Living Room Gutted In Mobile Home

On April 30, 1975 at 12:15 a.m., firefighters were alerted to a fire at the West End Trailer Court. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed the living room of an occupied mobile home. The remainder of the building suffered heavy heat and smoke damage. The fire started in a couch in the living room and displaced a family of three. Firefighters from two companies had the blaze under control quickly. A damage estimate was not available. The West End Fire and Rescue Company and Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Earlier in the evening the Vigilant Hose Company was sent on a silent alarm to rescue a cat from the roof of a house on East Burd Street. And at 8:40 p.m. all three-borough companies answered an alarm at the Laundromat at King and Fayette Streets for a washing machine fire.

Sorry 1975 two days in a row, I will try not to let that happen again.

Borough Orders Engine For Vigilant’s

On April 29, 1975 Shippensburg Borough Council awarded a $46,940 contract to the Brumbaugh Body Co. Inc. of Altoona for a new borough engine to be placed at the Vigilant Hose Company. The International chassis had already been purchased from Frey Motors of Chambersburg for $13,540 the previous year. The new engine was to be built with a 1,250 gallon-per-minute pump and equipped to carry 700 gallons of water. Delivery was to be March 1976.

I bet you were expecting a photograph of the International engine, I will save that for when it arrives or a detailed history of the rig. The photo is from an accident that occurred on this date in 1991. The accident was on Interstate 81 between exits 9 and 10 in the north bound lane, Southampton Township Franklin county. The driver of the truck was killed but his dog survived the accident.

Barn Struck By Lightning

On April 28, 1956 at 7:45 p.m. lightning struck a barn just off Route 641, west of Green Spring. Upon arrival of the Newville firemen the barn was well involved and the Vigilant Hose Company was summoned at 8:00 p.m. to assist. The barn was destroyed and five head of milk cattle, a young calf, and one bull were killed. Also lost in the blaze were a tractor, corn planter, wagon, and a plow along with other items. An adjoining shed was also destroyed. The Vigilant’s were on the scene for about 15 minutes and the Newville Company remained on the scene until 11:00 p.m. Damages were estimated at $12,000.

Rural Pumper Responds To Greenvillage

On April 27, 1932 at 5:15 p.m. the rural pumper was summoned to Greenvillage for a house fire. The fire originated in the cellar near the electrical switch box. Before firemen arrived the men of Greenvillage had formed a bucket brigade to battle the blaze. The flames extended up into the walls by the time the fire apparatus had arrived. Firemen used their booster tanks and chemical lines to fight the fire. Damages were estimated at $1,000. The Vigilant Hose Company operated at the scene long with the C.V.’s of Chambersburg.

Arson Fire Damages Massage Parlor

On April 26, 1998 at 6:50 a.m., two employees spotted a fire in the lobby of the Presidential Suite, 7775 Old Scotland Road, Southampton Franklin. An arson fire damaged the first floor of the 1-½ story frame massage parlor. Portions of the first floor suffered heavy fire damage and the remainder of the first floor sustained smoke and water damage. Firefighters from four companies had the fire under control in 20 minutes. Damages were estimated at $70,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Barn Destroyed On Orrstown Road

On April 25, 1968 at 8:51 p.m., firemen responded to the Orrstown Road, Southampton Township Franklin County for a barn fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a barn on an unoccupied farm. Firefighters from four companies operated on the scene until 12:45 a.m. Water was shuttled by tankers from a hydrant on the edge of town. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm. On February 27, 1967 the vacant farmhouse on the property was destroyed by fire.

Sorry for posting two days in a row from 1982, I try and have different years each day and some how that one slipped in. I didn't even know it until this morning. Today's post marks the 200 since I started the site.

Spring Fling Brings Multiple Runs

On April 24, 1982 the Spring Fling, a 12-hour outside rock concert sponsored by a SSC Fraternity drew 11,000 people to the small community requiring numerous responses from the Shippensburg Fire Department. At 4:00 p.m. while treating a patient in the concert crowd a CV ambulance was stolen and involved in a high-speed chase before being stopped on I-81 N. bound ½ mile from exit 10. The unit suffered body and suspension damage in the incident. At 8:23 p.m. the fire department responded to the Conrail line next to the concert after someone set fire to an 800-gallon kerosene tank. The flames spread to nearby natural cover before being controlled by firefighters. Two firemen Bradley Myers, Captain of the Vigilant Hose and Jeff Washinger, Assistant Chief of WEFR suffered second-degree burns battling the blaze. Firefighters also responded to numerous auto accidents and many EMS incidents before the night was over. Later the next morning firefighters responded to an auto fire on the grounds. Once on scene the vehicles owner displayed a shotgun to firefighters and would not allow them to extinguish the fire. By the time the day ended little Shippensburg had the opportunity to experience big city life.

