Firefighters Injured in Riverdale Blaze Face Long Road to Recovery

Two Bladensburg volunteer firefighters remain in critical but stable condition  that left seven injured.

Kevin O’Toole, 22, suffered burns to over 40 percent of his body. He faces at least six weeks in the Washington Hospital Center burn unit and another six months of physical rehabilitation, according to his father, Jeff O'Toole.

O'Toole is able to talk and was scheduled for a skin graft procedure on Monday.

Ethan Sorrell, 21, suffered burns to his airway. He remains intubated but is conscious and can communicate by writing notes, according to officials. Hospital staff allowed Sorrell to visit O'Toole briefly over the weekend.

Riverdale volunteer firefighter Michael McClary, 19, was discharged Saturday afternoon after being treated for injuries to his ribs and burns to both hands. Four other firefighters were treated and released the night of the blaze.

Their injuries were incurred  in the house at 6404 57th Ave. About a dozen firefighters working inside were ordered to evacuate, but seven had to be taken to WHC for treatment.

Family members of O'Toole, Sorrell, and McClary spoke outside of the hospital on Sunday along with County Fire Chief Marc Bashoor and Bladensburg Volunteer Chief Randy Kuenzli.

“We are very thankful and our hearts are still with the ones that are still in hospital," said McClary's mother, Cheryl McClary.

Vann and Kathy Sorrell of Buies Creek, NC and Jeff and Jane O’Toole of Bethpage, NY described their sons as being "in relatively good spirits."

They spoke highly of the care their sons were receiving and of the outpouring of support from the fire service community. Vann Sorrell and Jeff O'Toole both serve as volunteer firefighters in their respective hometowns.