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Okanogan firefighter severely burned fighting Spring Coulee Fire recovers at Harborview

Okanogan Fire District 3 Assistant Fire Chief Christian Johnson

OKANOGAN, Wash. — A firefighter is recovering at Harborview Medical Center after being severely burned Sunday fighting the Spring Coulee Fire, according to Okanogan County Emergency Management.

Officials with Okanogan County Emergency Management said Okanogan Fire District 3 Assistant Fire Chief Christian Johnson suffered second- and third-degree burns over 50% to 60% of his body.

Officials said Johnson is in a medically induced coma and will face a minimum of two to three months in intensive care.

On Monday, there was an attempt to stabilize Johnson so hospital surgeons could perform skin grafts, officials said.

No information was given on what led up to Johnson being burned.

Emergency management officials said the fire started at approximately 4 p.m. Sunday just off of B & O Road North between Fletcher Loop Road and Spring Coulee Road. At 5:30 p.m., the fire was contained and crews had begun mopping up the fire after it had burned nearly 142 acres.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for Johnson.

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