Critically Injured Firefighter Leaves OC Burn Unit After 114 Days

IRVINE, CA —An Orange County Fire Authority Firefighter who suffered critical burns in October as he battled the Silverado Fire was scheduled for release after 114 days and 17 surgeries, officials say.

It's been a long road since Van Iwaarden, 26, and fellow Santiago Hand Crew firefighter Phi Le, 31, were severely burned while doing their job on the Silverado Fireline. While his counterpart, Le, left the OC Global Medical Center burn Center in December, Van Iwaarden remained. He suffered burns to over 65 percent of his body, according to doctors.

The wind-driven Silverado Fire pushed through Orange County with a vengeance in October. The pair were igniting backfires to slow the spread of the rapidly growing blaze in central Orange County, according to an OCFA spokesperson Thanh Nguyen.

At that time, Tens of thousands were evacuated from their homes during that Santa Ana wind event that pushed the fire to nearly 12,500 acres. That fire was fully contained in November, but Van Iwaarden's injuries would keep him hospitalized for months.

In all, he has undergone multiple surgeries and spent much time in a medically induced coma, officials say. At one point, he was intubated, OCFA says, and under the expert care of the OC Burn Center, a seven-bed intensive care unit at OC Global Medical Center. Within the burn center, each room is private, so patients experience attention and "optimal comfort," according to the medical center.

According to OCFA, Van Iwaarden's journey is far from over.

"Both came close to losing their lives," Nguyen told Patch. "It was prompt care by fellow firefighters, the support of the Orange County Burn Center and the community, that have led to this milestone day."

On Wednesday, Van Iwaarden left the burn center, now bound for a rehabilitation center at UC Irvine Medical Center.

"I wanted to say I'm really excited to get out of here," Van Iwaarden said as he was wheeled from the hospital by his fellow firefighters. "I am so thankful, and I appreciate all the support."