A Marion County firefighter is undergoing surgery two days after he was severely burned while battling a house fire in Silver Springs.
Captain Chris Trubelhorn is currently in the burn unit at Shands Teaching Hospital in Gainesville. According to Marion County Fire Rescue, a series of surgeries have been scheduled to treat his injuries, with the first surgical procedure taking place on Friday, November 3.
Trubelhorn sustained the serious burns on Wednesday, November 1, shortly after he responded to the 18000 block of SE 20th Place in Silver Springs in reference to a residential structure that was on fire.
MCFR crews, including Trubelhorn, arrived on scene and observed heavy smoke rising from the home. Trubelhorn was badly burned while combating the blaze, and he was rushed to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.
The residential structure fire was eventually extinguished by firefighters.
Officials stated on the day of the incident that the Professional Firefighters of Marion County Local 3169 and MCFR Chaplains were at the hospital in Gainesville to help care for Trubelhorn and his family.
Trubelhorn, an 18-year veteran with Marion County Fire Rescue, is facing a long road to recovery.
In a social media post on Friday, Marion County Fire Chief James Banta stated, “Our thoughts, prayers, and unwavering support are with Chris and his family during this challenging time.”
“Let’s come together, sending prayers and positive energy his way,” added Banta.