Burned Over!: The Survival of Montana Firefighter Dan Steffensen

by A.J. Otjen

In 2021, Montana firefighter Dan Steffensen tried to outrun a 60 mile-an-hour wall of fire. But it overcame him, burning over 60% of his body. He should have died. The citizens of Red Lodge, Montana needed him and prayed for his life. Three more tragedies hit his hometime that "Summer of Hell". Through interviews and research, author A.J.Otjen tells this inspiring story of first responders, doctors, loved ones, his community, fellow firefighters, and Dan's own internal battle to live or die.

Genres: Nonfiction

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2024

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring and captivating story. None of us could fathom what Dan went through after be being burned over 60% of his body, but the writing does a great job illustrating how gruesome it was for Dan. I also like how grounded the story felt. Dan didn’t want to be a hero. He will always be a firefighter

[A.J.Otjen · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. The book is described as "a deeply moving exploration of the physical, mental and emotional life experiences" of Dan Steffensen, highlighting its emotional depth and comprehensive approach to storytelling.
2. Readers have praised the book for going beyond a technical recounting of events, instead providing an "intensely emotional example of the power of commitment, love and community."
3. The collaborative process between Otjen and Steffensen is highlighted as a strength, with their developing trust allowing for a more personal and engaging narrative.
4. The book is commended for balancing technical information on firefighting and burn recovery with personal stories and community impact.
5. One reviewer noted that the book effectively showcases how "first responders, doctors, and hundreds of good people stepped up to greatness" during Steffensen's recovery.
6. Some readers have mentioned that the book provides insights into the broader impact of Steffensen's experience on his community and fellow firefighters.
7. The book has been recognized for its ability to convey the harrowing nature of Steffensen's experience while also highlighting themes of resilience and recovery.

[Steve Maus · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Dan Steffensen is basically amazing. I'd never before learned about anyone who had been "burned over" - literally someone who was in a fire, and had the fire swept over them like that. Dan's life experience, his family, his involvement with the Red Lodge Fire Rescue, his highs and lows even before being burned over all make up an amazing story about an amazing person - someone who has experienced luck, and what he believes is providence, as well as working as hard as anything at his own recover.

Otjen writes in a very straight-forward, detail-orientated way. I didn't feel that the writing really flowed well, but it certainly felt like nothing was left out. I appreciated what might otherwise be called a "play-by-play" of the details of the story, one which sometimes feels like a simple list of "then this happened, and then this happened, and then this happened..." The quality of writing is why I gave this 3 stars instead of 4. But overall the writing style fit. After all, this wasn't a dramatic work of fiction or a very compelling novel - this was (and is) the story of a firefighter gave himself to the job, and who almost lost himself during the course of it.

Dan is "regular guy" - one of many who fill emergency response roles all around the country and world. The story of his heroism (both while serving the public, and also while later recovery from his extensive injuries) is well worth reading. Not only that, but Dan's story includes the story of the entire community, and the other tragic hardships that they endured together during that hellish Summer.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dan Steffensen has a very inspirational story. In 2021, he was burned over 60% of his body. Some say with these injuries he should have died. But he lived, and even returned to firefighting in Montana.

I've read other books that go into much more detail on the treatment of burn patients. This book did touch on that but didn't go into great detail about the treatment, nor how Dan dealt with it.

Many people participated in Dan's treatment and recovery--in some ways, there seems to be more about how it affected them than Dan's thoughts, feelings, emotions. (Then again, I'm a woman, so maybe what is related would resonate more with men.)

Despite the title, I still have only a vague idea what is meant by the term "burn over". I will admit when I first read the title, I was wondering if it had something to do with deploying a fire shelter after being trapped by fire. That's not the case--so that must be a different firefighting term. It might be helpful for readers to define that term (from a firefighting manual etc.) whether it be at the front of the book (as an epigraph type quote) or in the back of the book with other notes etc.

I received this e-book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers which asks for, but does not require, an honest review. Reviewing books won does increase chances of future wins from the program.

[Cheryle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Steffensen lived to fight fires. In 2021 was the summer of multiple tragedies for the Red Lodge, Montana area. A popular tourist attraction, the town was threatened by multiple fires throughout that summer. Dan Steffensen was called out to fight a fire when he and his fellow firefighter were caught by a strong thunderstorm with high damaging winds. Dan escaped the inferno by running alongside his firefighting truck. He was burned over 60% of his body and many times on the ambulance ride to the nearest hospital in Billings, Montana the EMT was not sure he would make it. Initial aid was rendered and he was then life-flighted to Salt Lake City, Utah for burn treatment. In constant pain Dan Steffensen defeated all expectations and was able to go home to Red Lodge just two months after being hospitalized following many surgeries for skin renewal and other lifesaving measures.
The people of Red Lodge rallied to support Dan during this ordeal of recovery. This book is a tribute to both Dan and his community.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This moving story chronicles the struggles of not only one firefighter's journey of recovery from severe burns but also the people of a small town in southern Montana. A.J. Otjen tells this story in a journalistic style. The story is researched thoroughly and conveys the emotions and courage of Dan, his co-workers and vast network of firefighters who supported him, as well as his friends and family. The story is also educational. I learned a lot about firefighting and the odds severely burned victims face in their recovery.

[Ricki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uplifting true story of a Montana firefighter who was caught by a wildfire and made his way back to firefighting.

[A.J. Otjen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winner of GOLD CIPA EVVY for Biography Memoir. 2025.