Update: Jay Leno suffers “serious” burns in car fire
Jay Leno “could have died in the fire that erupted in his Burbank garage—it was that serious—and we’ve learned it was a friend of his who may have saved his life,” reports TMZ.
“Jay tells TMZ from his hospital bed that he was working on his 1910 White Steam Car [below] in his famed garage this past Saturday, fixing a clogged fuel line. He says there was a fuel leak and gasoline sprayed on his face and hands. Almost simultaneously a spark triggered an explosion, setting the comedian on fire. Jay, who was rushed to a nearby burn center by ambulance, says he expects to be hospitalized for somewhere between 5 and 10 days.”
Leno said his “quick-thinking buddy Dave was right there and jumped on him, quickly smothering the flames. The left side of Jay’s face was badly burned … His hands were burned as well. He says he’s now dealing with third-degree burns and may need skin grafts. The burns did not damage his eyes or his ears.”
Steam cars use gasoline or kerosene to fuel the burner, which heats the boiler, to generates the steam needed to propel the car.
Leno is now in an L.A. burn center. He was in his Burbank garage in California where he stores his massive car collection when the fire happened. He was listed in stable condition as of this writing.
“I got some serious burns from a gasoline fire. I am OK,” reads a statement from Leno to Variety. “Just need a week or two to get back on my feet.”
He was taken to the burn ward at Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles where he remains. Grossman Burn Centers “are plastic surgery-based medical centers of excellence specializing in the comprehensive treatment of burns—from acute care and reconstruction, to rehabilitation and psychological counseling,” says the Center’s website.
TMZ says Leno has cancelled all his engagements for two weeks. He was supposed to appear at the Financial Brand Forum on Sunday at the Aria in Las Vegas, but organizers said there was a “very serious medical emergency” that prevented him from showing.
Leno, 72, is of course the standup comic who hosted the Tonight Show on NBC until he retired to pursue his car-collecting hobby full-time. His knowledge of automobiles and motorcycles is near-encyclopedic. (He also owns multiple steam cars besides the 1910 White.) He hosts Jay Leno’s Garage on CNBC, and a remake of Groucho Marx’s You Bet Your Life that is in syndication.
We’ll update the story as more information comes in. We wish our columnist and friend a speedy recovery.
Wishing you the best JL, hoping for your quick recovery from one crispy guy to another. Got mine from a carb backfire… It only hurts when you frown, so keep up your seemingly indomitable spirit, and cheering up others whom have had a similar titch of misfortune. Big fan! Mike Schulmeister
HI Jay, so sorry to hear about your injury and we hope you are back in the driver’s seat real soon.
I just saw Jay at the Hansem Dam ride about three weeks ago. He was pushing his Brough Superior sidecar bike. It’s amazing how quickly catastrophic events can happen. Get well soon. Hope to see you down the road.
Jay wish you a speedy recovery. Hope your wife doesn’t stop you from working on your cars. You have a way of finding humour in every situation. I can’t wait to hear the jokes that are coming from this experience. All the best keep on Rockin!
Hey Jay … lots of jokes could be made about your accident, but I’ll just wish you a speedy recovery and get back to cars. Saw your show recently when Donald appraised your 64 Dodge Polara for $150k. I fell off my genuine leather couch. My first car at sixteen was that same car with the 426 street wedge and factory four speed. I sold my horse and my FFA steer project and paid $800 bucks for it. I still dream its in my garage.
Jay, hoping for a quick recovery….that is why every White Steam car came with a jar of “Indian Chief, Bear Salve” for treating minor burns.
I really enjoy your articles in the magazine. I feel like you are authentic, talented and resilient. Best wishes for you to be able to put his event out of sight in the rear view mirror. I think the same mishap happened to Richard Pryor, but his publicist didn’t want him associated with steam cars.
Hi Jay, I am an old and a retired LEO. I am also a 3rd degree facial burn patient and an avid car enthusiast. I currently have a 70 Impala w/31K actual non rolled over miles. I would be honored to tour your garage when you are well. Get well soon.
Jay. You are one of the greatest car guys out there. As a comedian that goes double. I have never Heard you say a negative thought about anybody.
I know you will get back on the Horse. My mom’s old saying.
Edd
I wish you a speedy recovery. Your in good medical hands & the greatest hands of the lord jesus !
Hope you have a speedy recovery.
Hang Loose! and Aloha!
Stertil-Koni Hawaii
As a Corvair owner and car enthusiast I think of Jay Leno and Tim Allen every time I see them in the garage working on the Corvair Spider on “Last Man Standing”.
Jay, as a child, I was burned badly from boiling water and fully recovered. I know the pain and suffering you are experiencing. My thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy and full recovery.
“what doesn’t kill us, only makes us stronger”. Get back on the horse, and keep “wrenchiin’”. Get well soon Jay!
Prayers for a speedy and complete recovery Jay.
I’m so sorry that this happened to you! I will be praying for a speedy recovery for you and look forward to seeing you back with cars and other Gearheads soon!