Injured firefighter in critical condition after surgery

Daniel Lyon, injured in the Central Washington wildfires, has gone through surgery, but remains in critical condition.

Susan Gregg, a spokeswoman for Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, says Daniel Lyon of Puyallup went through a surgery on Friday that sought to remove damaged tissue.

Gregg says Lyon remains in the Intensive Care Unit. She says he is unable to speak because he’s on a respirator, but is able to respond when his parents and others speak to him.

Lyon, 25, was working his first season as a firefighter when the flames of a wildfire swept over him.

Approximately 60 percent of Lyon’s body is burned, according Dr. Tam Pham of the University of Washington Medical Department.

Though he couldn’t speak to his parents during their visit to Harborview on Thursday, his father, Daniel, said his son was aware they were at his bedside.

“He can’t speak, he’s on a ventilator,” Lyon’s father said. However, Lyon motioned that he knew they were there.

Pham said Lyon’s treatment is being taken “a day at a time right now.”

“With an injury this severe, we try to stay with him and see how well he can progress,” Pham said.

Related: Deadly wildfires an unprecedented cataclysm in our state

Lyon arrived at Harborview Wednesday evening after the wildfires near Twisp turned deadly. Three firefighters were killed and four were injured as they battled the blazes.

Those killed include: Tom Zbyszewski, 20; Andrew Zajac, 26; and Richard Wheeler, 31.

“We are mourning the loss of Tom, Andrew, and Richard and are in connection with and closely monitoring the recovery process of Daniel,” said Mike Williams, Forest Supervisor on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. “This was a tragic incident, and our hearts go out to their families, friends, and colleagues.”

The three men died in the Methow River valley, about 115 miles northeast of Seattle, according to Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers. The men, all U.S. Forest Service firefighters, were part of a specialized unit that is sent ahead of other crews to examine a scene and report back on appropriate action. Their vehicle crashed as they drove up a narrow gravel road. Before they could escape flames rushed over them.

“It just kind of exploded and they got caught in a burn over,” said spokesman Bill Queen.

Four others were injured nearby, including Lyon.

Governor Jay Inslee said the death of the three has “left a hole in the state’s heart.”

“We are going to remember them and there are seven million Washingtonians that today are embracing them and their families and praying for them and hoping for the speedy recovery of our injured,” Inslee said. “These are people who were lost doing what firefighters do, which is to rush towards the fire, instead of running away.”

Related: Help Ron and Don help the Methow Valley firefighters

KIRO Radio’s Josh Kerns reported the deaths are weighing heavily on those still fighting the fires.

“The chief told me, with tears in his eyes, that they are doing their best to push on through and focus on the task at hand,” Kerns reported. “Across the valley, up on the hillside, through the smoke there is a bright light. It’s a cross that has been there for many years, but somewhat symbolic looking down at this town where three firefighters died.”

Lyon has a lot of support.

“He’s got a lot of family by the bedside, and I think that obviously helps and we’re hopeful,” Gregg said.

Lyon joined to see if firefighting was a career he wanted to pursue. His parents described him as lively and a person who can always make them feel good. When he sets his mind to something, he could do it, Lyon’s mother, Barbara, said.

“He would call me every day and tell me not to worry &#8212 things are fine,” she said tearfully.

You can send the injured firefighter a note of encouragement through Harborview’s patient mail.