I found this patch on Ebay a few months back and wanted to purchase it, but it went to high for me since I did not know if it was Pennsylvania. Does anybody out there recognize this patch? Was it used here in Cumberland County, Pa. or a different Cumberland county.

House Burns Down On Baltimore Road

On April 23, 1982 at 3:59 a.m., Shippensburg firefighters were sent to the Baltimore Road in Shippensburg Township, (just over the bridge) for a house fire. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed an occupied 2-½-story frame house and its contents. At the time the Baltimore Bridge had a 10-ton weight limit so fire apparatus was forced to take a longer route to get to the scene. A four-inch line was laid to the Shippensburg side of the bridge and relay pumped to the scene by all three of the Vigilant’s engines. Approximately 100 firefighters from six companies battled the blaze for three hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Faulty Furnace Causes Fire

On April 22, 1933 at 9:00 p.m. a passing motorist spotted a house fire on the Orrstown Road and alerted firemen. When firemen arrived flames were shooting from the front door of one side of the two-story duplex. Firemen made a good stop keeping the flames to the house of origin but both families were displaced. A faulty furnace caused the fire. No damage estimate was available. A family dog and cat perished in the blaze. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies battled the blaze.

Lurgan Township Shed Burns

On April 21, 2006 at 2:46 a.m., 8539 Newburg Road, Lurgan Township. A fire of undetermined origin caused extensive damage to a shed and destroyed much of its contents. Firefighters from six companies had the blaze under control quickly and remained on the scene until 3:50 a.m. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Jamie White Appointed Borough Fire Chief

On April 20, 1999 at Shippensburg Borough Council’s regular monthly meeting, council unanimously approved a motion to make Jamie White the new borough fire chief. Jamie replaced Danny Rhinehart and becomes the fifth fire chief appointed by council since the Shippensburg Fire Department was formed in 1970.

King Street Apartment Damaged By Late Night Fire

On April 19, 1941 at 11:30 p.m. Shippensburg firemen were alerted to a structure fire at 316 East King Street. One apartment was destroyed, smoke and water damages other apartments. A cause of the fire was not listed. Damages were estimated at $500. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

FIREMAN VICTIM OF PIOSON GAS

Harrisburg Telegraph, April 18, 1921
FIREMAN VICTIM OF PIOSON GAS
Burning Chemicals Wreck Health of Carlisle Man

Carlisle, April 18, --Another and an unusual tragedy has been added to the list of the toll taken by fires each year. Eugene Shearer, of Carlisle, was taken to the county hospital yesterday, an insane man driven so following an experience in gas at a local home.

The unhappy man was removed from his home Sunday a raving maniac, his mind so completely beyond control that his attendants were compelled to bind him fast, to avoid possible injury to himself or others.

His was a most unusual experience. He was a member of the Friendship fire company and with that organization answered a fire alarm over a year ago. Chemicals were used and Shearer was actively engaged. He inhaled the fumes combined from smoke and the burning chemicals reducing him to practically the same condition as those soldiers who were gassed in France.

His mind slowly gave way, with his health steadily breaking. For some time he has been of little use either to himself or the world, a condition that culminated yesterday with his removal, an insane man, to the county home.

I have yet to find an obituary on this man to determine when he died. I would have to believe that by today’s standards he would be determined a line of duty death. If anyone knows anything about him and can help me out it would be appreciated.

Arson Cause Of Scotland School Fire

On April 17, 1977 at 8:53 p.m., a security guard spotted a fire in the Scotland School for Veterans Children administration building. An arson fire caused heavy damage to the third floor and attic of the 3-½ story brick building. Other portions of the building suffered heat, smoke and water damage. More than 150 firemen from nine companies manning 18 pieces of fire apparatus battled the three-alarm blaze. The second alarm was struck at 9:05 p.m. and the third alarm was sent at 9:14 p.m. Eight firefighters were treated and released from Chambersburg Hospital with minor injuries, including one from Shippensburg. Units remained on the scene until 2:00 a.m. A 15-year-old boy was arrested for the arson after he used matches to set the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Vacuum Cleaner Accident Starts House Fire

On April 16, 2000 at 11:51 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to a 49 box at 255 Mountain View Road, South Newton Township. The homeowner ran over an electrical cord with a vacuum cleaner sparking a fire that gutted a room in an occupied 2-½-story dwelling. The entire house sustained smoke damage. Firefighters from six companies had the fire under control in 15 minutes. Damages were estimated at $40,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene.

