$35,000 in gear ruined in fighting Irwin fire

A fire that destroyed an Irwin house in June also cost the Irwin fire department more than $35,000 in damaged equipment, an Irwin fire official said.

Irwin Councilman Shawn Stitely, who is the deputy fire chief in Irwin Volunteer Fire Department, told council last week that the fire department lost more than $35,000 worth of equipment in battling the blaze on June 21 that destroyed the house at 535 Carroll Drive.

Radios, masks, boots and other fire gear were damaged in the fire, Stitely said.

The borough turned in the claim to its insurer, said Shari Martino, borough manager. The insurance will pay all of the cost of the damages, with the exception of a $1,000 deductible.

Stitely showed fellow members of council and the audience a mask with a face shield that was partially melted in an area that would protect a firefighter’s eyes.

With the heat as intense as it was from the fire, “this is what could happen in a minute,” Stitely said.

“It could have turned out much, much worse,” Stitely said. “When it gets that hot, stuff can go bad really quickly,” Stitely said.

The house will be demolished, Martino said.