LITTLEROCK, CA – A devastating incident in Los Angeles County claimed the life of a seasoned firefighter while leaving another injured. The two were responding to a vehicle fire at a quarry in the desert community of Littlerock, situated to the north of Los Angeles. The firefighter killed in the incident was identified as a 19-year veteran based in nearby Palmdale.
According to L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone, the incident unfolded on Friday shortly after a firefighting crew arrived at the quarry around 2:10 p.m. The crew was met by an unexpected explosion, which resulted in the death of the veteran firefighter, and left another with minor injuries.
Marrone noted that he hadn’t visited the explosion site yet and was unclear about the origins of the front-end loader fire or what might have triggered it. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for investigating the incident.
News footage of the scene shows the front loader sending thick black smoke into the air as it blazed. Marrone urged giving firefighters space as they process the grief of losing one of their own. The surviving firefighter, who was near the blast, received medical treatment at Antelope Valley Medical Center. The injuries were non-critical, and the firefighter was due for release later the same day.
The identity of the firefighter who lost his life in the incident will be disclosed once their immediate family has been notified, according to Marrone. In response to news of the firefighter’s death, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressed deep sorrow and reminded everyone of the inherent risks faced by emergency personnel on a routine basis. She urged the community to extend unwavering support to those grappling with the loss.