WHITLEY CITY, Ky. — The firefighter who suffered burns to more than 90 percent of his body when a room flashed is improving after a skin-graft surgery.
Lt. Arlie Hill remains in critical condition after attempting house fire rescue last Friday. According to a Facebook post update, his oxygen levels have improved quicker than expected and doctors are slowly dropping the support from the vent.
“Pooh is out surgery they did today with the grafts. They covered the areas they worked on and were successful with that,” the Facebook post said.
Lt. Hill and Lt. Adam Stephens, also a firefighter, spotted the burning house on Friday. Fearing their may be a child in the house, both men made entry without any PPE or SCBA.
When the room flashed, Lt. Hill was overcome by fire. Lt. Stephens pulled his brother in-law to safety; he was treated for burns to his arms and face and is expected to make a full recovery, according to WKYT.
Lt. Hill is known to his family and friends as “Pooh,” and since Friday a page called “Prayers for Pooh” has received attention from across the country.
“He’s an amazing person, he really is. He’s got no limitations. There’s nothing he won’t do. Everybody’s met that person that, no matter how down you are, can make you feel better in two seconds. That’s him,” said Lt. Stephens.