Tractor-Trailer Carrying Toxic Chemicals Burns On I-81

On July 31, 1981 at 4:10 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to Penn Township, Interstate 81, Southbound, just south of the Huntsdale rest area for a tractor-trailer fire. The truck was carrying eight 4,000 pound steel containers of sodium hydrosulfite at the time. It was speculated that moisture in one of the containers along with the summer heat caused on of the containers to explode causing the fire. When the chemical is exposed to high temperatures and or light moisture is produces toxic sulfur dioxide gas. More than 125 firefighter from 18 companies battled the fire, most of those 18 companies supplied tank trucks to shuttle water. At 8:30 p.m. a forklift was used to try and remove the material from the trailer, but only some could be removed and a larger forklift was requested. Firefighters remained on the scene until 4:30 a.m., the interstate was reopened at 5:40 the next morning. Three firefighters suffered minor injuries. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Four Buildings Burn In Newburg

On July 30, 1936 at about 4 p.m. firemen were called to Newburg in the area of the Church of God for a stable fire. The fire of undetermined origin destroyed two stables, a garage and a woodshed. Firemen pumped water from a small stream about 750 feet away and were able to keep the blaze from spreading any further. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

It was allot of work but I was able to complete the labels last night on almost a years worth of post. If you are looking for something in particular it should now be easy to find, just click on the label of your choice and it will show you everything in that category. If anyone is out there and you are not scared to comment I would like to know if you like it.

Germantown Road Summer Kitchen Damaged

On July 29, 1962 at 1:00 a.m. the Vigilant Hose Company was dispatched to a summer kitchen fire at the Dallas Plasterer residence, on the Germantown Road, Shippensburg R. D. 3. At the time of the incident the Vigilant engine was on duty at the Shippensburg Fairgrounds, keeping watch on the horse show arena. As a result of being at the fair the Vigilant’s had their first woman respond on a fire alarm. Mrs. Glen Bitner (Irma) was at the fairgrounds with her husband; not wanting to leave her alone Glen took her along on the engine. Damage was confined to the roof of the building, a cause was not listed and damages were set at $1,200.

Later that morning the Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, and West End Fire and Rescue responded to 4 North Penn Street to extinguish a burning roast.

I have made a change to the site starting today by adding labels to the post. At the bottom of each post you will see a date, company name, county or LODD, these automatically go to a list on the right side of the page. If you want to see all WEFR items for example you click on the WEFR in the label list and it will bring them all up. I presently have the last ten post done and hope to have all the post finished in the next day or two. This will make it easier for people to find what they are looking for. I will also be doing this to my photography site.

South Mountain Home Destroyed By Fire

On July 28, 1941 at 6:45 p.m. firemen were alerted to a house fire between Mainsville and Cleversburg. When firemen from the Vigilant Hose Company arrived the two-story frame house was almost leveled. Firemen were unable to determine the origin of the fire and said it was burning for several hours before they received the alarm.

Walnut Bottom House Burns

On July 26, 1932 at an unknown time a firemen were alerted to a house fire in Walnut Bottom. Firemen from Shippensburg were able to arrive in time to save the house. A cistern along the house filed with water provided the firemen with enough water to extinguish the blaze. Te origin of the fire was unknown and damages were estimated at $500. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

In today's photo WEFR members assist the Viggies on a field fire at Shippensburg Mobile Estates on this date in 1991.

Newburg R.D. 1 Barn Burns

On July 25, 1979 a severe thunder storm tore through the are causing a barn fire on Newburg R.D. 1 after lightning struck it at 4:15 p.m. When firefighters from six companies arrived the barn was well involved. The building contained machinery, hay and straw and was completely destroyed along with its contents. Damages were estimated at $150,000. Firefighters remained on the scene for nearly six hours. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene.

Numerous Out Buildings Destroyed

On July 24, 1943 at 2:30 a.m. a fire was discovered in numerous out buildings on Shippensburg R.R. 1. A small stove in a work shed destroyed the building along with a wagon shed and corn crib. Firemen were on the scene quickly and kept the flames from spreading to the barn and house. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Garage And Other Buildings Destroyed On Queen Street

On July 23, 1927 at 3:45 a. m., 204 North Queen Street. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a building that included a garage, hog pen and wagon shed along with their contents. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies operated at the scene.

Today's Photograph is the Cumberland Valley Hose Company No. 2, Shippensburg, Pa. circa mid to late 1920's.

