Los Angeles County firefighter Andrew Pontious was killed in a vehicle explosion in Littlerock, near the town of Palmdale, according to the fire chief.

LITTLEROCK, Calif. (KABC) — A Los Angeles County firefighter was killed Friday when part of a burning front loader exploded at a quarry near Palmdale.

Los Angeles County Fire crews responded around 2 p.m. to the quarry located in the 7300 block of Pearblossom Highway in Littlerock, just southeast of Palmdale, following reports of a vehicle in fire.

County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said that shortly after crews arrived, perhaps around 2:10 p.m., an explosion occurred, killing Andrew Pontious, a 19-year veteran firefighter.

“Pontious was assigned to FS 93 in the town of Palmdale,” reads an article on X from LACoFD. “He faithfully served our department alongside the residents of #LACounty & communities for over 19 years.”

A second firefighter who was near the explosion was transported to Antelope Valley Medical Center, but was not seriously injured and has been released from the hospital, Marrone said.

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

Marrone called Pontious a “wonderful man,” saying he was married and a father. Eyewitness News has learned that Pontious leaves behind a child.

“It’s such a tragedy,” he said.

By late afternoon, the large front loader was still burning and sending thick black smoke into the air. Firefighters kept a distance from the equipment, which was in an isolated area of ​​land presenting no risk of flames spreading to other vehicles.

Crews kept a water hose on the vehicle and most of the flames appeared to have been extinguished by early evening.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose district includes the Littlerock area, released a statement saying her “heart is heavy” to learn of the death.

“My deepest condolences to his family and the other firefighters at Station 93,” she said. “This is a sobering reminder of the dangers our first responders face every day. We owe them our unwavering support as they deal with this loss. I am committed to ensuring our firefighters have the support mental health support they need during their bereavement.

City News Service, Inc. contributed to this report.