Two Alarm Fire At Central Junior High, Chambersburg

On January 31, 1980 at 3:00 a.m. firefighters were alerted to a building fire at Central Junior High School, 263 East Queen Street, Chambersburg. When firefighters arrived heavy smoke was showing from the first floor and a second alarm was transmitted because of the age and size of the building. A cardboard box containing combustible materials stored to close to a heat pipe caused the fire that did $15,000 in damage to the school. The fire was contained to the first floor graphic arts room and a library-learning center on the second floor. Five area fire companies battled the blaze. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene.

Electrical Short Causes Kitchen Fire

On January 30, 1977 at 4:34 p.m. units were dispatched to a house fire along TR 891, Newville RD 1, North Newton Township. A short in an electrical cord sparked a fire that caused extensive damage to the kitchen of an occupied house. Firefighters from three companies had the blaze under control in 15 minutes. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene.

C. V. Hose Takes Possession Of 1937 Ward LaFrance

On January 29, 1937 shortly after noon the Cumberland Valley Hose Company took delivery of their new Ward LaFrance engine. The engine was painted with a tan body and brown fenders. The rig was purchased by borough of Shippensburg for a contract price of $6,291.60 and was to be delivered months earlier but a delay occurred when the General Motors strike held up delivery of parts to the Elmira plant.

Airport Road House Damaged By Fire

On January 28, 1976 at 11:16 a.m. firefighters responded to a house fire on the Airport Road just outside of Cleversburg at the Bessie Coy residence (for the old timers they will remember Bessie and her weekly column in the News Chronicle). A fire of undetermined origin started in the kitchen of the two and a half story frame house and spread quickly. Firefighters worked for almost an hour to control the blaze and remained on the scene until after 3:15 p.m. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene. At 4:40 a.m. the next morning the Viggies and WEFR returned for a rekindle in the roof of the house.

Today's post is a day late because I was out of town, yesterday's and today's have both been added, check the date at the beginning of the paragraph.

Hick’s Chevrolet Greencastle Damaged in Morning Fire

On January 27, 1963 at 9:30 a.m. a car salesman for Hick’s Chevrolet, Greencastle noticed a fire in the building and alerted firemen. The blaze began in the paint shop and destroyed the 250 by 60 foot structure and 16 cars including five 1963 models, two school buses and six trucks. Firefighters from 10 companies battled the fire for hours in blowing snow before gaining control. Damages were estimated at $200,000. The Vigilant Hose Company was dispatched to respond with a tank truck at 10:15 a.m. and did not return until 1:00 p.m. The West End Fire and Rescue Company transferred two rigs to the Franklin Fire Station in Chambersburg at 10:00 a.m. one returning at noon and the other after 3 p.m. On the return trip to Shippensburg the WEFR engine came across a crash at Greenvillage.

Fire Damages Fayetteville Home

On January 26, 1998 at 10:36 p.m. Franklin County 911 alerted the 7 box for a house fire at 358 West Main Street, Fayetteville. A fire of undetermined origin caused extensive damage to an occupied house. One firefighter was injured battling the blaze and transported to Chambersburg Hospital with a leg injury. A damage estimate was not available. Firefighters returned the next morning for a rekindle. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene.

Elkwood Fire Company Of New Cumberland Gutted By Fire

On January 25, 1940 at 4:00 a.m. a member returning home from work discovered fire in the Elkwood Fire Company No. 2. Along with a former assistant chief they were able to locate the siren button but only two blasts sounded before the wires were burnt through. Fireman Charles Winters entered a side door and drove the company’s new 1939 Ward LaFrance engine through the bay doors with the hose bed ablaze. The engine was driven to the nearest hydrant where it laid a line back to the firehouse to assist in battling the fire. The blaze destroyed the building along with the company’s 1923 Reo combination engine. A cause was never determined and damages were estimated at $15,000.

The firehouse was rebuilt and still stands today. The Ward is now owned by Bradley Myers and is still original. While stripping the paint from the hose bed, the wood was found to be burnt all along the tailboard. The top photograph shows the Ward after it was used to fight the fire, the second photo is the Ward in Dauphin county where it was stored under a tarp for several years and the last photo is the engine in 2005 after spending a couple of years working on it. The plans are to have the engine repainted and striped, possibly this year.

There has been numerous working incidents in and around Shippensburg on this date, but I would like to start adding more Cumberland and Franklin history to the site.

