Jay Leno is perhaps known by most as a longtime TV personality and is one of the world’s most prominent car collectors. His Big Dog Garage in Burnbank, California, is full of just about every make and model from just about every time period. Recently, the 72-year-old Leno was taking time to work on his beloved collection when things went awry, and he suffered significant burns to the left side of his face. Leno was recently released from the Grossman Burn Center he was taken to, and his burns are definitely noticeable.
Jay Leno Burn Incident: Details
According to NBC Los Angeles, Leno was at the Grossman Burn Center for 10 days and will receive follow-up care for burns to his face, chest, and hands. Dr. Peter Grossman made a statement that revealed that he’s optimistic about the 72-year-old making a full recovery. Leno’s doctors also stated last week that he should make a full recovery from the burn injuries sustained while working on his 1907 White Steam Car. A 115-year-old automobile that produces 30 horsepower. These steam engines were popular with early locomotives and are otherwise known as “external combustion engines.”
While steam engines are stereotypically known for burning coal, the 1907 White Steam Car uses either kerosene or gasoline to heat the water in the boiler. As the story goes, Leno was working to unclog a fuel line on his 115-year-old car when it sprayed fuel that was ignited by a spark. This thermal event is what burned Leno, sending him to the hospital and canceling his upcoming appearances.
Leno was initially taken to Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank but was ultimately transferred to the Grossman Burn Center. He underwent a grafting surgery, and Grossman said last week that a second procedure was scheduled for later that week. He has also been undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, designed to stimulate oxygen circulation in the bloodstream to hasten the healing process. The burns were described by Grossman as “deep second-degree burns,” though some areas may be third-degree burns. Luckily, with a bit of a break, Grossman stated that Leno should be back to work soon.