By Kim Minugh
The Sacramento Bee, Calif.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento fire captain burned in a Natomas house fire earlier this week was released from the hospital this afternoon, authorities said.
Capt. Jeffrey Helvin faces extensive rehabilitation and potentially more surgery after suffering burns to one hand, his face and neck, but the 39-year-old firefighter is in good spirits, department spokesman Capt. Jim Doucette said.
“He’s glad to be out of the hospital,” Doucette said.
Helvin and three other firefighters were burned Tuesday in an intense residential fire on Stilt Court. The other firefighters -- Bruce Gee, 26, Christopher Berquist, 30, and Eric Ely, 24 -- were treated and released from the hospital the same day.
Investigators have not been able to determine what caused the fire but say they believe it started in the kitchen, Doucette said. Arson was ruled out.
Copyright 2008, The Sacramento Bee