Burned Red Lodge firefighter released from hospital after 60 days

By Kerri Hatt

SALT LAKE CITY — Red Lodge Firefighter Dan Steffensen, 65, has been released from a burn center and is heading home to Montana. Steffensen was injured in July after a shift in winds sent flames over his fire engine while he was fighting the Harris Fire in Carbon County, Montana.

He spent 60 days at the University of Utah Burn Center in Salt Lake City, 23 of them in a coma, KTVQ reported. Steffensen suffered burns to his hands, legs and face, and underwent nine surgeries, as well as extensive therapy to relearn how to walk.

In a social media post, Steffensen noted the rehab will continue at home, but his recovery has been fueled by the support he’s received from fellow firefighters and community members.

https://www.facebook.com/dan.steffensen.71/posts/5109169325765996?__cft__[0]=AZV1ebO8d9f8yXXJu22J2iJbmofVX8mSOo0hUYKMZ6m0fqUkPkYAjdRrA005dUz7yYjzjT4mwx0qfay8oIYTsc3exVllrZj8g55BMn-b2uyqO_pc_hybXT0XapWFyyFIFQ46Uks7Zc5UTIOttndOWO1L&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

He told KTQV that when he has his strength back, he hopes to return to the job he loves.

https://www.facebook.com/dan.steffensen.71/posts/5102558203093775?__cft__[0]=AZWU1jeDUllThYxgsKeEMWgfzB4R2vc1ImcWt0Nv-7WaT3DfFkuGD-N5ioX3oL-r-Dw-b7ViIK2aynaNFgsV76z_HGE932mRqsC6gWBLu6mnCA77KB9oJVlnHyECrzjCMEk&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R