60 Firefighters Battle House Fire

On March 31, 1981 at 12:03 a.m. firefighters responded to Lees Cross Roads, Southampton Cumberland for a house fire. A fire of undetermined origin caused heavy damage to an occupied 2-½-story frame and log home. Fire damaged three rooms on the first floor, one on the second and the attic. The rest of the home suffered smoke, heat and water damage. Approximately 60 firefighters from five companies battled the blaze for almost an hour before bringing it under control and were on the scene until 4:26 a.m. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Two People Killed In Auto Accident

On March 30, 1990 at 1:18 p.m. a rescue local was sent to US 11 and Route 433, Greene Township for an auto accident. Two people were killed when their car pulled into the path of a tractor-trailer causing a three-vehicle accident. No other injuries occurred. Rescue personnel had to extricate the victims from the car. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene.

C.V. Hose Accepts Delivery Of 1998 E-One Ladder Truck

On March 29, 1998 the Cumberland Valley Hose Company’s 1998 E-One 95 foot ladder tower arrived in Shippensburg. President Bruce Hockersmith estimated the final cost of the rig to be $642,000. The truck is equipped with a 1,500-g.p.m. pump and supplied air to the bucket. It replaces the former CF Mack FDNY Tower Ladder, and becomes the third truck in company history. The truck was in town briefly before being taken to have equipment mounted and be shown at Fire Expo.

Newville CV Coop Warehouse Burns

On March 28, 1964 at 11:18 p.m. firemen responded to the CV Co-op warehouse, Newville. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a 40 by 125 foot two-story frame building and its contents. Firemen were able to save nearby buildings and a lumberyard. Over 125 firemen from six companies battled the blaze. Donald Witter, Shippensburg borough fire chief, fell through the burned floor into the basement and was covered to his chest in corn. Newville fire chief Harold Heckendorn and another fireman pulled Witter from his boots. The trio then escaped by climbing a lowered hose. Damages were estimated at $65,000. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene, the last of the four units returning to Shippensburg at 4:30 a.m.

Two Firefighters Rescue Young Girl

On March 27, 1980 at 7:39 a.m. firefighters responded to a house fire on the Airport Road, Southampton Cumberland. An accidental fire gutted a kitchen and laundry room and caused extensive heat and smoke damage to the rest of the 1-½ story brick occupied house. When firefighters arrived they were informed that a 10-year-old girl was still inside the house. Firefighters Ken Nehf Jr. and Matt Hammaker entered the building and located the girl on the floor in her bedroom. When the child was handed out the window she was not breathing. The young girl was later transferred to Hershey medical center in serious condition. The child recovered fully from her injuries. Firefighters from three companies had the fire under control in 10 minutes. Damages were estimated at $30,000 to $35,000. The family dog perished in the blaze. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm. The home had no working smoke detectors.

Firefighter Rescues Woman From Blaze

On March 26, 1966 at 2:30 a.m. Shippensburg firemen responded to 31 South Earl Street for an apartment fire. According to Edward Thrush, borough fire chief, a carelessly discarded cigarette sparked a blaze that gutted the living room in an occupied apartment. Ed Haupt, Vigilant Chief Director located an unconscious woman in the apartment and removed her from the building. She was taken to Chambersburg Hospital were she was listed in satisfactory condition suffering from smoke inhalation. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze.

Two-Alarm Fire Destroys Storage Shed

On March 25, 1983 at 12:57 p.m. local firefighters responded to the Orrstown Road, ¼ mile east of Pleasant Hall, Letterkenny Township. A spark from a burn barrel started a fire in a 65 by 24 foot shed used for storage. The building housed a large quantity of lumber and two riding mowers. Firefighters from eight companies battled the two-alarm fire for almost an hour before bringing it under control and remained on the scene nearly four hours. Most of the building and all the contents were lost in the blaze. Damages were estimated at $25,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Cumberland County Fire Losses For 1915 To 1919

The Chronicle, Thursday March 24, 1921
COUNTY FIRE LOSSES
The Bureau of Fire Protection has just completed a five-year analysis of fire losses in Cumberland County.

The fire losses in Cumberland County were as follows: 1915, $158,900; 1916, $85,715; 1917, $105,000; 1918, $95,500; 1919, $55,000.

Borough Turns Over Firehouse To Vigilant And C.V. Hose Companies

On March 23, 1993 in a ceremony at the West End Fire and Rescue Company, the three companies signed an agreement with the borough of Shippensburg to turn the two borough owned buildings over to the Vigilant and CV’s. Along with the agreement the borough was to give the companies more in annual appropriations each year starting at $60,000 for the first year to be divided equally between the three companies. The annual contribution was to be increased by 2% each year unless the borough is not financially able to. The agreement was drawn up over a four-month period in meetings between the fire companies and town council. Part of the agreement was to try for regionalization and the other municipalities to step up and pay their share.

