Veteran Firefighter Killed Battling LA County Blaze

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA — Funeral services were pending Friday for a veteran Los Angeles County firefighter who died after fighting a house fire Thursday in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Jonathan Flagler was a 21-year veteran of fire service and served 19 years with the Vernon Fire Department before joining to the Los Angeles County Fire Department in October 2020. He is survived by his wife, Jenny Johnson Flagler, and the couple's two teenage boys, age 15 and 13, according to county Firefighters Local 1014.

Firefighters from Fire Station 83 responded to a single-family home in the 30700 block of Tarapaca Road, near Calle Aventura, at about 2:20 a.m., according to media reports.

Flager sustained fatal injuries and was overcome by smoke and flames Thursday while battling a Rancho Palos Verdes house fire, county officials said. He had to be pulled from the inferno by fellow firefighters.

The firefighter was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

"They were engaged in a firefight at a one-story single-family dwelling," interim county Fire Chief Anthony Marrone told reporters.

"We believe that the fire was in the attic," Marrone said. "The smoke and the fire overcame (the firefighter). 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."

The firefighter was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, where he died. He was not immediately identified, pending notification of his extended family and friends. Officials said he was married with two teenage sons.

Marrone said the firefighter began his career with the city of Vernon, joining the county fire department about two years ago. The chief called him "one of our bravest."

"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 said.

No other injuries were reported.

Sheriff's Lt. Charles Calderaro said that when fire crews and sheriff's deputies arrived on the scene of the fire, residents of the home were already outside.

Gov. Gavin Newsom released a statement on the firefighter's death.

“Jennifer and I send our heartfelt condolences to Firefighter Flagler’s family, friends and Los Angeles County Fire Department colleagues at this difficult time," Newsom said. "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.”

In honor of Firefighter Flagler, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff, Newsom said.

L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn issued a statement regarding the firefighter's death.

"This morning our L.A. County Fire Department responded to a house fire in Ranch Palos Verdes," Hahn wrote. "They were able to save the family inside but tragically one of our own Los Angles County firefighters lost his life in the effort. 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."

The city of Rancho Palos Verdes shared a statement.

"The City of Rancho Palos Verdes joins with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Los Angeles County Fire Department in mourning the devastating loss of a Los Angeles County firefighter who succumbed to his injuries sustained while bravely responding to a house fire in the City on January 6, 2022," Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor Dave Bradley said in a statement.

"On behalf of the City Council and the entire Palos Verdes Peninsula community, we send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family of this fallen hero, as well as his courageous fellow firefighters at Station No. 83 in Rancho Palos Verdes," Bradley said. "We are keeping his family, the firefighters of Station No. 83, and the entire Los Angeles County Fire Department family in our thoughts. The City will never forget his sacrifice and courage."

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A procession of firefighters and engines headed from the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center to the Coroner’s Office Thursday afternoon.

"To ensure the proper care and support of the family and friends of Fire Fighter Flagler during this extremely difficult time, Chief Marrone has activated our Department's Memorial Management and Peer Support Teams," county officials said.

"The LACoFD and Flagler families greatly appreciate the outpouring of heartfelt messages, condolences, and support," officials said. "Information on the celebration of life for Fire Fighter Flagler will be shared at a later time."

- City News Service and Patch Editor Nicole Charky contributed to this report.

Editor's Note: This story was updated at 5:19 a.m. Friday with additional information throughout.

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