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A close friend and former boss of critically injured fireman Merv Neil says grave fears are held for the firefighter's life.
And if he survives, he fears his mate may require lifelong support to cope with his injuries.
Mr Neil, 43, was among the six Hamilton firefighters who were seriously injured when battling a blaze at a coolstore in Tamahere on Saturday.
Lying in Middlemore Hospital's intensive care unit with burns to 70 per cent of his body, his condition was last night described as serious but stable.
But his friend of many years and former station boss Peter Lee said he was not out of the woods.
Speaking to a gathering of about 120 people at a service for the firefighter who died, Derek Lovell, and his injured colleagues at St Stephen's Anglican Church in Tamahere last night, Mr Lee tearfully described his close friend's condition.
"The last report from Middlemore Hospital is he's a bloody mess," said Mr Lee. "And if he survives he will require support for the rest of his life."
Mr Lee, who is the deputy mayor of Waipa District Council and was a senior firefighter in Hamilton for about 30 years, said he had also visited his other close friend, Dennis Wells.
"He had no hair, his face was burned but he wasn't disfigured," he said. "His face was swollen badly from infection and he had two small slits where he could see through.
"He said 'Peter, I'm the lucky one' ... it was a very sad, emotional scene."
Hamilton fire brigade station officer Spencer Brockbank said the injured men in Waikato Hospital were in high spirits and had a more optimistic appraisal of Mr Neil's condition.
"We're pleased with his progress, he's coming on quite well," said Mr Brockbank.
All of his wounded colleagues had been moved into general wards, with the last, David Beanland, out of intensive care yesterday afternoon.
"Everyone is in high spirits, all of them, including when they were in intensive care.
"Their recovery changes from day to day, which is good," he said.
Hamilton fire brigade station officer Dave O'Donnell said Mr Lovell's funeral service would be held on Friday afternoon at the Te Rapa racecourse.
