Los Angeles County Firefighter Dies in Explosion
One Los Angeles County firefighter has died following an explosion. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation. The event has prompted an outpouring of support for the firefighter's family and colleagues from the community.
The fallen firefighter was identified as Andrew Pontious, a 52-year-old, 19-year veteran of the department. He was assigned to a four-member fire engine at Station 93 in Palmdale and was known affectionately as "Uncle". Pontious was married and a father, and his brother is a former LA County Fire Department captain. The crew was responding to a fire in a large articulated front-loader at a rock quarry in the Antelope Valley. Shortly after firefighters arrived around 2:10 p.m., the left rear tire of the burning vehicle exploded, killing Pontious and injuring another firefighter. The second firefighter was treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital. An initial report from the fire department revealed that debris from the tire explosion was propelled up to 350 feet. Quarry employees had been trying to extinguish the fire for 30 minutes before calling 911 and had witnessed a different tire explode prior to the fire department's arrival. This information was not relayed to the responding firefighters. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's homicide and arson units are conducting an investigation into the incident. In response to the tragedy, the LA County Fire Department issued new safety guidelines for battling fires involving heavy equipment. Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags at the state capitol to be flown at half-staff in honor of Pontious.
