What happens when a veteran firefighter walks into a wall of fire and lives to tell about it? You get a story that redefines courage, resilience, and the true meaning of second chances.
In this gripping episode of the Second Chance Podcast, I sit down with Dan Steffensen, a Montana firefighter who survived a catastrophic wildfire, and A.J. Otjen, the award-winning author who brought his story to life. Together, they’ve crafted a tale that doesn’t just belong in firehouses—it belongs on every bookshelf.
🚒 Dan’s Story: A Fire That Changed Everything
Dan’s firefighting career began at 58—a time when most people are slowing down, not stepping into flames. But after a lifetime in business and even a stint as a skydiver, Dan knew one thing for sure: he wanted to serve. That calling led him straight into the wildland fire that nearly ended his life.
On July 16, 2021, a seemingly routine fire exploded into an inferno, trapping Dan in a flashover of 70-foot flames. What followed was a fight for survival, an airlift to a burn center, and months of recovery. He lost over 60% of his skin to third-degree burns and endured skin grafts, PTSD, and rehab—only to return stronger, with a mission to mentor other burn survivors.
📖 The Book: “When the Flames Come, I Hope They Eat Me Last”
Written by A.J. Otjen, this raw, unforgettable memoir earned recognition from the Library of Congress in 2023. The book doesn’t just recount Dan’s physical injuries—it captures the mental, emotional, and spiritual transformation that followed.
A.J.’s writing gives voice to the firefighters, the nurses, the families, and the quiet moments no one sees. It’s not just a firefighter’s story. It’s everyone’s story who’s ever faced down something they weren’t sure they could survive.
🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why Dan chose fire service after retiring from business
- How a misjudged wind shift led to a near-fatal flashover
- The reality of recovery from severe burns and trauma
- Why storytelling can be a life-saving tool
- The role of community, mentorship, and hope in healing
💬 One Powerful Quote from Dan:
“We gain character through risk. And I’ve always been willing to take that risk if it meant making a difference.”
📚 Grab the Book:
Burned Over!: The Survival of Montana Firefighter Dan Steffensen
Don’t wait—this is more than a firefighter story. It’s a human story, and it’s one you won’t forget.
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode:
