USFA On-Duty Death: California

Previously: L.A. County Firefighter Killed in Front-End Loader Explosion

United States Fire Service
1 July 2024

The United States Fire Administration has announced the death of Firefighter Andrew Pontious, 52, of the Los Angeles County Fire Department on 14 June 2024.

On Friday, June 14, 2024, while fighting a construction vehicle fire, Firefighter Andrew Pontious was killed when an explosion occurred.

Age: 52
Rank: Firefighter
Classification: Career
Incident date: June 14, 2024
Date of death: June 14, 2024
Cause of fatal injury: Other
Nature of fatal injury: Trauma
Activity type: Advance Hose Lines/Fire Attack (includes Wildland)
Emergency duty: Yes
Duty type: On-Scene Fire
Fixed property use: Street/Road

The number of on-duty deaths for 2024 currently is 28.

Go here to read the number of interior line of duty deaths for 2024.

Fatality status is provisional and may change as USFA contacts State Fire Marshals to verify fatality incident information.

For more information about on-duty deaths as recorded by the United States Fire Administration go to “Firefighter Fatalities in the United States.”

Published by Data Not Drama

Data Not Drama is writings that provide a point of critical thought about firefighter fatality data and education, line of duty deaths, and risk. The main focus is to encourage less risk aversion and better knowledge on the subject of firefighter fatalities in firefighters, fire departments, and fire service organizations. View more posts