At least 1 Los Angeles County firefighter was killed by an explosion while battling a truck fire near Palmdale on Friday afternoon, department officials say.

County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said a short time after crews arrived, perhaps around 2:10 p.m., an explosion occurred, killing a 19-year firefighter.

Andrew Pontious, a 19-year veteran firefighter, was killed Friday when a portion of a burning front-loader exploded at a quarry near Palmdale.

A memorial procession was transporting a fallen L.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.

LA County firefighter mourned following death in Littlerock quarry explosion Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighter Andrew Pontious was killed in an explosion in Littlerock, June 14, 2024.

L.A. County firefighter Andrew Pontious was killed Friday in an explosion at an Antelope Valley quarry as crews responded to a burning front loader.

County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said a short time after crews arrived, perhaps around 2:10 p.m., an explosion occurred, killing a 19-year firefighter.