Stable And Carriage House Destroyed

On March 22, 1880 at 9:00 p.m. the cry of fire was raised. Firemen soon learned the cause for alarm was in the alley to the rear of King Street, just off Railroad Street. An arson fire destroyed a stable and carriage house along with hay, straw, corn and oats. The horses, wagons and carriages were saved. Firemen were on the scene quickly with a stream on each building. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Fire and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.

Huckleberryland House Burns Down

On March 21, 1940 at 11:00 p.m. firemen were sent to Huckleberryland, Southampton Cumberland for a house fire. A fire of undetermined origin caused almost complete destruction of an occupied two-story frame house and a smokehouse to the rear. The buildings were so far gone by the time firemen arrived that they concentrated their efforts on protecting the exposures. Firemen obtained their water from a cellar excavation that filled with water from melting snow and spring rains. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Firefighters’ Battle House Fire Twice

On March 20, 1998 at 10:59 a.m. a company 50 box was sent to 1821 Walnut Bottom Road, Penn Township for a house fire. A fire of undetermined origin gutted a bedroom on the second floor of an occupied 2-½-story frame house. Firefighters from four companies battled the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company assisted at the scene. At 1:59 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to the same address for a structure fire. First arriving units found heavy fire from the attic and second floor. The rekindle destroyed the second floor and attic. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at scene of the second fire.

Does anyone out there remember this old Franklin County dispatchers patch? I purchased this a couple of months ago on eBay.

Stable And Contents Destroyed

On March 19, 1893 at 6:00 p.m. a cry of fire was heard over town. Citizens soon learned the blaze was to the rear of the M. E. Church. Children playing with matches started a fire that destroyed a stone stable and its contents. Firemen were on the scene quickly with two streams of water playing on the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Union Foundry Destroyed

On March 18, 1854 at 8:00 a.m. citizens were heard the cry of fire for the Union Foundry. Strong winds carried sparks from the blast to the roof of the south wing causing a fire that destroyed the building containing the foundry and machine shop. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Fire and Alert Fire Companies answered the alarm.

M. Garfield Barbour Dies

On March 17, 1958 Mr. Vigilant Hose Company; M. Garfield Barbour passed away. At the time of his passing Garfield was serving his 43rd consecutive year as company president. Mr. Barbour was also the company’s first fire chief (the leader of the company was not called chief in the early years).

The photograph in today's post appeared in The News-Chronicle on this day in 1972. The rig in the is a Civil Defense truck assigned to Shippensburg also known as "Calamity Jane". The rescue truck was housed at the Vigilant's during its stay in Shippensburg. In the photo left to right are Charles Myers, Vigilant chief; John Snyder, Cumberland County CD director; Crawford Wiestling, WEFR chief; Bob Jones, borough fire chief and Durward Breakfield director of safety and security at SSC.

Cracked Flue Causes Fire

On March 16, 1998 at 10:50 p.m. a Pleasant Hall box was dispatched for a house fire at 12090 Sandy Mountain Road, Letterkenny Township. A cracked flue caused a fire that did extensive damage to a 2-½-story frame occupied dwelling. Fire destroyed much of the side four wall and the attic before being brought under control by firefighters. One Shippensburg firefighters suffered an eye injury and was treated at the scene. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Shippensburg Fire Company Elects Officers

On March 15, 1834 the Shippensburg Fire Company elected officers. A Chief Captain, Chief Engineer and Secretary was elected for the company along with a Captain, Lieutenant, Engineer and two Directors for each of the three Wards.

This is the only information I have on the Shippensburg Fire Company other than the names of the officers elected at this time. I can only assume that this was the first organized fire company in Shippensburg. I also assume that they had a fire engine in the coffee grinder (“Alert”) used by the Vigilant’s at one time and the Alert Fire companies. In The Spirit of the Times dated Saturday September 15, 1817 an add appeared in the paper raising money to purchase an engine. The grinder was an early engine probably made in the 1700’s.

Newville Theatre Destroyed In Accidental Fire

On March 14, 1952 at 6:50 p.m. firemen were sent to the Newville Theatre on High Street for a structure fire. A 150-watt floodlight that was being used to light the curtain prior to the performance of the “Blue Veil” set the curtain on fire destroying the theatre. Luckily at the time of the fire only eight patrons were in the theatre, all escaped unharmed. It was reported that had the blaze began 30 minutes later the theatre would have been full. The fire extended rapidly in the three story frame building bringing the largest mutual aid response up to that time to the borough. Firemen from six companies manning 10 pieces of apparatus battled the blaze for nearly two hours before bringing it under control. Strong winds blowing embers threatened the wood frame buildings surrounding the theatre. A pine tree two blocks away went up in flames after embers were blown into it. Firemen also extinguished fires on the roofs of numerous buildings. One civilian was injured and a Shippensburg fireman was injured after being struck by a brick when the roof collapsed. Firemen utilized four hydrants to fight the blaze. Damages were estimated at $35,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene. Prior to this fire the record for most companies and apparatus to fight a blaze in Newville was in 1935 at the Cove Alley fire.

