Firefighter's Son Lifted to See Injured Dad Through Hospital Window

Heartwarming moment captured as Kansas volunteer firefighter recovers from Ranger Road fire injuries

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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A volunteer firefighter from Southwest Kansas is recovering in a Wichita hospital after suffering airway burns while responding to the Ranger Road fire. Due to infection concerns, his 10-year-old son Jae was unable to visit him in the burn unit until firefighters used an aerial bucket to lift the boy up so he could see his dad through a hospital window.

Why it matters

This story highlights the sacrifices made by volunteer firefighters and the emotional toll on their families when they are injured in the line of duty. The heartwarming moment of the son being lifted to see his father through the window has resonated across Kansas, demonstrating the power of community support during difficult times.

The details

Jaime Peralta, a volunteer firefighter from Englewood, Kansas, suffered airway burns on Tuesday while responding to the Ranger Road wildfire. He was first taken to Meade Hospital before being transferred to the burn unit at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita. Due to infection concerns, visits to the burn unit were limited, meaning Peralta's 10-year-old son Jae had not been able to see his father. On Thursday morning, the Wichita Fire Department's Truck 2 was used to lift Jae in an aerial bucket so he could see his dad through a hospital window, a moment that has captured hearts across the state.

  • On Tuesday, Jaime Peralta suffered injuries while responding to the Ranger Road fire.
  • Peralta was first transported to Meade Hospital and then transferred to the burn unit at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita.
  • On Thursday morning, firefighters used an aerial bucket to lift Peralta's 10-year-old son Jae so he could see his dad through a hospital window.

The players

Jaime Peralta

A volunteer firefighter from Englewood, Kansas who suffered airway burns while responding to the Ranger Road fire.

Kelly Peralta

The wife of Jaime Peralta, who said the drive to the hospital was one of the most frightening moments of her life.

Jae Peralta

The 10-year-old son of Jaime and Kelly Peralta, who was lifted in an aerial bucket to see his injured father through a hospital window.

Wichita Fire Department

The fire department that used Truck 2 to lift Jae Peralta in an aerial bucket so he could see his father in the hospital.

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What they’re saying

“The drive to the hospital was one of the most frightening moments of my life.”

— Kelly Peralta, Wife of Jaime Peralta

What’s next

Jaime Peralta remains in the burn unit at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita as he continues his recovery. The Wichita Fire Department's gesture to help the Peralta family has inspired an outpouring of community support for the volunteer firefighter and his family.

The takeaway

This story highlights the sacrifices made by volunteer firefighters and the emotional toll on their families when they are injured in the line of duty. The heartwarming moment of the son being lifted to see his father through the window has resonated across Kansas, demonstrating the power of community support during difficult times.