Seattle, Washington – Assistant Fire Chief Passes Away from Injuries Sustained in Brush Fire

Seattle, Washington (October 2, 2019) – The assistant fire chief who sustained burn injuries in a brush fire incident at Spring Coulee on September 1 has passed away on Wednesday. The patient, Christian Dean Johnson, died at Harborview Medical Center, where he was being treated in intensive care since the incident.

The brush fire which resulted in the injuries out in the area between Spring Coulee Road and Fletcher Loop Road around 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. Johnson was overtaken by flames during the incident, and was helped by another firefighter until crews were able to fly him to Harboview Medical Center.

About Burn Injuries

We offer our sympathies and compassion to the friends and loved ones of the victim. Unfortunately, this is not the only time burn injuries have led to a fatality. According to information from the World Health Organization, burn injuries are caused when cells in the skin or other tissues are destroyed, usually through heat, or by contact with radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction or chemicals. Regardless of the cause, burn injuries are painful, and in severe cases can lead to other complications or even death. Children and women are said to be more susceptible to burns, especially in cases of house fires. In spite of these grim statistics, it is important to keep in mind that burns are also preventable.

The first and most important step in preventing burns is to assess the area for dangers and try to lower the hazard. For example, most burns happen in kitchens due to the number of hazards in the area, such as fires from cooking stoves or the presence of hot liquids while cooking. By ensuring that cooking equipment is in good quality and using caution around hot liquids, one can prevent burns from happening. When it comes to children, guardians should take care to supervise their actions, especially if they are playing with dangerous items such as fireworks. While preventing burn injuries simply comes down to being cautious, one should also know what to do in case of burn injuries. First aid for burn injuries consists of pouring cool water over the burn (provided it’s not an open wound) and wrapping the injury in a clean cloth before transporting the victim to a medical facility for treatment. Having the knowledge to deal with burns can help ensure not only one’s safety but also the safety of others.

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