Firefighter Upgraded to Serious

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

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

“I think we can upgrade him off the critical list,” said Dr. A. Richard Grossman, medical director at the burn center. “This doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods.”

The decision 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 Firefighter Ross Torstenbo was released from the burn center to his home in Pasadena.

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

Torstenbo, who suffered burns on about 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 on Tuesday spoke about how grateful he was to the burn center, fellow firefighters and the community for showing their concern.

“I know it’s helped a lot,” said Torstenbo, whose bandages were visible on his hands and thighs. “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 Firefighter Surgey “Guy” Tomlinson, 29, who was released Oct. 24, and Glendale Firefighter Scott French, 41, who was sent home Sunday.

“We were good therapy for each other--talking about it,” French said of Torstenbo. “It’s nice to come down here and see him recover so good.”

Several firefighters said their main concern now rested with Jensen.

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

Jensen, 52, was able to speak with relatives and hospital staff after a respirator to help him breathe was removed 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, also is being treated with an anti-rejection medicine called Cyclosporin, administrators said.

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

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

Los Angeles Fire Chief Bill Bamattre said he was relieved for Torstenbo but also expected the show of support would continue for Jensen.

“Constantly, we’ve got him in our prayers,” Bamattre said.