A man using a blowtorch to thaw water pipes caused several thousand dollars worth of damage to his Irwin home Monday, according to firefighters.
The blaze at the Ronald McGrew residence at 621 Chestnut St. was quickly contained by firefighters, according to Irwin fire Chief Keith Gray.
"We were able to contain it to a portion of the first floor and wall, where it spread," Gray said.
Gray said the residents were attempting to thaw their pipes shortly before 1 p.m. when the fire started. He said borough police were the first to arrive and used portable fire extinguishers on the blaze until firefighters arrived.
"It had gotten up into the walls at that point and was going pretty good. We were fortunate to knock it down as quick as we did," Gray said.
No injuries were reported.
Gray said there were no problems with frozen hydrants, hoses or water pipes despite temperatures in the teens. The borough public works department had to spread salt along the street to prevent ice buildup from leaking hose connections.
He said the American Red Cross was finding temporary shelter for the family for the night while the damage is assessed.
"We were able to save the house," he said.