Pigpen Destroyed In Southampton Cumberland

On March 13, 1990 in the morning hours, Mud Level Road, Southampton Cumberland. A spark from a cutting torch caused a fire that destroyed pigpen. Firefighters from five companies had the blaze under control in 10 minutes. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Suspicious Fire Damages House

On March 12, 1970 at 8:37 p.m. Shippensburg R. D. 2. A suspicious fire caused extensive damage to an unoccupied 2-½-story house. When firemen arrived the enclosed rear porch and back of the home was heavily involved. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company Stations 1 & 2 and the West End Fire and Rescue Company answered the alarm.

Huge Fire At Knouse Foods

On March 11, 1961 at 3:19 p.m. a fire was reported at Knouse Foods Cooperative, Peach Glen, Biglerville. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed the refrigeration and storage buildings covering an area 240 by 100 feet. The fire spread quickly after three ammonia compressors exploded. More than 400 firemen from Adams, Cumberland and York counties battled the blaze manning 30 fire trucks and two ambulances from 21 companies. The blaze was not declared out until 10:00 p.m. on March 12. Damages were estimated at $700,000. Numerous firemen were injured and treated on the scene; several were transported to Gettysburg Hospital. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene with 17 men. Fire Police from the Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose were called to the scene the next morning to assist with directing traffic.

Storage Trailer Destroyed, Dry Run Gets Fire Engine

On March 10, 1927 it was reported in The Shippensburg Chronicle that a fire engine had been purchased by Dry Run citizens, giving the town adequate fire protection. I will post more on early fire protection in Path Valley at another time.

On March 10, 1987 at 12:30 a.m. firefighters were alerted for to a fire at Millhouse Salvage yard, Hopewell Township. Fire destroyed a trailer used for storage after a spark from a welder’s torch used earlier in the day set the underside on fire. Firefighters from four companies were on the scene for 1-¼ hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Memorial Lutheran Church Damaged By Fire

After all the discussion on the church fire I pulled out some of the other photographs I had of the incident and posted them today, March 11. The color photographs are from slides given to me by Dr. George Rea many years ago. All of the new phots put up can become larger by clicking on them. As with any other post if anyone has any images they want to share send them my way.

On March 9, 1980 at 4:44 a.m. a borough box alarm was dispatched for Orange and Penn Streets, Memorial Lutheran Church. An early morning arson fire caused $1 million dollars damage to the church. Fire investigators found two points of origin and traces of accelerants in the basement of the fellowship hall in the west wing. First arriving Chief Charles Myers encountered heavy fire from the roof of the three story educational wing. More than 200 firefighters’ from as many as 22 fire companies battled the blaze. Some came from as far away as Carroll County Maryland. Firefighters battled the blaze for over six hours before bringing it under control, and remained on the scene until after 8:00 p.m.

This was one of many arson fires to plaque the area in the last several months. Firefighters were hampered in their efforts to control the blaze because of the numerous renovations that took place over the years. Many locations in the building had multiple ceilings and some locations had as many as three floors stacked on top of each other. Firefighters were able to keep the flames from spreading into the main sanctuary. One firefighter was treated and released from Chambersburg Hospital with minor injuries; several others were treated at the scene. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze under the directions of Chief Edward Goodhart.

Five Firemen Transported In Fayetteville Blaze

On March 8, 1959 at 11:45 a.m. a passerby spotted flames coming from the East Fayetteville Elevator Company and alerted the Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Company. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a large three-story frame warehouse and elevator building and its contents including 300 bushels of wheat, 400 bushels of shelled corn, two tons of miscellaneous feed, a ton of bran, a ton of alfalfa meal, 800 pounds of chopped oats, five tons of feed concentrates and much more. Many building were scorched and damaged from the radiant heat. A lack of adequate water hampered firefighting efforts. A small cistern was soon drained and additional water had to be hauled by tank trucks and pumped in a single line from a distance of nearly 3,000 feet. Bumper to bumper traffic of people trying to get a better look at the fire also hampered firemen.

