Md. Firefighter Critically Burned In February Arson Released From Hospital
BLADENSBURG, Md. (WJZ)-- A firefighter critically burned on the job is finally going home after he spent several weeks in the hospital.
Monique Griego reports on his incredible recovery.
Kevin O'Toole has spent the past two months recovering at the hospital. Despite suffering burns to more than 50 percent of his body, he told us he plans to return to firefighting.
Bandaged but not broken, the 22-year-old Bladensburg volunteer firefighter walked out of the Washington Hospital Center to a hero's welcome.
"It actually is the first time I'm outside of the hospital. It's a really good feeling," he said.
It was just two months ago when a fire nearly claimed his life.
On Feb. 24, a fire broke out in the basement of a vacant home in Riverdale. When O'Toole and six other firefighters opened the front door, high winds created a blow torch effect and the group was engulfed by a fireball.
O'Toole suffered burns to more than 50 percent of body. He still finds the moment hard to talk about.
"I'd rather not comment about that day," he said.
Ethan Sorrel, 21, also suffered serious injuries but was released after a few days.
O'Toole spent almost two months enduring countless surgeries and skin grafts.
"There's not time to think back on 'Am I going to make it or not?' No, I just kept fighting the good fight," O'Toole said.
An investigation later revealed the fire was intentionally set.
"Fire investigators are still looking for person or persons responsible," said Chief Mark Brady, Prince George's County Fire Department.
"Every night one guy stayed with me, so I was never really alone," O'Toole said.
That camaraderie is why he hopes to ride alongside on an engine once again.
"I'm going to see where everything goes with hands and arms and see where that takes me but hopefully I will," O'Toole said.
O'Toole still has several months of rehab but is optimistic about his recovery.
Fire investigators are still actively investigating the arson case. Anyone with information leading to an arrest can receive a $1,000 reward.
