Pennsylvania Firefighters Suffer Chemical Burns

Three volunteer firefighters were treated in Reading Hospital for chemical burns Thursday after a container of industrial-grade hydrogen peroxide spilled on them while they crawled in the bedroom of a smoke-filled house in Laureldale, officials said.

Firefighter Joe Stoudt of Temple Fire Company and firefighters Mark Lisa and Nick Dreibelbis, both of Goodwill Fire Company, were treated in Reading Hospital, officials said.

The fire started about 12:25 a.m. in the house at 2001 Elizabeth Ave., which is owned by Michael and Virginia Erb, who called 9-1-1 and were out of the house when firefighters arrived, said Chief David L. Feltenberger of Central Fire Company of Laureldale.

According to Feltenberger, the couple got out safely with one of their three dogs after being alerted by the dogs' barking and smoke alarms in the living room.

Two of the dogs died in the fire, including one that was locked in a crate in the living room.

The firefighters had to crawl in the smoke-filled bedroom on the second floor as they tried to get a hose to the area.

One of the firefighters bumped the container of hydrogen peroxide, which then spilled.

Because firefighters wear protective gear, Feltenberger was unsure how the men came in contact with the chemical.

"But they did -- and it gave them burns on their hands," he said.

Feltenberger said the hydrogen peroxide was industrial strength and was in a 5-gallon container and a 1-gallon container. The smaller container was knocked over. Michael Erb told officials that the peroxide was used for cancer treatment. The fire was under control in about 30 minutes. The cause was likely a short circuit in an electrical outlet near the television, Feltenberger said.

Fire crews contained the fire to the living room, but damage from smoke, fire and water is about $100,000, he said. The couple were staying temporarily with relatives while repairs are made.