Colleagues and friends of a New York City firefighter from Rockland County who was injured while responding to this week's massive car fire in the Bronx were breathing easier Friday after learning more about his condition.

Firefighter Dan Hanlon, of New City, is recovering from second-degree burns on his face from when he responded to the car blast Tuesday in Longwood.

Investigators said someone flicked a lit cigarette, causing a trash fire, which then spread to a car which exploded a short time later.

Hanlon just graduated from the FDNY academy last month.

He also still volunteers with the New City Ambulance Corps.

Ambulance Corps EMT Binnie Baumgarten often rides with Hanlon on EMS calls.

He found out Tuesday morning that Hanlon is going to fully recover.

"I didn't find out exactly what happened until I started seeing people [talking] online about it," Baumgarten said.

Hanlon's colleagues at the ambulance corps admire him not just for moving up the ranks of first responders but also because he still chooses to help out his hometown as a volunteer.

Baumgarten said ambulance corps leaders have been checking in on Hanlon.

"They've been speaking with him and stuff like that," Baumgarten said, "making sure he's OK and obviously giving him whatever he needs to get better."

A family member told News 12 Hanlon has been released from the hospital and has an upcoming appointment to determine whether he will need skin grafts.

Baumgarten looks forward to riding with Hanlon again.

"He's a very strong guy," Baumgarten said. "He wants to just get back out there, help the community and everything like that."