Hopewell Township Home Burns

On December 19, 1987 at 8:10 a.m. a 51 box was alerted for a fire in a dwelling on Rt. 696, 1-1/2 miles north of Newburg in Hopewell Township. A gas light overturned and started a fire in the first floor kitchen and quickly spread to the second floor. Approximately 50 firefighters from five companies had the fire under control in 30 minutes but not before it destroyed the kitchen and second floor bedroom. The entire house suffered smoke damage. Firefighters shuttled water from a creek one half mile away. Damages were estimated at $30,000 to $40,000. Firefighters remained on the scene until after 10:00 a.m. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene. Shippensburg firefighters also answered two other structure boxes and a transfer for the day.