One of three injured Ventura County firefighters is transported to Grossman Burn Center in Sherman Oaks. (KTLA-TV / May 6, 2009)
SHERMAN OAKS -
Two Ventura County firefighters injured in the Jesusita Fire in Santa Barbara County are set to undergo surgery today.
Robert Lopez, 44, and 51-year-old Capt. Ron Topolinski suffered third degree burns over 10-to-15 percent of their bodies Wednesday after their fire truck was overrun with flames, according to their doctor. Their strike team leader, 57-year-old Capt. Brian Bulger, tried to rescue them and suffered smoke inhalation. He was expected to be released as early as Friday.
All were being treated at the Grossman Burn Center in Sherman Oaks.
On Thursday, Dr. Richard Grossman told KTLA that the men were "doing quite well" and were in "serious but stable condition."
After their truck was overrun, the firefighters ran into a home, where they had set up their breathing apparatus, Grossman said.
The intense heat and winds caused the windows in the home to implode, he said, adding that one firefighter suffered a cut to the head as a result of flying glass.
Grossman said Lopez and Topolinski should be out of the hospital "in a week's time" after undergoing skin grafting treatments.
He said the situation could have been much worse.
"God was watching over these men."
The fire engine was heavily damaged in the incident and an accident review team was investigating what happened.
Captain Bulger is a 30-year veteran of the force and Captain Topolinski has served the department for 28-years. Lopez has been with the department since 2000.
Robert Lopez, 44, and 51-year-old Capt. Ron Topolinski suffered third degree burns over 10-to-15 percent of their bodies Wednesday after their fire truck was overrun with flames, according to their doctor. Their strike team leader, 57-year-old Capt. Brian Bulger, tried to rescue them and suffered smoke inhalation. He was expected to be released as early as Friday.
All were being treated at the Grossman Burn Center in Sherman Oaks.
On Thursday, Dr. Richard Grossman told KTLA that the men were "doing quite well" and were in "serious but stable condition."
After their truck was overrun, the firefighters ran into a home, where they had set up their breathing apparatus, Grossman said.
The intense heat and winds caused the windows in the home to implode, he said, adding that one firefighter suffered a cut to the head as a result of flying glass.
Grossman said Lopez and Topolinski should be out of the hospital "in a week's time" after undergoing skin grafting treatments.
He said the situation could have been much worse.
"God was watching over these men."
The fire engine was heavily damaged in the incident and an accident review team was investigating what happened.
Captain Bulger is a 30-year veteran of the force and Captain Topolinski has served the department for 28-years. Lopez has been with the department since 2000.
