Officials say the Los Angeles County firefighter who died Thursday was overcome by smoke during a Rancho Palos Verdes house fire.
Residents were already outside the home when crews found fire in the bedroom and attic of the one-story home on Tarapaca Road after 2 a.m.
Jonathan Flagler, 47, was overcome by smoke and fire, LA County Fire Interim Fire Chief Anthony Marrone told CBS Los Angeles.
Flagler and the firefighters from Fire Station 83 were part of an entry team when he was stricken and he called a mayday.
Marrone said he was rescued by firefighters before he was rushed to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center where he passed away.
“It was the fire and products of combustion that caused him to lose his life,” Marrone said.
“Right now the fire department’s priority is the care of his wife and two teenage boys and the care and support of our fire family — and those are the brothers and sisters in uniform today who are serving the residents and communities that we are sworn to protect,” Marrone told media at a press conference Thursday afternoon.
Flagler joined the fire service in 2002, starting his career with the Vernon Fire Department.
He leaves behind his wife, Jenny Johnson Flagler, and two sons, ages 13 and 15.
This is a devastating day for LA County, certainly for the fire department, and certainly for his wife and two young sons that he leaves behind. We’re all thinking about them, praying for them this morning,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn
“Jennifer and I send our heartfelt condolences to Firefighter Flagler’s family, friends and Los Angeles County Fire Department colleagues at this difficult time," Gov. Gavin Newsom shared in a statement. "This devastating loss is a reminder of the dangers our heroic firefighters face every day to protect Californians. Firefighter Flagler’s sacrifice and over two decades of selfless service will not be forgotten.”
Investigators do not believe the cause of the fire is criminal, Los Angeles County Sherriff's office told NBC Los Angeles.
“We are so sorry for the way in which he died and the grief their whole family must be suffering. Our heart goes out to them,” homeowner Idelle Clark told CBS Los Angeles.
“What we lost is material, we could live without it or replace it… and that’s a very different loss than what they have. We hope the best for them and will keep them in our hearts.”
