Fresno fire captain injured while battling house fire recovering
FRESNO, Calif. -- The veteran fire captain who fell through the roof of a burning home in Fresno over the weekend is recovering from critical burn injuries.
Fresno Fire Capt. Pete Dern, 49, was fully sedated, but responding to doctors, and his family was by his side.
"This is a very serious, certainly a life-threatening burn," said Dr. William Dominic, medical director of Burn Services.
Dern was fighting a fire in Central Fresno on Sunday when he fell through the roof into the home's garage and was engulfed in flames. Investigators say the fire started in a converted garage where several people were living.
RAW VIDEO: Firefighter falls through roof while battling Fresno house fire
WARNING: This footage contains material that some viewers may find disturbing due to explicit language and/or the graphic nature of the material.
Dern's doctor says he suffered second- and third-degree burns across approximately 65 percent of his body. He's already had one surgery, but will have to undergo many more before they'll know how badly he's hurt.
"This is the beginning of a very, very long process that's going to be difficult," family friend Bob VanTassel said.
The veteran firefighter has worked in the Fresno community for 25 years and served in the U.S. Army before becoming a firefighter.
First responders, community members and various public leaders across the world are showing their support for Dern, many sending their prayers and well-wishes to the Dern family and the fire department.
"Pete means a lot to the department. He is a firefighter's captain, he is a leader among leaders in this department, well-respected," said Fresno Fire Chief Kerri Donnis, who was one of many who Dern trained as they moved up the ranks.
Fresno Fire Association President Pete Flores says it wasn't more than 30 minutes after the horrifying incident where Dern fell into a fully engulfed house fire that the association began getting calls offering help.
"It's overwhelming," Flores said. "We got a call earlier from the San Jose Firefighters Association, they wouldn't take no for an answer. They're coming. They're going to help, and that's phenomenal."
To donate to Dern and his family, visit their fundraising website.
