Navy Dad Severely Burned Saving Toddler in House Fire | NBC San Diego

A Navy father is hospitalized with severe burns after shielding his 2-year-old son from a house fire that destroyed their Mount Hope home on Carlos Street in San Diego, California, on Sunday. Ricky Dehnz remains on a ventilator with second- and third-degree burns covering more than half of his body, according to his wife, Shaliah Dehnz, who spoke exclusively with NBC7.

The fire erupted in the family’s duplex, quickly filling the home with flames and thick black smoke. Shaliah Dehnz recounted the harrowing escape, describing how visibility was immediately compromised as they descended the stairs. “When we went downstairs, we couldn’t see anything,” she said. “I didn’t see where he was going because I thought we were together,” she continued, explaining she was calling for her husband as they attempted to flee.

According to reports, Ricky Dehnz acted instinctively to protect his son, Ricky Jr., from the intense heat and flames. “He did shield our baby. Most of the burns he did sustain were on his back and his arms,” Shaliah Dehnz said. Their 2-year-old son sustained burns to his face, hands, and stomach but is expected to make a full recovery. The family’s two pets perished in the blaze.

The fire has left the Dehnz family displaced and grappling with the loss of their home and belongings. “This was supposed to be our home. We fell in love with it where we pictured we would raise our son,” Shaliah Dehnz said. She described the uncertainty surrounding her husband’s recovery, stating, “I miss my husband. I just want him to get better.”

Both Ricky and Shaliah Dehnz are Navy engineers, and their families reside outside the San Diego area, leaving Shaliah to navigate the challenges of recovery and rebuilding largely on her own. “I just want to find a home, find a safe space for my son and place for my husband to heal up. I’m trying to do my best,” she said.

Fire officials are investigating the cause of the fire, and preliminary findings suggest an explosion involving the battery of an electric bike may have been the source. According to 10News, the battery exploded in the kitchen. However, the official cause remains undetermined.

A San Diego firefighter’s helmet cam footage captured the moment a child was located during the response, as shared on NBC San Diego’s Facebook page. The firefighter can be heard saying, “Hey, I’ve got one,” after finding a child trapped in the burning home.