RANCHO PALOS VERDES, Calif. (KNX) — A veteran Los Angeles County firefighter died from injuries he sustained while battling a blaze in Rancho Palos Verdes Thursday morning, the department said.
Fire crews responded around 2:49 a.m. to a one story single-family home in the 3700 block of Tarapaca Road, according to a fire department spokesperson. Fire Chief Anthony Marrone told reporters firefighters believe the flames started in the attic.
The firefighter, identified as Jonathan Flagler, is said to have been overcome by smoke and flames and had to be pulled out by his fellow firefighters, according to City News Service.
“He put out a 'mayday' for assistance from the other firefighters that were at the scene, and they were able to quickly locate him, rescue him and start the life-saving procedures as necessary,” Marrone said during a news conference.
Flagler was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, where he later died.
"Flagler was a 21-year veteran of the fire service having served 19 years with the Vernon Fire Department before transitioning to the LACoFD in October of 2020," the department said in a statement, adding that he is survived by his wife and two sons.
"I join with the Flagler and LACoFD families in mourning the sudden passing of Fire Fighter Flagler," Interim Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone said in a statement.
"It is always a tragedy to lose one of our own in the line of duty. Fire Fighter Flagler made the ultimate sacrifice; his bravery and courage will never be forgotten.”
Following Flagler's death, L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn released a statement about the incident.
“This morning our L.A. County Fire Department responded to a house fire in Ranch Palos Verdes. They were able to save the family inside but tragically one of our own Los Angeles County firefighters lost his life in the effort," she said.
"This is devastating and my prayers are with his wife and two young sons as well as his friends and colleagues in the Fire Department and everyone that knew and loved him. His bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
Hahn went on to say the tragedy is a reminder to all in the county that first responders and those in law enforcement never think twice when needed.
"They have no idea until they get there. I'm sure he had no idea when he left when he put his equipment on that sadly he wouldn't be coming back," she said. "But we are devastated by this loss."
In honor of Flagler's sacrifice the department held a procession from the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center to the Coroner’s Office Thursday afternoon.
No other injuries were reported due to the fire. The investigation into the cause continues.
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