Firefighter Released From Burn Center

Glendale Firefighter Scott French, burned two weeks ago in the massive Calabasas-Malibu brush fire, was happy to go home Sunday despite concern for two other injured firefighters who remained hospitalized, one of them in critical condition.

“It’s a welcome day,” said French, 41, one of four Glendale and Los Angeles firefighters hospitalized Oct. 22 after suffering burns in the fire.

French, whose recovery included skin-graft surgery at the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital, was in good spirits as relatives, colleagues and hospital staff celebrated his discharge with cake and applause.

“I was kind of hoping they’d have me looking like Mel Gibson when I got out of here, but it’s not going to happen,” said French, whose scarred cheek was visible under his beard stubble. “I’m just lucky to be alive.”

French said the firefighters and their families were extremely grateful for the flood of support that came from well-wishers near and far.

“It’s really meant a lot,” said French, who was flanked by his wife, Mary, and their children, Jason, 14, Renee, 10, and Rhiana, 4. “The outpouring has really been a shock.”

Entertainer Pat Boone was among those who felt strongly enough about thanking the firefighters to go to the hospital Sunday.

“I just want to somehow express my gratitude and concern,” said Boone, whose nephew, Tim Traurig, is a Los Angeles firefighter. “We’re always concerned when the big fires break out.”

Even as French headed home to Ventura with hopes of returning to work by January, the two injured firefighters who remained at the hospital seemed to be on everyone’s minds.

Many people wore buttons featuring the likeness of Glendale Firefighter William Jensen, 52, the most seriously burned of the four firefighters who were hospitalized. Jensen, who remained in critical condition Sunday, has undergone three rounds of extensive surgery and is expected to return to the operating room Tuesday.

Glendale Fire Chief Richard Hinz said he felt mixed emotions Sunday.

“I’m really happy to see [French] going home,” Hinz said. “But I’m still so concerned for Bill. Hopefully, in the not-too-distant future, we’ll have the same kind of event for him.”

Hinz said the Jensen family was doing as well as could be expected, dealing with the situation day by day. Jensen suffered burns over more than 70% of his body.

“They’re more encouraged today than they were yesterday,” Hinz said.

Hospital administrators said Los Angeles Firefighter Ross Torstenbo, 42, who was in good condition and was tentatively scheduled to be sent home Sunday, will remain hospitalized for a few more days.

French, who was burned on about one-quarter of his body, said his discharge represents a much-anticipated end to nearly two weeks of pain and suffering since the firefighters were burned.

The past week was especially hectic, with skin-graft surgery for French and Torstenbo on Monday, followed by a visit and service medal presentation by Gov. Pete Wilson on Tuesday. The rest of the week was devoted mainly to recuperation.

French, Jensen and Torstenbo were among six firefighters who were injured when flames overtook them as they tried to protect homes near Corral Canyon.

Los Angeles Firefighter Surgey “Guy” Tomlinson, 29, who was sent home from the burn center Oct. 24, hugged French on Sunday.

“Congratulations,” Tomlinson told French.

Arriving home in the family’s green minivan, French was greeted by a banner strung between two firetrucks that read: “Welcome Home, Scott.”

About 50 people had gathered to cheer the returning hero. “We’re so happy to have Scott back with us,” said neighbor Trudy Real.

French was just as happy to be home. “It was really difficult being away, especially from my family, because when I ran from that wall [of fire], they were the last ones I thought about.”

Times correspondent Scott Steepleton contributed to this story.