BURNED FIREFIGHTER'S CONDITION WORSENS; DOCTORS PERFORM SURGERY.

Byline: Stacy Finz Daily News Staff Writer

Glendale firefighter William Jensen, who was severely burned in the Calabasas-Malibu fire last month, slipped into critical condition Monday and was rushed to surgery as doctors tried to halt the spread of bacteria in his bloodstream.

Jensen, 52, was taken to surgery Monday morning - a day earlier than scheduled - after showing symptoms Sunday of sepsis, according to officials at the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital and Health Center.

The toxic condition results from the spread of bacteria from the decaying tissues through the bloodstream.

``This is not uncommon,'' said Larry Weinberg, a burn center spokesman. ``But by no means does it mean he can't recover.''

Until Sunday, Jensen's condition had shown some improvement.

Jensen's wife, Sue, his two sons, their wives and his three grandchildren were at the hospital Monday. They were joined by many of the firefighters who have maintained a vigil at the hospital.

``They informed us there would be ups and downs along the road, so it didn't come as a surprise to anyone'' when Jensen's condition changed, said Chris Gray, assistant chief for the Glendale Fire Department.

Jensen's family, he said, remains hopeful.

``He has a tremendous family,'' Gray said. ``They are doing the best they can under the circumstances. They are close and strong. And the support and outpouring from the community has overwhelmed them.''

``Several burn survivors have come in and cheered the family on,'' he said.

Glendale fire chaplain the Rev. Gary Ruff has been conducting prayers for Jensen at the Calvary Chapel of the Foothills, said the Rev. Frank Lowe, an assistant minister at the church.

Jensen suffered second- and third-degree burns over 70 percent of his body when a group of firefighters was overrun on a Malibu canyon road. One firefighter injured in the firestorm likened the event to being caught in the afterburner of a jet fighter.

Of the four firefighters involved, Jensen's injuries were the worst.

During Monday's two-hour surgery, the fifth Jensen has undergone, doctors cut away dead tissue from his back, buttocks and shoulder that was the source of the bacteria, Weinberg said.

Doctors covered the areas where tissue was taken from his body with cadaver skin. Previous skin grafts on the firefighter had been successful, according to Weinberg.

Following surgery, Jensen remained hooked to a respirator that assisted his breathing during the procedure.