Cumberland County Fire Police Form

On January 24, 1950 a group of men met at the Empire Hook and Ladder Company, Carlisle and formed the Cumberland County Fire Police Association. The stated purpose of the meeting was to create an atmosphere of good will and cooperation between the fire police of the county. The organization was to join the state police association on February 18. Dana Porter of Shippensburg was elected president of the newly formed organization.

Barn Fire Kills 50,000 Chickens

On January 23 1997 at 4:12 a.m. firefighters were alerted for a barn fire at 1849 Letterkenny Road, Hamilton Township. When firefighters arrived on the scene heavy smoke was showing from a 40 by 450 foot chicken barn. Firefighters were pulled from the building about 10 minutes later when flames burst through the roof. Firefighters from nine companies battled the blaze finally bringing it under control in about three hours. An overheated light fixture was believed to have started the fire that killed 50,000 chickens and caused $475,000 to $550,000 in damage. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene.

This is the Vigilant Hose Company patch that is presently used. Without checking my records I could not tell you exactly when they started using it but it was in the early 1980's.

Niagara Hook And Ladder Elects Officers

On January 22, 1859 the Niagara Hook and Ladder Company met in the Council House (Vigilant Fire Company building) to organize and elect officers. Those elected were Wm. McLean, President; George F. Cain, Vice-President; D. B. Stevick, Secreatary; H. R. Ruby, Treasurer and Samual Speese and Israel Hykes, Directors.

Garage Gutted On Victory Avenue

On January 21, 1966 in the afternoon hours Shippensburg firemen were alerted to a garage fire on Victory Avenue, between N. Washington and N. Queen Streets. The Vigilant arrived quickly and summoned help from the other two Shippensburg departments. The fire of undetermined origin gutted the large frame garage type shed and extended to the roof of another before being controlled by firemen. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze.

Keith Hess Dies In The Line Of Duty

On January 20, 2003 at 3:05 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to a house fire at 246 Hotel Road, Blairs Mill Franklin County. A fire caused by an electrical malfunction in a first floor living room outlet destroyed a large two and a half-story frame house. At approximately 5 p.m. while firefighters were performing overhaul the second floor collapsed causing Keith Hess to be trapped under the rubble. Firefighters were able to free Keith but he succumbed to his injuries. Keith, 22 years old worked as a paid firefighter for the Fannett Metal Fire Company and was a Lieutenant with the West End Fire and Rescue Company. Two firefighters from the CV Hose Company were also injured in the collapse. Firefighters from 11 companies battled the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. Firefighters returned to the scene two more times over the night for rekindles. The West End Fire and Rescue and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene. Keith was laid to rest on January 25 with full fire department honors.

Apple Avenue Family Homeless

On January 19, 1964 at 3:15 a.m. firemen were dispatched to a house fire at North Apple Avenue. When firemen arrived the back of the one and a half story wood frame house was ablaze. Quick action by firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading. An oil fired cook stove used to keep the pipes from freezing overflowed causing the fire. Damages were estimated at $5,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Three Stables Damaged In Incendiary Fire

On January 18, 1859 at 10:30 p.m. the cry of fire rang out over Shippensburg, firemen quickly raced towards West King Street with their hand drawn apparatus in tow. Upon their arrival three stables were found to be ablaze. Streams were quickly brought into play on the fire but the fire had so much headway all they could do was to protect the exposures. The fire was determined to be arson and destroyed the three stables along with their contents and two cows. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Fire and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm. This was the first recorded fire alarm for the newly formed Cumberland Valley Fire Company.

Fire At Main Hall, Wilson College

On January 17, 1925 at a college employee discovered a fire in the basement of the Main Hall at Wilson College, Chambersburg. He reported the fire to painters working in the building, upon an investigation by them Box 125 at Philadelphia and College Avenues was hooked at 9:25 a.m. When firemen arrived clouds of yellow smoke were pouring from the basement windows. The thick smoke hindered the firemen in locating the seat of the fire and caused seven firemen to be overcome by smoke, all were taken to the infirmary and released the next day. All the apparatus of the Chambersburg Fire Department responded to the fire including the Good Will steamer, out of service for the past three years. Firemen worked for over one and a half hours before gaining control of the blaze. The fire caused extensive damage to the basement of the three-story building. The upper floors suffered smoke and water damage. The cause of the fire remained undetermined and damages were estimated at $5,000 to $10,000. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company’s ALF pumper was called to assist at the scene.

