Jay Leno Claims to Have Sustained “Serious Burns” From Being a Part of a Gasoline Fire: ‘I Am OK’

According to a representative at the Grossman Burn Center, Leno is undergoing treatment “for burns that he got to his face and hands” as a result of the garage fire and is in “stable condition.”

Leno, 72, said in a statement provided to PEOPLE on Monday that he is making a full recovery despite suffering “severe burns” in a recent fire.

He issued a statement saying, “I got some bad burns from a gasoline fire.” “I am ok. I only need a week or two to recover.”

The event happened on Saturday about 12:30 p.m., the Burbank Fire Department stated in a news release that PEOPLE obtained. Following their arrival, according to BFD authorities, they “examined and treated one adult male patient” before bringing him to “a nearby emergency department.”

Leno’s employee, George Swift, told Access Hollywood that Leno was sprayed by gas that caught fire while working on a steam car, though the precise circumstances are still unknown.

Leno reportedly cancelled a recent appearance for The Financial Brand Forum 2022 on Sunday in Las Vegas, according to a previous report from PEOPLE. It was announced during the event’s news blast that comedian Frank Caliendo would replace him via email.

The email said, “There was a very critical medical situation that is preventing Jay from travelling, but his family was not able to provide us with many many specifics.” “All we know is he is alive, so tonight our prayers are with him and his family,” someone said.

Just hours after the incident, Leno cancelled his scheduled gig at Flappers in Burbank, according to a spokesman for PEOPLE.

Leno previously struggled with his health. In a 2019 video, he most recently spoke candidly about being diagnosed with high cholesterol.

At the time, he stated, “We really want people to see the connection because many people are unaware that high cholesterol — and if you’ve had a heart attack or stroke, you’re increasing your risk for another one.” It may not completely destroy the house, but it weakens the structure, just like an earthquake.

Leno went on: “There are many individuals who are walking time bombs in public. You don’t know you have that much cholesterol until it truly affects you, you know? Like in a car, if even a small particle of dirt enters the jet’s needle eye, there will be an instantaneous explosion and no more gas will flow. And your heart experiences it in the same way.”

The former Tonight Show host was taking medicine and utilising a portable EKG instrument to track heart rhythm and spot abnormal heartbeats in an effort to manage the health issue. He was also trying to quit smoking and drinking.

Prior to that, Leno was admitted to the hospital in 2009 for an unspecified ailment. Later, he told PEOPLE that he had sought help for tiredness.

“That sounds like the state of a wealthy person. People in poverty who labour don’t tyre easily. Only wealthy folks become worn out. It’s a humiliating situation “said he.

He said, “I believe I just got worn out. “Three columns are mine. I regularly contribute to Popular Mechanics, the London Sunday Times, and a British publication called Octane. I work on everything automotive. After that, I perform stand-up comedy for 160 days while traveling. I believe it was one of those transactions where you simply became exhausted.”