Lewes firefighter injured in explosion returns home

The Lewes firefighter severely burned in an explosion in March has returned home.

Jake Slater was discharged from the hospital on May 16 and is at home resting, said Lewes Fire Department Glenn Marshall.

"He is doing very well," Marshall said on Friday, May 19. "Obviously, we weren't expecting this quick of a turnaround, but for him being a young, healthy man along with his will power cut down on his hospital time."

BACKGROUND: Lewes captain ID'd as oil tank explosion victim

BACKGROUND: Funds pour in for badly burned Lewes firefighter

Although Slater has a ways to go in his recovery, Marshall said Slater now has the support system at home to help him recover.

Slater was injured in an explosion on March 28 while working at Delmarva Petroleum when he tried to cut open a waste oil tank with a chop saw, which caused a spark to ignite the vapors. He received burns to 70 percent of his body.

He received first- and second-degree burn and was transported to Beebe Medical Center before being transported to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore. He received several skin graft surgeries before being released.

The Rehoboth Beach community has rallied behind his recovery, with fundraisers being held to support Slater's medical costs.

A GoFundMe account to help pay for Slater's medical expenses has raised $17,855 since the page was established March 28. The account had a goal of $14,000.

rghughes@delmarvanow.com

On Twitter @hughesg19