Firefighters from the Los Angeles County and Los Angeles fire departments and other agencies will hold a procession on Wednesday, June 19 to transport a county firefighter to his final resting place after he was killed when part of a burning front-loader exploded at a quarry in Littlerock.
Andrew Pontious, 52, a 19-year veteran firefighter, died around 2 p.m. Friday in the explosion at a quarry in the 7300 block of Pearblossom Highway.
Pontious leaves his wife, Kim; his stepdaughter, Sara; parents Gary and Ellie; brother, David, a former county fire department captain; and an extended family.
Beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday, firefighters from the Los Angeles County and Los Angeles fire departments will join firefighters from the West Covina and Alhambra fire departments and other public safety agencies in a procession to transport Pontious’ body from the L.A. County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner to Forest Lawn-Covina Hills cemetery.
Pontious, who worked in the Palmdale area, also served the communities of El Monte, Rosemead and San Fernando during his career, according to the county fire department.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered flags at the state capitol to be flown at half-staff in honor of Pontious.
“His service protecting the Los Angeles community will never be forgotten,” the governor said in a statement a day after the tragedy.
Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said that a short time after crews arrived at the quarry on Friday — around 2:10 p.m. —an explosion occurred, killing Pontious and injuring a second firefighter.
Late Friday, a procession of first responders escorted Pontious’ body from the quarry to the medical examiner’s office in Boyle Heights.
The second firefighter, who has not been identified, was treated at Antelope Valley Medical Center and released, Marrone said.
The large front-loader continued to burn following the explosion, sending thick black smoke into the air.
“I don’t know how the fire started and…
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