A memorial will be held Wednesday for a Los Angeles County firefighter killed in a quarry explosion


Los Angeles County Firefighter Andrew Pontius will be taken to his final resting place in a funeral procession at Forest Lawn Covina Hills Cemetery on Wednesday morning.

Pontius, 52, died June 14 when a burning front loader exploded while he was fighting a fire at an Antelope Valley quarry.

The man, who worked as a firefighter for 19 years, is said to have had a deep love of helping others and leaves behind his wife Kim, stepdaughter Sarah, parents Gary and Ellie, brother David, a former county fire chief, and other extended family.

Beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday, firefighters from the Los Angeles County and City of Los Angeles Fire Departments will join with firefighters from the West Covina and Alhambra fire departments, as well as firefighters from other public safety agencies, to transport Pontious’ body from the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office to Forest Lawn Covina Hills Cemetery.

According to the county fire marshal’s office, Poncious also served the communities of El Monte, Rosemead and San Fernando during his tenure.

Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered flags at the state Capitol flown at half-staff in memory of Pontious, and in a statement the day after the tragedy, the governor said “his service to protecting the Los Angeles community will never be forgotten.”

Another firefighter, whose identity has not been released, was also injured in the quarry equipment explosion on June 14. The second firefighter was treated at a hospital and released.

The large front-loader continued to burn after the explosion on June 14, spewing thick, black smoke into the air.

Firefighters kept their distance from their equipment, which was in an isolated dirt area so there was no risk of the fire spreading to other vehicles. Firefighters surrounded the vehicles with hoses and had the majority of the fire under control by evening.

“We don’t know how the fire started or what caused the explosion,” Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said at the time, adding that a thorough investigation would be conducted.

Marrone said Poncious was stationed in Palmdale and was “a wonderful man. He was married and a father. It’s a real tragedy.”

Law enforcement officials said Poncious was known for his exemplary work ethic, unwavering positive personality and genuine love of helping people.

Earlier this February, nine Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters were injured while responding to a large truck fire in Wilmington when an explosion occurred as firefighters approached the truck to put out the blaze.

The tractor-trailer was running on two 100-gallon compressed natural gas tanks, one of which exploded due to a pressurized cylinder.

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Julie Sharp



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