Selma firefighter on the Detwiler Fire injured in vehicle crash

MARIPOSA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Selma Fire Chief Michael Kaine expressed his gratitude to the public at a news conference at the Incident Command Post in Merced.

"First of all let me say I am absolutely overwhelmed by the response from not only the public from the city of Selma, but throughout California with their prayers and thoughts for our injured firefighter."

Captain Jeremy Owens was a passenger in the Selma fire truck. He was thrown from the vehicle when it hit a tree stump and went off of Highway 140 near Mt. Bullion Ridge Road. He was treated at the scene, and then air lifted to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno.

Chief Kaine rushed to the hospital and discovered Ownes was not as badly hurt as first thought.

"I spoke with him, he was in good spirits, he has minor injuries."

After being treated at the hospital, Owens was taken home to recover.

Fire Incident Commander Todd Durhan said this accident is a reminder of the many dangers of a firefighter's job.

"This is just another reminder of when we have nearly 4,000 people brought to your community to fight a fire and protect your community, there are other hazards associated with that."

But so far, Owens is the only firefighter requiring medical attention in battling the Detwiler Fire.