The envelope is post marked February 1893 and is from the Cumberland Valley Hose Company Band.

Shed Destroyed In Lurgan Township

On April 15, 1997 at 11:15 a.m. firefighters were sent to 10389 Newburg Road, Lurgan Township for a shed fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a frame shed and its contents. A damage estimate was not available. Firefighters from four companies battled the blaze. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene.

Garage Burns In Jacksonville

On April 14, 1924 at 7:45 p.m. firemen were summoned to the Walnut Bottom Road, Jacksonville for a building fire. A spark from a generator ignited a gas can that started a fire destroying a garage and its contents. Destroyed in the garage were four trucks, three new automobiles and two used automobiles. Help was soon summoned from Carlisle and Shippensburg. Firemen quickly drained the wells and cisterns and had to lay 1,400 feet of hose to a nearby stream. Before the blaze could be controlled it extended to a house. Damages were estimated at $25,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm. It was reported that the C.V.’s LaFrance made the run at 58 miles an hour.

Slaughterhouse Burns During Mountain Fire

On April 13, 1976 at 8:28 p.m. firefighter were alerted to a fire at Hargleroad’s slaughterhouse, Route 625, Southampton Franklin. An accidental fire caused heavy damage to the roof of a large 1-½-story block and frame building. All the meat was destroyed and the entire building suffered heavy smoke damage. Firefighters were hampered by low manpower because most were battling a 37-acre mountain fire on Big Flat. Water was obtained from a hydrant near the treatment plant. Firemen were on the scene 2 ½ hours. One firefighter was treated for a lacerated hand. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Bard Road Barn Burns

On April 12, 1982 at 3:13 p.m. a 52 box was alerted for Bard Road (just off Rt. 696) in Shippensburg Township for a barn fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a barn and its contents. Responding units could see smoke from their quarters. Almost 100 firefighters from six companies battled the blaze for about four hours. Firefighters were able to utilize a hydrant near College Park apartments to battle the blaze. Damages were estimated at $70,000. Lost along with the building were a corn picker, grain drill, hay bine and hay. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Cumberland Valley Christen's Hose Reel

On April 11, 1887 the Cumberland Valley Hose Company met at their station to christen their new “Spider” hose reel, “The Alert”. The reel was built at the Carriage Factory of William Fenstermacher (Shippensburg) and will hold 100 feet of hose has two wheels. The framework was painted cream yellow with crimson striping. It was equipped with two bells, racks for spanners, nozzles and lanterns. The Shippensburg Cornet Band played throughout the day as numerous speeches were presented. At the end S. G. Breckenridge christened the reel “The Alert” in honor of the Alert Fire Company.

The speech given christening the “Alert” can be read in its entirety on my Friday November 9, 2007 entry. http://shippensburgfiredepartment.blogspot.com/2007/11/on-this-day-november-9.html

Building’s Burn At Sherman’s Junkyard

On April 10, 1968 at 1:35 a.m., a Shippensburg State College Police officer noticed flames in the sky and alerted the radio room to a fire in the area. The Vigilant’s were alerted and quickly summoned a general alarm after arriving to find numerous buildings involved in fire at the Sherman’s Junkyard, 31 North Queen Street.

A fire of undetermined origin destroyed two frame buildings used for storage along with their contents including a pick up truck. One firefighter Jaye Alleman of the Viggies injured his ankle battling the blaze and was treated and released from Chambersburg Hospital. Damages were estimated at $5,000. Firefighters returned to the scene at 8:00 a.m. for a rekindle and again at 2:30 p.m. for a grass fire. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm under the direction of Daniel Orris borough fire chief.

Nothing Major Happened On This Date...

On this date no major incidents occurred in or around Shippensburg. In the past I would spotlight a rig or station but I did not have a chance to get anything ready with the busy week I am having. So for today I will just be posting the three photographs Patrick Shoop sent me a few months ago. This was a bucket brigade in Newville sometime in the early 70’s (that would be 1970’s for you youngins that want to be smart). In the first photo Tommy Murray can be seen with a bucket on the far left and Mick Shoop is in the brown shirt on the ladder. The second photo Gerald Holtry is in the blue at the bottom of the ladder and in the third and last photograph from the bottom of the ladder up is Mick Shoop, Dick Stouffer, Walter Crusey and I can’t tell who is on the platform but it sure looks like my grandfather Bill Smith.

