom Highway.
Pontious leaves his spouse, Kim; his stepdaughter, Sara; mother and father Gary and Ellie; brother, David, a former county hearth division captain; and an prolonged household.
Beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday, firefighters from the Los Angeles County and Los Angeles hearth departments will be part of firefighters from the West Covina and Alhambra hearth departments and different public security companies in a procession to move Pontious’ physique from the L.A. County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner to Forest Lawn-Covina Hills cemetery.
Pontious, who labored within the Palmdale space, additionally served the communities of El Monte, Rosemead and San Fernando throughout his profession, in response to the county hearth division.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered flags on the state capitol to be flown at half-staff in honor of Pontious.
“His service defending the Los Angeles group won’t ever be forgotten,” the governor mentioned in an announcement a day after the tragedy.
Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone mentioned that a short while after crews arrived on the quarry on Friday — round 2:10 p.m. —an explosion occurred, killing Pontious and injuring a second firefighter.
Late Friday, a procession of first responders escorted Pontious’ physique from the quarry to the medical expert’s workplace in Boyle Heights.
The second firefighter, who has not been recognized, was handled at Antelope Valley Medical Center and launched, Marrone mentioned.
The massive front-loader continued to burn following the explosion, sending thick black smoke into the air.
“I don’t know the way the fireplace began and I don’t know what exploded,” Marrone mentioned on the time, noting {that a} thorough investigation might be performed.
Homicide and arson investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are overseeing the probe.
Marrone described Pontious as a “great man. He was married. He’s a father. It’s simply such a tragedy.”
Pontious was identified for his exemplary work ethic, unwavering optimistic disposition and real love for serving to folks, division officers mentioned.
New firefighters might all the time depend on him for steering and mentorship, the division mentioned. When new battalion chiefs arrived, he was the primary to offer them a tour on their first day.
Pontious was additionally a gifted cook dinner who typically volunteered even when not on the schedule. Known affectionately as “Uncle,” Pontious was mentioned to have loved spending time together with his household, looking and learning wildlife. His ardour for wildlife conservation was well-known amongst colleagues and buddies.