2 Firemen Killed, 8 Hurt In Fire Truck Crash

On July 22, 1936 Franklin ( Chambersburg) firemen were responding to a fire in a stable about one mile east of Fayetteville when a terrible accident occurred. The engine was only about 60 feet from the fire when the engine veered to the left in the loose stones, the driver Bard Miller, Sr. was unable to regain control of the truck in time to avert a collision with a tree trunk. At the time of the accident 15 men were on board the engine, all but two were either thrown or jumped from the rig when the collision occurred.

David Gabler, 19 was killed instantly and Harold E. Snider, 29 died about 5:00 p.m. at Chambersburg Hospital. Eight other firemen were injured, two seriously. The two firemen that were killed got caught between the rig and the tree crushing them. The fire destroyed the stable causing $600 in damages.

Barn Destroyed During Storm

On July 21, 1932 a severe thunderstorm tore through the valley causing a barn to be destroyed when it was struck by lightning shortly after 6:00 p.m. The farm located near Newburg lost the barn, implement sheds, pump house, garage, hog pen and large chicken house. Firemen were able to save the wagon shed and a smaller shed. Firemen were able to draft water from a small stream nearby to assist in their battle. Damages were estimated at over $10,000. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Important announcement; on Saturday a close fiend and someone I consider a family member, Ivan Bretzman was severely injured in an accident at his home. Most people in the fire service know Ivan, he and many generations of his family has been active in the fire service for probably the last century. Ivan is in Hershey Medical Center and his son tells me he is doing better but there is a long road to recovery. Unfortunately I am on vacation and can’t be there for the family. Please keep Ivan, Judy, Greg, Danny and the rest of the Bretzman family in your thoughts and prayers. The Mt. Holly Springs fire department web site is to be updated regularly on Ivan’s condition http://www.citizensfire36.org/.

North Newton House Burns

On July 20, 2006 at 1:57 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to 107 Long Road, North Newton Township. A barking family dog alerted residents to a fire in a 2-1/2-story brick and wood frame farmhouse. The fire believed to be electrical in nature, started in a rear kitchen and destroyed the house before firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose Companies assisted at the scene.

Kennedy Street House Burns

On July 19, 2001 at 8:24 a.m. a Company 1 box was alerted for a house fire at 168 Kennedy Street, Chambersburg. When firefighters arrived they had heavy fire in 168 and 166. Firefighters from five companies had the blaze under control in 10 minutes and remained on the scene for four hours. 166 and 168 were gutted and 172 sustained broken windows and damage to the siding. A damage estimate was not available. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene.

The photograph is the Vigilant Hose Company No. 1, Shippensburg, Pa. circa 1959.

Two Killed In Interstate 81 Crash

On July 18, 1994 at 12:55 a.m. a rescue local was alerted for Interstate 81 north bound just south of exit 9 Southampton, Franklin. A pickup truck traveling south veered into the northbound lanes striking a tractor-trailer head on. Both occupants of the pickup truck were ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. The driver of the tractor-trailer and his passenger were treated for minor injuries. The West End Fire and Rescue Company answered the alarm.

Firemen Respond To Cross Burning

On July 17, 1925 around 9:00 p.m. a glow was spotted around West Orange Street causing firemen from one company (the article does not say witch company) to respond to the area. Upon arrival firemen found a cross burning. Three other crosses were found to be ablaze at North Seneca Street, South Penn Street extended and Fayette Street. It was not known positively who was responsible but it was believed to be the work of the local branch of the Ku Klux Klan.

Vigilant’s Purchase International Chassis

On July 16, 1973 at the Vigilant Hose Company’s regular monthly meeting the company announced the purchase of a 1973 International chassis from Pierce Equipment Center, Shippensburg. The cost of the chassis was $10,912. The International was to be delivered to Brumbaugh Body Co. in Altoona to have the tank and pump from the old tank truck installed. Thirty two members attended the meeting.

Southeastern Firemen’s Association Meets In Carlisle

On July 15, 1926 the Southeastern Firemen’s Association held a meeting in the Empire Hook and Ladder Company Carlisle. The association was made up of Dauphin, York, Lancaster, Lebanon, Adams and Cumberland Counties. Cumberland being the only county to not be organized as there own association was the topic of discussion. A committee was established to organize the county firemen with Robert H. Gibb of Carlisle being named chairman. Nine county communities were represented including Shippensburg.

