By FireRescue1 Staff
LEWES, Del. — A fire captain severely burned in an off-duty work-related explosion has returned home.
Delmarva Now reported that Capt. Jake Slater, 21, with the Lewes Fire Department, is home resting after being discharged on Tuesday.
“He is doing very well,” PIO Glenn Marshall said. “Obviously, we weren’t expecting this quick of a turnaround, but for him being a young, healthy man along with his willpower cut down on his hospital time.”
Slater has a long road in his recovery, but Marshall said he’s got the support system he needs to get better.
Slater was burned in an off-duty work-related explosion in March at Delmarva Petroleum. He tried to open a waste oil tank and sparks ignited the vapors, causing burns to 70 percent of his body. He received several skin grafts for his first- and second-degree burns.
Fundraisers have been held to support his medical costs, and a GoFundMe account has raised almost $18,000.