If anyone else out there has any old photographs they would like to share with the group feel free to pass them along and I will get them posted. This concludes the five Patrick sent me, thanks again Pat. Sorry I didn't feature a rig I am working a little different this week detailed to teach pump operations to a new group of drivers so time has been short.

One Room Dwelling Destroyed

On April 8, 1955 at 4:30 p.m. on the Ritner Highway, two miles east of Shippensburg, firemen were alerted for a house fire after a passing motorist spotted smoke coming from a house. An overheated coal stove set fire to a wall destroying the interior and most of the contents of an occupied one-room dwelling, displacing a 71-year old man. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Arson Cause Of Washington Street Garage Fire

On April 7, 1986 at 10:00 a.m., a neighbor seen smoke coming from a garage and dialed 911. A Shippensburg borough box was dispatched to 18-20 N. Washington Street for a garage fire. An arson fire destroyed a three-car garage and its contents including a car. Firefighters had the blaze under control quickly and remained on the scene about 1-½ hours. Damages were estimated at $5,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Vigilant’s Tanker Destroyed In Accident

On April 6, 1992 at 12:45 p.m. a 52 box was alerted for an oven fire on Renee Drive, Southampton Cumberland. While responding to the alarm the Vigilant Hose Company’s 1989 GMC tank truck was involved in a single vehicle accident on the Airport Road just east of the Hershey Road. The unit struck an embankment and overturned coming to rest on its side. The driver Roy Straitiff and firefighter Mike Printz were treated and released from Chambersburg Hospital. Chief Danny Byers said that the $91,300 tanker received extensive damage and that it would take three to four months to have the unit back in service or a new one in operation. The unit was later considered to be demolished and replaced.

The photograph comes from the Chambersburg Public Opinion article on the incident.

Chambersburg Cold Storage Burns For Days

On April 5, 2001 at 12:38 p.m., a Chambersburg box was dispatched for a fire in the old ice and cold storage building at 1335 S. Fourth Street, Chambersburg the former Chambersburg Ice and Cold Storage. A fire of undetermined origin burned for more than 48 hours in the basement of the seven-story masonry building before being brought under control by firefighters. The basement contained a large quantity of cardboard. Firefighters entered the building briefly in an attempt to control the fire before being removed for safety reasons. After trying foam and other methods to extinguish the blaze, firefighters set up deluge guns and flooded the basement for two days to finally extinguish the fire. Over 100 firefighters manning 45 pieces of fire apparatus from over two-dozen fire companies battled the blaze. One firefighter was treated and released from Chambersburg Hospital for heat exhaustion. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Gasoline Tanker Burns

On April 4, 1929 at 10:00 a.m., a fire alarm was sounded for a fire in front of the C. C. Weicht Garage. A gasoline truck carrying 200 gallons of gas was enveloped in flames after a fire started in the hose used to fill the underground tanks. The flames spread to the awning in front of the garage and the garage itself before being contained. Firemen performed heroically in keeping the fire from spreading. A damage estimate was not available. It was thought that a spark from the pumps caused the fire. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

For a more up close view of the Vigilant bell check out this link, http://outskirtsofsuburbia.blogspot.com/2008/04/follow-up-for-friend.html

C.V.’s Order First Ambulance

On April 3, 1931 the Cumberland Valley Hose Company approved the purchase of the first community ambulance at their regular monthly meeting. The company purchased a 100 horsepower 1931 Studebaker Samaritan coach.

Fire Damages High St. House

On April 2, 1983 at 4:54 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a house fire at 203 High Street. An electrical short on the first floor caused a fire that damaged an occupied 2-½-story frame duplex. A first floor room was gutted and the rest of the first floor sustained fire, heat and smoke damage. Approximately 40 firefighters from two companies had the blaze under control in about 30 minutes and remained on the scene 1-¼ hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Bell Placed In Council House

On April 1, 1884 the Vigilant Fire Company had their new bell placed above the Council House. The bell was cast at the McShane’s foundry in Baltimore Maryland, and has inscribed on it in raised letters the name and date of the organization of the company. The bell weighs about 500 pounds. After installing, the bell was rung for the first time and answered by the Cumberland Valley Fire Company’s bell.

Just like other days in the past there has been working incidents occur on this day, but since I started posting about the firehouses I thought I would stay on that line of thought. I don't know how many of you out there are interested in these items but I know Kevin will be reading today and appreciate today's post.