Injured Firefighter Released From Burn Center

After nearly two weeks of treatment at the Grossman Burn Center in Sherman Oaks, Ventura County firefighter Robert Lopez returned home Monday.

Doctors expect he will make a full recovery.

Lopez and two other Ventura County firefighters were injured on May 6 battling the Santa Barbara wildfires. The others also were treated at Grossman and discharged earlier, said hospital spokesman Roy Forbes.

Lopez underwent two successful surgeries requiring skin grafts to his upper extremities and back, Forbes said. His lead surgeon, Dr. Peter H. Grossman, said Lopez will recover fully and be able to resume active duty.

"We owe Mr. Lopez and all firefighters an enormous debt of gratitude for their bravery and their selfless dedication to protecting lives and property. It has been a privilege to treat and care for him," Grossman said.

Lopez, 44, suffered second- and third-degree burns on his face, ears, arms and back while protecting a home that was overcome by flames. Also injured in the incident and treated at the Grossman Burn Center were Capt. Ron Topolinski and Capt. Brian Bulger.

Founded in 1969 by Dr. A. Richard Grossman and now under the direction of Dr. Peter H. Grossman, the Grossman Burn Center is a plastic surgery-based facility specializing in the comprehensive treatment of burns from acute care and reconstruction, to rehabilitation and psychological counseling.