Truck Tractors Destroyed, Garage Damaged In Blaze

On July 14, 1971 at 6:30 p.m. firemen were dispatched to South Earl Street extended for a structure fire. When firemen arrived they found smoke pouring from a garage. A truck tractor was being painted when a motor was started causing an explosion in the building. Two truck tractors were destroyed and a third heavily damaged the building was also damaged in the blaze. A garage adjacent to the structure sustained water damage. Firemen had the blaze under control quickly under the supervision of Borough Fire Chief Edward Thrush. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Today's photograph is of the West End Fire and Rescue Company No. 3 in Shippensburg, Pa. , I know it is out of place being at the top but it won't get bigger when you click on it if I put it at the end of the post.

Local Fireman Delivers Baby

On July 13, 1981 at 10:38 a.m. the Vigilant Hose Company special unit (manned by company president Tim Costanza and Lieutenant Bradley Myers) and Pleasant Hall ambulance was dispatched to 337 East Orange Street for an obstetrics patient. Upon arrival it was quickly determined that the baby had no intentions on waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Lt Myers donned rubber gloves (we didn’t use them for anything else back in those days) and laid out the o.b. kit in preparation of the baby’s arrival. By 10:45 a.m. just seven minutes from dispatch a baby girl was delivered in the families living room. Others on the scene and inside helping at the time included, Borough Police officer Terry Kennedy, C.V. Hose Sgt. David Myers, and Vigilant Deputy Chief Danny Byers. Brad and Dave Myers rode with the mother to Chambersburg Hospital in the Pleasant Hall ambulance.

$300,000 Fire Destroys Tire Business In Chambersburg

On July 12, 1948 at 1:35 p.m. Chambersburg firemen were dispatched to an explosion and building fire at Pryor Tire Service, 230 North Second Street. The explosion was caused by gasoline fumes in the basement of the Prior Tire and was followed by two smaller explosions. Buried under the basement of the business were three or four 1000-gallon gasoline tanks that were discovered to be leaking within recent weeks.

When firemen arrived thick black smoke was billowing into the sky and the intense heat kept them from getting close. In the early part of the fire they were hampered by a large crowd of spectators and mechanical troubles causing a shortage in water. The C.V. (Chambersburg) pumper suffered an air lock and the nearest fire hydrant broke. Flames quickly spread eastward igniting the Chambersburg Implement building. Feeding on the paints and varnish in the building the two story structure was soon ablaze and spreading into other parts of the business.

Firemen worked vigorously to control the blaze, additional lines were laid to other hydrants and four engines began drafting from a nearby stream. Apparatus and manpower was soon requested from other communities. At one point while Letterkenny firemen were soaking roofs to stop the fire the stream came into contact with electrical lines causing some of the men to receive a shock.

Firemen from eight companies worked for an hour and a half before bring the fire under control. In all five civilians were injured, one critically and two firemen were injured one being William Jones from Shippensburg. That night flames broke out six more times requiring firemen to return to the scene.

Pryor Tire Service was a complete loss suffering $100,000 in damage and Chambersburg Implement was heavily damaged suffering $200,000 in losses.

All five Chambersburg Fire companies answered the alarm along with three pieces and 26 men from Letterkenny, two engines from Greencastle and Shippensburg (the Chambersburg paper did not state which company from town responded and 1948 is the only year I have not finished researching from Shippensburg).

New Home Destroyed By Fire

On July 11, 1972 at 4:11 a.m. units were alerted to a house fire near Legislative Route 21006 and Southampton Cumberland Route 302 (Cherry Grove area between Cleversburg and Mainsville). When the first arriving chiefs arrived the one story frame house was well involved. Firemen used portable pumps to obtain water from a nearby stream but they were unable to save the structure. Two Vigilant firemen were injured during the incident, Ted Wise was overcome by smoke and Assistant Chief Gerald Holtry suffered first and second degree burns to his neck. A cause was not reported; damages were estimated at $32,000. Units from three companies battled the blaze and remained on the scene until 7:18 a.m. The Vigilant Hose Company stations 1 & 2 and the West End Fire and Rescue Company answered the alarm.

Chambersburg Storage Units Burn

On July 10, 2000 at 11:51 p.m. Franklin County 911 dispatched a Chambersburg box to 540 Carolina Court for storage units on fire. According to Chambersburg Fire Chief Allen Baldwin, heavy fire damaged two of the nine units in the one story structure. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 15 minutes. A damage estimate or cause was not reported. Firefighters remained on the scene until 1:49 a.m. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene.

