SEATTLE – On Monday doctors at Harborview Medical Center updated the condition of injured firefighter Daniel Lyon.
Dr. Samuel Mandell, who cares for trauma and burn patients, said Lyon should return home in a matter of weeks.
"He's been up walking and he's going to the gym, which is really great to see," said Dr. Mandell.
Dr. Mandell warns that Lyon has a long road to recovery ahead. He's still in the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital. He's gone through 10 surgeries, and Dr. Mandell says only one minor surgery stands in Lyon's way.
Lyon, a U.S. Forest Service firefighter from Puyallup, was injured this summer fighting a wildfire near Twisp. Three of Daniel's fellow firefighters died when their truck crashed and was overtaken by flames.
"We waited for him to ask and lay the guidelines, we just tried to be there for his support," said Lyon's father, who is also named Daniel.
Lyon's parents say their son hasn't said much about the incident, and they haven't pushed for any other details. They say he continues to struggle after losing his comrades.
"He prays for their families and their spirits and it's still very upsetting to think about," the elder Lyon said. "But most of the time he's upbeat and says, what do we have to do?"
The family says the community support has been helpful. They've accumulated dozens of patches from police and fire departments from all over the country. Volunteers from Milton will help turn all the patches into a quilt for the family.