Firemen manning 19 pieces of apparatus from eight companies battled the blaze for hours. Five firemen were injured and taken to Chambersburg Hospital all but one was released and another 13 were treated at the scene for minor injuries. The most seriously injured was Richard Weagley of the Franklin Fire Company; Weagley suffered burns to the face, eyes, neck and left hand when he was enveloped in a puff of flames while operating a hose stream into the building. One of the firemen that was transported was William “Tom” Murray of the Vigilant Hose Company, he fell into a pit and suffered minor burns. Other Shippensburg firemen injured and treated on the scene were; D.B. Reasner, cut hand; Tom Reed, eye injury; Guy Flory, cut finger and Merv Fogelsanger, stepped on a nail. Damages were estimated at $75,000. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene.

This was the second major fire to occur at this location. In 1920 a Gulf oil truck collided with a train taking the life of the truck driver and burning the elevator to the ground.

Hibernia And Alert Engines Useless

On March 7, 1857 at 1:00 a.m. the cry of “Fire!” rang out over Shippensburg. Citizens soon learned it was Criswell & Trone chair and cabinet shop near King Street (north side of the street). A fire believed to be incendiary in nature destroyed the building along with its contents and two nearby stables and their contents. The flames spread rapidly and was it feared the houses along King Street might start burning. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Fire and Alert Fire Companies were soon on the scene but their engines the “Hibernia” and “Alert” were almost useless. The “Hibernia” will throw a good stream of water but is not equipped with a suction and the “Alert” is an old coffee grinder type engine. Several years before a Baltimore Company offered to install a suction on the Hibernia engine for $150 but borough authorities thought the money would be better spent purchasing another engine.

Both companies had been asking for new equipment for years and the local new papers constantly badmouthed the borough for not taking care of their fire equipment. It would be almost three years before the Vigilant engine would get replaced and you have already been told the story on this site what happened to the Alert engine.

Basement Damaged In Dentler Village

On March 6, 1977 at 10:59 p.m. the 15 box was struck for a house fire in Dentler Village, Southampton Franklin. A fire of undetermined origin caused extensive damage to the basement of an occupied 2-½ story brick dwelling. Smoke and heat damaged the upper floors. A damage estimate was not available. The West End Fire and Rescue, Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm under the direction of Chief Crawford Wiestling.

Council House To Be Torn Down

Since I made the post in the post a couple of weeks ago about the Council House being set ablaze I thought this would be fitting today instead of a fire. Later in the future I will post a detailed history of the Council House.

On March 5, 1928 Shippensburg Borough Council met for the last time in the Council House. Bids were received and awarded for the erection of a new Municipal Building. The sale and removal of the Council House was awarded to Herbert Thrush for $135.00. The Council House was home to the Vigilant Hose Company and one time the Keystone Hook and Ladder Company.

Three Room House Destroyed

On March 4, 1941 at 10:15 a.m. on the east edge of Shippensburg George Fry noticed his neighbors home was ablaze and summoned local firemen. An overheated stove sparked a blaze that destroyed an occupied three-room house. The building was well involved when firemen arrived and all they could do was protect the neighboring house. One person was displaced. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Civilian Injured And Dog Perishes In Mobile Home Fire

On March 3, 1975 in the early morning local firefighters were alerted for a mobile home fire at Shippensburg R. D. 2 (Southampton Cumberland). A fire of undetermined origin destroyed an occupied mobile home with a two-room addition. Firefighters battled the blaze for two and a half hours. One civilian was injured and a dog perished in the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company Stations 1 & 2 and the West End Fire and Rescue Company answered the alarm.

The two items pictured today were found on eBay last week, I had hopes of purchasing these fine history pieces but $256.99 was just to steep for me. The Hope was formed in Chambersburg sometime before 1830. In 1903 they refused to recognize borough councils appointed Chief Engineer and were disbanded by council for insubordination. There last act before after being disbanded was to practically destroy the inside of their fire station. A couple of weeks later the Franklin Fire Company was formed and drew many of its members from the Hope. These items are dated 1890, if you click on them they will get larger.

Chicken House Destroyed In Newburg

On March 2, 1932 in the afternoon hours, on the Newburg Road. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a barn and chicken house. The contents of the buildings along with several chickens were also destroyed. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Mobile Home Gutted In Shippensburg Mobile Estates

On March 1, 1979 at 3:19 p.m. a 52 box was dispatched for Lot 115 Shippensburg Mobile Estates. An accidental fire gutted the kitchen and caused extensive heat and smoke damage to the occupied mobile home. Firefighters had the fire under control quickly and remained on the scene until 5:15 p.m. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

I didn't mention yesterday that when I have a day in which no major incident occurred in or around Shippensburg I will post a detailed history along with multiple photographs of a Shippensburg rig or fire station. Yesterday's just happened to be the first, I believe this will occur about 10 to 15 times during the year. For those that already read yesterdays post I added one sentence concerning the building of the rig for Morningside.