Fire Traps Three Teens In Carnegie Cave

On July 9, 1967 at 3:42 p.m. firemen were alerted to the Carnegie Cave, near Cleversburg for a rescue. Three teens were exploring a cave, which is entered through a conduit entrance approximately 150 feet long that runs under Interstate 81. While in the cave the area with the conduit which is lined with tar caught fire and burnt an area 25 to 30 feet long. One youth crawled through the burning conduit and was found outside the entrance with his clothes on fire. After extinguishing the fire, boards were laid through the area to protect the rescue workers from the hot tar.

Searching the cave were Tom Jackson, John Nickles, Mike Goodhart and Fred Paulsgrove. The team searched the cave for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes before locating the missing two on a shelf in an upper layer of the cave about 1,800 feet from the cave entrance. At some places the cave floor was knee deep in water. The two were removed from the cave at 6:12 p.m.

All three were taken to Chambersburg Hospital, one in critical condition. That youth, 16 later died from his injured at Temple University Hospital on July 12TH. One fireman Edward Goodhart was treated at Chambersburg Hospital for smoke inhalation.

The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley ambulance and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene. The rescue squad from the Friendship fire company in Chambersburg was also called to assist.

I don't know who all the people in the photograph are but the ones I remember are, far right with no helmet about the center of the photo is John Snyder, right next to him with no shirt or helmet, Gerald Holtry, to the left of Ged in the white tin helmet, Charlie Myers, I am guessing that the other white helmet is Crawford Wiestling, three men in the CD type helmets are probably from WEFR and way in the back at in the row of people, standing on the right with the white shirt and his hand up to his chin (dark hair) looks like George Bigler. That's the best I can do, this is where I say that some people looking at the site could add much more to it but don't, and I won't, OH I just did.

Greene Township Barn Burns

On July 8, 1987 at 12:39 a.m. firefighters were called to the Sunset Pike, Greene Township across from the Letterkenny Army Depot for a barn fire. When firefighters arrived the barn was well involved and efforts were made to save a horse and protect the exposures. A dollar loss on the structure was not available but loss to the contents amounted to $12,000. A cause was not reported. Firefighters from six companies battled the blaze and remained on the scene until 3:10 a.m. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted t the scene.

WEFR members Jamie White, Larry Hinkle and Tom Flohr on the deluge gun, unknown firefighters behind them and Letterkenny firefighters in the black gear.

$350,000 Fire Destroys Greenvillage Plant

On July 7, 1965 around 6:15 p.m. lightning struck the Blue Ridge Pre-built Homes Inc., just south of Greenvillage along Route 11. By the firemen arrived the fire had control of the building making it impossible to save any of the contents. At the height of the blaze 150-200 firemen from six companies were involved in battling the fire. A shortage of water hampered the firefighting effort, tankers were used to haul water, the hydrants were used in Greenvillage and lines were laid across the fields to the Conococheague Creek at Sycamore Grove.

The building was a sprawling one story frame and concrete block construction. The facility burnt to the ground along with one nearly completed pre-built home and two others under construction. Four completed homes nearby were damaged. Officials listed damages at $350,000.

By 9:15 the fire was partially under control and some firemen remained on the scene all night. Several firemen were injured but only one was transported to Chambersburg Hospital. The West End Fire and Rescue Company answered the alarm.

With the amount of tankers called from other companies I would have thought the Vigilant's tank truck would have taken in the box, but there is no mention of it in the articles. There is a gentleman out there that reads these and was on the call along with a few others in the past week that may know if he wants to comment or elaborate on the incident.

Fannettsburg Mobile Home Destroyed

On July 6, 1992 at 11:02 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a mobile home fire at 10930 Beech Avenue, Fannettsburg. When firefighters arrived the mobile home was well involved. Approximately 30 firefighters from four companies had the blaze under control in 15-20 minutes. The home and its contents were completely destroyed; a damage estimate was not available. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company assisted at the scene.

Mountaindale House Extensively Damaged

On July 5, 1970 at 3:51 p.m. the Shippensburg Civil Defense room alerted firemen to a house fire at Shippensburg R.D. 4, in the area of Mountaindale above Mainsville. Defective wiring in a television set sparked a fire that caused heavy damage to an occupied home. When firemen arrived they found the house fully charged with smoke. The fire was contained to the double living room with heat and smoke damage to the rest of the house. Firemen remained on the scene until after 5:00 p.m. A damage estimate was not available. The West End Fire and Rescue and Vigilant Hose companies answered the alarm.

