3 Firefighters Still Hospitalized After Being Burned At Prince George's Co. Fire
RIVERDALE, Md. (WJZ) -- Three Maryland firefighters remain hospitalized after they were critically burned during a house fire in Prince George's County.
Jessica Kartalija reports their concerned families are giving an update on their recovery.
Those firefighters went into a burning home to try and rescue the people inside.
"Underneath it all, we're all a big family. Although some of us are strangers, we're all the same," said Cheryl McClary.
Parents of the three firefighters with the most severe injuries recall the harrowing moments after getting the phone call every parent dreads.
Kevin O'Toole has severe burns over 40 percent of his body and is facing more than eight months of medical treatment. Ethan Sorrell has respiratory system burns and is breathing through a tube.
"He's in some pain from the tubes and all. Other than that, he seems to be doing well," said Vann Sorrell.
The third firefighter, Mike McClary, has severe burns to his hands and bruised ribs.
Firefighters are still trying to determine how it began.
"There was fire showing from both sides of the house and the rear," said Lt. Adam Cole.
O'Toole and Sorrell come from firefighting families that live almost a thousand miles apart but are nevertheless united by an unbreakable bond.
All three firefighters are expected to be okay.
A special foundation for injured firefighters is paying for the victims' loved ones to stay in the D.C. area as they recover.
