By Stacey Federoff
The tribune-Review
INDIANA BOROUGH, Pa. — Concentrated hydrogen peroxide that leaked from its container caused a fire in a home in Indiana Borough, according to a state police fire marshal.
Indiana fire Chief Paul Koons said firefighters went to a Washington Street home at about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday. The fire spread from a hallway closet to the basement and took about 10 minutes to extinguish, Koons said.
Four of the firefighters, including Koons, had chemical burns that had eaten holes through their gloves and uniform pants, he said. In all, 13 firefighters were exposed to the chemical.
“It basically turned white where it contacted me, like really, really dry skin. It burned like you were putting needles in your hands,” he said.
One firefighter used his cell phone to find the treatment for the burns, a thorough washing with water, which firefighters did at the scene and later at the fire station, Koons said.
Hydrogen peroxide, concentrated at 35 percent, typically is added to water and used as a disinfectant on produce and metal food containers.
Koons said diluted peroxide is used around the house, but in this case a crack developed in the plastic storage jug.
“It creates its own heat when it is released in the air,” he said.
The damaged gear will be replaced or repaired, Koons said. Each firefighter’s uniform costs about $2,000
The fire marshal ruled the blaze accidental.
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