A former Barrie man is in critical condition in an Alberta hospital after suffering extensive burns while trying to extinguish a fire three weeks ago at the waste management facility where he works.

Brandon Lethbridge, 28, grew up in Barrie before moving to Leduc, Alta., in 2013.

“He is currently in a specialized burn unit at one of the best hospitals in Alberta,” his older sister, Amber Lethbridge, 32, told BarrieToday on Friday.

She says her brother has burns covering 65 per cent of his body.

“He has currently undergone two very important surgeries, and is being closely monitored day and night,” Amber added.

On May 3, Brandon was called in to work in Leduc on his only day off to help contain a fire at the garbage dump.

“He kissed his boys and wife goodbye and didn't return home that evening,” Amber said.

“It’s important to note that he is not a firefighter, however he ended up in an extremely unsafe position while operating a piece of heavy machinery,” she added.

Amber says when her brother exited the machine he was in and fled through the fire he was trying to contain, he suffered severe burns across his body.

“We do not have any set dates for Brandon's return home, as his injuries are extensive,” she said.

Once he has completed all the surgeries he needs, which is yet to be determined, Brandon will require a “structured and intense” amount of physical therapy.

“His life has been forever changed, (and) he will face a lifetime of recovery,” Amber said.

Brandon, his wife Kiera and two sons have received an outpouring of love and support during this difficult time, she added.

Immediate family and close friends have come together to help support not only his wife and kids, but also Brandon's mother, father and three sisters.

“He has a beautiful wife, Kiera, and two boys, Braxton and Bensyn,” Amber said.

Brandon has several family members living in the Barrie area, including a set of grandparents, a sister and two uncles.

Brandon was born in Barrie in 1996 and attended The Good Shepherd Catholic School in the city’s north end on Cloughley Drive. He also attended Innisdale Secondary School, where he played football.

“He grew up at (both) Sunset and Barrie speedways. Stock car racing and cars in general have been a big hobby for him,” Amber said. “He also spent a few years go-karting at Innisfil Indy Karting.”

A GoFundMe campaign is underway, which has already raised more than $28,000 for Brandon and his family.

“The funds are to help his wife and sons with food, household expenses such as gas, electricity, water bills, mortgage payments, cellphone payments and necessities for his boys,” Amber said.

“It is crucial to make sure his wife Kiera can solely focus on Brandon and her boys. Brandon is the sole breadwinner of the household, so you can only imagine how much these funds will help during this time, and years to follow,” she added.