At 11:05 a.m. a rumor reached the fire ground of another fire in Chambersburg and hose was quickly picked up and the apparatus along with the CV pumper headed back into the center of town. Once there it was found that the alarm was false.


This is the first patch I can remember the CV's wearing on their uniforms, I do not know what year the began using it but I used it when I joined there in 1977.

Fire Causes Heavy Damage To Stake’s Garage

On January 16, 1978 at 10:18 a.m. local firefighters were alerted for a building fire at Stake’s Garage, Orrstown. An accidental fire started under one of the cars being worked on and spread rapidly. By the time firefighters from five companies were able to control it the 35 X 50 foot concrete building and two cars were destroyed. The owner was treated by the Pleasant Hall ambulance on the scene for burns to the hands and five firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation, burns and cuts. A damage estimate was not available. The West End Fire and Rescue and Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

New Air Wagon In Service

January 15, 1981 the Cumberland Valley Hose Company placed into service a 1980 Chevrolet step van known as Air Wagon 53. The $23,000 unit was delivered March 1980. In the past nine months eight 6,000-psi cylinders, radios and lights were installed to make the unit ready for service. The Air Wagon is capable of filling 100 to 120 scba cylinders. On January 18, 1981 the unit responded to its first call on Britton Road for a house fire.

Fire Destroys High School

On January 14, 1903 around 5 a.m. Janitor B. F. Prestcott went to the main public school building to attend to the four furnaces in the basement. Everything appeared all right and the janitor headed to the Educational Hall next door to attend to their furnaces. It was then that he was alerted to smoke and flames coming from the basement of the school building. He quickly ran next door but was unable to get into the basement because of the thick smoke and flames. He made every effort at that time to insure the building was closed up as to not allow air into the flames.

Firemen were alerted about 6:30 a.m. and arrived quickly on the bitter cold morning and had a stream playing on the fire but the flames spread to fast and were already showing from the attic when they arrived.

The fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed the large two and one half-story brick building erected in 1873 and situated at the corner of Normal Avenue (Prince St.) and Burd Street. The building contained the high school, two grammar schools, two intermediate schools and two secondary schools. Damages were estimated in excess of $25,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies battled the blaze.

Spark From Stove Causes Fire

On January 13, 1981 at 9:18 a.m. firefighters responded to Oakville, North Newton Township for a house fire. A spark from a wood stove found its way out of the cracked flue to set fire to the floor in the basement. The fire quickly spread through the voids of the 2-½-story balloon frame house. Firefighters from four companies battled the blaze for over two hours. Damages were estimated at $10,000 to $12,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene.

CV Hose Holds Special Meeting On 100th Anniversary

On January 12, 1959 at 5:45 p.m. the Cumberland Valley Hose Company held a meeting to commemorate the exact date of the company’s first meeting 100 years ago. Before President Clarence Angle called the meeting to order the house bell tolled 100 times. Forty special guests attended the meeting and Howard Bay read the minutes of the first meeting and gave a short history of the company.

Fire In Attached Garage Damages House

On January 11, 2004 at 1:28 p.m. box 151-04 was alerted for a house fire at 108 Minnick Road Hopewell Township for a house fire. A fire caused by spontaneous combustion, when linseed oil soaked rags were left on a garage workbench destroyed an attached garage in an occupied 1-1/2-story frame dwelling. Before firefighters could control the blaze most of the roof was burnt off the house with extensive heat, smoke and water damage to the inside. Firefighters from five companies had the blaze under control in 30 minutes and remained on the scene for two and a half hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

In January 1995 the Jersey Shore Fire Company placed their 1968 CF Mack up for sale. The engine was a former WEFR rig replaced in 1989 with the E-One.

