Condition of Firefighter Is Upgraded

The condition of a Glendale firefighter who was severely burned in the Calabasas-Malibu fire has been upgraded to serious from critical, although his injuries remain life-threatening, doctors said Tuesday.

William Jensen, 52, also underwent a fourth round of extensive surgery Tuesday at the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital.

“This doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods,” said Dr. A. Richard Grossman, medical director at the center.

The operation came on the two-week anniversary of the fire that hospitalized four Los Angeles and Glendale firefighters, including Jensen. The men were overtaken by flames Oct. 22 while trying to protect homes in Corral Canyon.

Also on Tuesday, Los Angeles city firefighter Ross Torstenbo was released from the burn center.

“It’s been a tough few weeks,” said Torstenbo, 42, of Pasadena. “I’m looking forward to getting home.”

Torstenbo, who suffered burns over 15% of his body, underwent surgery last week that included skin being taken from his thighs and grafted to his ears, arms, hands, back and neck.

Seated in a wheelchair with his wife, Marilyn, at his side, Torstenbo spoke Tuesday about how grateful he was to the burn center, fellow firefighters and the community for their concern.

“I know it’s helped a lot,” said Torstenbo, whose hands and thighs were bandaged. “I really appreciate that.”

He also said how much he looked forward to being with his children, Alex, 8, Mark, 4, and Elizabeth, 1.

Among the firefighters at the burn center to celebrate Torstenbo’s discharge were Los Angeles city firefighter Surgey “Guy” Tomlinson, 29, who was released Oct. 24, and Glendale firefighter Scott French, 41, who was sent home Sunday.

Grossman said Jensen, who suffered second- and third-degree burns over more than 70% of his body, will probably require additional surgery and is expected to remain hospitalized for at least several weeks. The earlier surgery involved removing burned and damaged skin, but some grafting was performed Tuesday on Jensen’s face and right arm, Grossman said.

Jensen, 52, was able to speak with relatives and hospital staff after the removal of a respirator Sunday afternoon, but he is mainly communicating by holding his relatives’ hands, Grossman said.

The firefighter, whose wounds were covered with cadaver skin used as a biological dressing, is also being treated with an anti-rejection medicine called Cyclosporin, administrators said.

Doctors will continue to monitor Jensen’s condition with the hope that he will be sent home before too long.

“If all goes well, maybe a month,” Grossman said.