LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — A volunteer fire department recently explained why a man, who was dressed in a T-shirt, shorts and tennis shoes, was helping during a large fire last weekend. They did not explain why he was allowed to do so without full PPE.

Lake Placid News reported that the major structure fire consumed one downtown building and damaged another. The building was described as a total loss.

Firefighters with the Lake Placid (N.Y.) Volunteer Fire Department used aerials to spray the roofs of the buildings and fire departments from other towns helped as well. However, when a series of photos were published of firefighters during the blaze, one man undoubtedly caught the attention of many.

Photo courtesy Twitter @BradenFrame

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Fire officials said the man, dressed in plain clothes with an SCBA, is not a member of the volunteer department. He was a visiting firefighter in town for the Ironman race. Another career firefighter, also in plain clothes and in town to run the race, helped out at the fire.

An Ironman was scheduled the next day and officials said it would go on as scheduled, despite the fire.

On Facebook, the Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department issued this statement:

"The individual in those pictures is not a member of our department or mutual aid department responding to assist. He is a professional member of another fire department who was in town as a visitor, visiting our community during one of the busiest weekends of the year. That being said, we think it is important to point out that this firefighter felt the need to jump into action, seeing the incident unfold, as most firefighters, paid or volunteer, would feel the need to do … although we do not condone anyone entering an incident without proper PPE, we truly appreciate any and all assistance provided by this individual."