Smokehouse Destroyed, Wood Shed Damaged In Blaze

On January 10, 1934 at 1:30 a.m. firemen were dispatched to a smokehouse fire one mile north of Newburg on the road leading to McKinney (I don’t know where that is). A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a smokehouse with four hogs inside and damaged a wood shed. Firemen were able to save the house and barn only fifteen feet away. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Storage Shed Damaged By Fire

On January 9, 1984 at 10:55 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to a shed fire on the Foltz Road, Southampton Cumberland. Combustibles stored to close to a heat source sparked a fire that caused considerable damage to a 30 X 50 foot concrete block storage building. Firefighters from three companies had the fire under control in 15 minutes and remained on the scene over two hours. A damage estimate was not available. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm

Hook And Ladder Company Organizes

On January 8, 1891 the Hook and Ladder Company met in the Cumberland Valley Hose Company rooms to permanently organize. Officers were elected including G.F. Walters, President, Dr. J.J. Koser, Vice President, R. W. Hockersmith, Secretary, James C. Fleming, Treasurer and J.G. Hass,l Geo. B. Coover, J.L. Barner and W.A. Lutz, Trustees. This was the beginning of the Keystone Hook and Ladder Company.

Bank Barn Destroyed, 100 Chickens Lost

On January 7, 1955 at 9:00 a.m. firemen responded to a barn fire at Newburg R.D. 1. Faulty wiring sparked a blaze that destroyed a barn, wagon shed and implement shed. Lost in the blaze were 100 chickens 350 bushels of grain and 35 tons of hay and straw. Firemen were able to save the hog pen. Damages were estimated at $10,000. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Past CV Hose Truck 53 for sale in 2002.

Fire Damages King Street Duplex

January 6, 1976 at 12 noon firemen responded to a house fire at 447 East King Street. When firemen arrived smoke was billowing from a second floor bedroom of a two and a half story frame duplex. Approximately 25 firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the bedroom. Damages were estimated at $1,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze.

Fire Causes $600,000 In Damage To Porter’s Furniture

On January 5, 1996 at 10:03 a.m. firefighters were alerted to a structure fire at Porter’s Furniture Store, 7960 Molly Pitcher Highway, Southampton Franklin. An electrical malfunction sparked a blaze that destroyed a front showroom and damaged merchandise in the large one and a half story brick business. The entire building suffered smoke damage. One firefighter was transported to Chambersburg Hospital after a portion of the ceiling collapsed on him. Twelve companies battled the $600,000 blaze. The West End Fire and Rescue, Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies operated at the scene.

Cobweb Mills Destroyed By Fire

On January 4, 1889 at 9:00 p.m. firehouse bells rang out an alarm of fire for G. R. Dykeman’s “Cobweb Mills”. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed the large three story stone building and its machinery. When the fire was discovered flames were showing from the second floor but within 10 minutes it had spread to the other floors. The building located just outside the borough in Franklin county required the hose of both companies to be combined to reach the nearest plug, leaving them with just enough hose to operate one line on the fire. By the time firemen had the hose line operating the building was too far-gone and efforts were made to protect the exposures. Damages were estimated at $3,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

The flour mill was erected around 1817 and passed hands numerous times being called the Shippensburg Mill before the last owner renamed it Cobweb because of the cobwebs that had accumulated in the rafters. For the last few months prior to the fire the building was used very little because of illness to the miller.

Robert Jones Appointed Borough Fire Chief

On January 3, 1972 Robert J. Jones was appointed the first borough fire chief under the new fire code adopted in 1971 establishing the Shippensburg Fire Department. The nine-member fire advisory committee recommended Robert unanimously. Two other candidates applied for the position. The three company chiefs were appointed assistant chiefs.

Mobile Home Destroyed

On January 2, 1993 at 2:22 a.m. firefighters were alerted to a mobile home fire at lot 91 Village Green Manor, 640 Mickey Inn Road, Greene Township. The home was well involved when firefighters from three area companies arrived. The more than 50 firefighters had the blaze under control in 15 minutes and remained on the scene for three and one half hours. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries. A state police fire marshal determined that a short in a living room lamp caused the fire that displaced the family of four and caused $40,000 in damages. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene.

Fire Destroys Dr. Merchants Home

On January 1, 1972 at 1:55 a.m. a fire was reported at the Dr. Merchant residence, Shippensburg R. D. 5 in the Mitten development, Southampton Franklin. When firefighters arrived they found the basement of the home well involved. The fire was contained to the basement but the rest of the house suffered extensive heat and smoke damage. Four firemen were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. Damages were estimated at $20,000. Firefighters were on the scene over two and one half hours. The West End Fire and Rescue and Vigilant Hose companies battled the blaze.

I am sure you will notice the fonts got larger, that is to help me out when my glasses are not next to the computer. I can't read anything without them any more. For those with good eyes if they are to large, STEP AWAY FROM THE MONITOR. Happy New Year.