Conversations with Rich Bennett Newsletter

A.J. Otjen Explores Red Lodge’s Summer Of Hell, And Hope

Published on August 18, 2025

Since this episode was recorded, it is with great sadness that I found out that Dan Steffensen passed away on July 26, 2025. Obituary information for Dan Steffensen

Award-winning author and professor A.J. Otjen joins Rich to unpack “Burned Over,” the true story of Montana firefighter Dan Steffensen, who survived a 60-foot wall of fire and an agonizing road to recovery. They explore Red Lodge’s “summer of hell,” the honor guard, the nurses and burn survivors who rallied behind Dan, and the hard-won lessons about asking for help, resilience, and community. It’s a raw, human look at survival—and why first responders deserve our deepest respect.

Guest Bio:

A.J. Otjen is a professor at Montana State University and an award-winning author. In addition to “Burned Over,” she has written research-driven children’s books centered on Crow history and artists (one recognized by the Library of Congress), and previously penned a Billings Gazette column on courage, ethics, and social issues. Her narrative work blends meticulous research with deeply human storytelling.

Main Topics:

· The day a 60-foot wall of fire overtook firefighter Dan Steffensen and the “walking wounded” reality of severe burns.

· How A.J. met Dan through a student campaign for firefighter PPE and spent 2.5 years recording interviews to tell his story.

· Red Lodge’s “summer of hell”: major wildfire, a missing climber, the loss of a local firefighter—and the town’s collective resolve.

· The honor guard, EMTs, burn-unit nurses, and family who stood watch and fought for Dan’s life.

· Burn recovery realities: grafts, coma, learning to walk and even swallow again; the emotional toll and therapy.

· Lessons from burn-survivor peers; Dan’s shift from “I’m fine” to accepting help.

· Dan’s 2023 comeback—passing the firefighter Pack Test and returning to the line—followed by a later small-cell lung cancer diagnosis.

· Why A.J. wrote a human story (not just a “fire book”): love, community, and telling the truth, even when it’s hard.

· A call to support local, mostly volunteer, fire departments with donations and needed items.

Resources mentioned:

· A.J’s Website: https://ajotjen.com/