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Injured firefighter's father to throw first pitch at M's game

SEATTLE — The Mariners are recognizing our state's wildland firefighters at tomorrow's ballgame.

The father of a local firefighter severely burned in the Twisp River Fire will step up to the mound in his son's honor.

Dan Lyon is nervous.

"I'm apprehensive,” he said with a smile. “I don't want to embarrass the whole state of Washington."

But he is sure he can handle anything after witnessing his son’s fight to live.

Wildland firefighter Daniel Lyon barely escaped the Twisp River Fire.

The 25-year-old was burned over 60 percent of his body.

Three of his fellow firefighters died.

Daniel has already undergone six surgeries at Harborview Medical Center, with more planned and years of rehabilitation ahead.

"He just makes us feel so proud and so good every time we hear him," said Lyon.

Wednesday marks one month since Daniel was critically injured.

In his honor and that of wildland firefighters, the Mariners have asked Lyon to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the game.

And when that moment comes, Lyon will be thinking of his son and the first words he managed to speak just days ago.

"He says: 'Mom, dad, I love you guys.' He says, ‘I'm so glad that you're here. It would be unbearable,’ and he's whispering. It's hard to understand but that's what he got out," remembers Lyon.

Asked what it was like to hear his son’s voice again: "It's --- It brings tears to my eyes it's --- just really emotional,” said Lyon. "It's as good as it gets.”

The game starts at 7:30 p.m. at Safeco Field.

Daniel’s wildland firefighting crew will be on hand as well.