A Sedona fire captain badly burned in a fire station fire continues to make progress and has been moved to an acute care unit at burn center.
According to a news release from the Sedona Fire Department, Fire Capt. Matt Fleece suffered burns when a bbq grill he had been using near the rear of the station apparently caught fire and exploded.
The incident, which happened on Oct. 27, at about 8:30 p.m. when Fleece called 911 to report a fire and burn injuries at Station 5 in Oak Creek Canyon and requested a response from the station. Fire Engineer Mike Pace was at the station when the call came in and heard an explosion. Upon looking out the door, he saw flames in the outside entry way.
Pace went to check on the situation and found Fleece climbing down an embankment next to the station. Fleece, according to the news release, told Pace to take the engine and extinguish the fire. After Pace put out the fire, he went back to help Fleece and found him suffering from burns. Pace treated his injuries with the help of a retired Sedona fire captain who happened to be passing by when the incident occurred. Fleece was flown to the Maricopa County Burn Center for treatment.
Fire damage was limited to the exterior entryway of the station where the bbq grill was stored and used. Fire sprinklers in the station limited the fire damage to the entryway and provided protection to the interior of the fire station, according to the news release.
Sedona fire officials say contractors will soon being to make repairs to the exterior, electrical system and clean up water damage. In the meantime, the station is in service and ready to provide coverage to Oak Creek Canyon.
As Fleece continues to make progress, his family has asked for privacy.
Fire Chief Kris Kazian said any cards and well wishes may be sent to the Sedona Fire District and they will be forwarded to the family.
“Matt is a strong person, of family and faith,” Kazian said. “He has a positive attitude and is determined. I have no doubt we will be seeing Matt back at SFD and we are doing everything we can to help him and his family.”
The Sedona Fire District requested a Regional Fire Cause Investigation Team to examine the fire scene. The initial reports of the investigative team found the origin of the fire was the propane gas of the BBQ grill Captain Fleece was using at the time. The team is reviewing the care, maintenance, and propane storage practices of the grill at the fire station.
The Fire District has also initiated a Serious Injury Review to document the incident and provide a report to offer insights into the initial cause of the fire and provide guidance for preventing a reoccurrence, according to the news release.