State Theatre Damaged By Fire

On July 4, 1954 at 11:15 p.m. a passerby noticed smoke coming from the State theatre on South Earl Street and quickly turned in the fire alarm. When firemen from both companies arrived they found heavy fire in the rear of the building. Two firemen were injured battling the blaze, Harry Baughman, burns to the right hand and Herbert Bobletz, overcome by smoke were treated on the scene by the community ambulance and went back to fighting the fire. The fire was caused by temporary wiring for a soft drink cooler and quickly spread to the rear of the building igniting the drapes around the stage. Damages were estimated at $50,000. Hargelroad’s apartments to the north of the building suffered smoke damage. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Okay, I was away at scout camp with my son and his troop keeping me from posting yesterday so after considering if I should post the answer to the question about long gone fire companies from years ago in Cumberland County, for those that care I will. I was a little disappointed since four of the answers appeared on this site last September.

Lambs Gap Fire Company
United Fire, Carlisle

From Newville
Washington
Hope
Resolution
Independent

Centerville Fire Company

From Shippensburg
Shippensburg Fire Company
Alert
Niagra Hook and Ladder
Keystone Hook and Ladder

The others can be found in the comment section on the date the question was asked.

Some of the Newville companies could have been the same with a name change. I know the Hope was a name change but without digging out my old records and finishing the research in the Valley Times Star I am not sure which one. I do know that at one time Newville had three active companies all at the same time in the 1800's. Also the Niagra in Shippensburg never had a rig and didn't last long. There could be more these are just the ones I uncovered and remember off the top of my head.

What Happens When A Town Loses Its Hero?

Today’s post is taken from an article that appeared in The International Fire Chief magazine, December 1977. The article was written by the late James Yvorra and the late Jackson H. Gerhart. It is posted here in its entirety and because of that the post is longer than usual.

CHIEF JAMES CUTCHALL: AN UNTIMELY DEATH

Chief James Cutchall responded to the July 2, 1977 fire alarm as he had a hundred times before, arriving on the scene first to direct incoming fire apparatus from the Fayetteville, Pennsylvania Volunteer Fire Department.

Within minutes, the 33-year-old Chief lay mortally wounded from a sniper’s bullet, shot even as he radioed the Franklin County Communications Center with an initial report of a working fire and injured civilian.

Wagon 7-1, Fayetteville’s first due engine, followed Chief Cutchall up the dirt road leading to the burning cabin and was greeted by a barrage of bullets which pierced the windshield and cab, wounding the driver, Deputy Chief Robert Monn, and 18-year-old firefighter Scott Riechenbach as they raced for cover.

One of the men on board wagon 7-1 shouted “the Chief’s down” and several firefighters ran through the continuing gunfire to drag Chief Cutchall to safety and began administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. A Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department ambulance rushed him to the hospital as the EMT-A’s continued resuscitation techniques. However, Chief Cutchall died at the hospital.

So unfolded the tragic, untimely death of a man described by one of his peers as “one of the most outstanding fire chiefs in the nation”. Close personal and professional friend Donald D. Flinn, General Manager of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, described Cutchall’s department programs as “model for the volunteer service”.

Crawford Wiestling, former chief of the neighboring Shippensburg West End Fire and Rescue Company, and the man who assumed command of the scene after Cutchall’s injury, explained, “he lived, breathed, slept and ate firefighting”.

Chief Wiestling perhaps described Cutchall best with these words: “He would refuse to sit still. He always wanted new ideas. Stagnation meant defeat to him. He would refuse to pause or say, ‘I’ve done my job’. He always used one saying in his speeches: ‘To be a volunteer firefighter and make an error is human, to be a volunteer firefighter and worry about those errors is compassion, to be a volunteer firefighter and do something about those errors is professionalism.’”

Under Cutchall’s four year reign as Chief, the Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department became the first volunteer company within the region to adopt documented training standards, initiate a “bunk-in” program to assure immediate nighttime response, develop extensive pre-planning procedures for its 25-square mile first due area, and use modern, diesel-powered apparatus painted high visibility lime yellow. A capital improvements program, including the addition of five pieces of apparatus and a $150,000 building renovation, also was completed.

Women have assumed an important role within the Department riding fire, rescue and ambulance vehicles as active members. Junior membership and scholarship programs begun by Cutchall have provided a training ground for future firefighters. Many of these programs were outlined by the Chief in an article appearing in the July 1976 issue of Fire Command entitled “Volunteers Surviving in the 70’s”.

In 1975, alarmed by the lack of adequate ambulance service in Fayetteville, the Chief purchased two ambulances and manned them with EMT-As trained in Pennsylvania and Maryland. The Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department ambulance service was the first in the State to be certified under recent State regulations governing training, manpower and equipment. Plans also were initiated by Cutchall to provide advanced life support to his community within the next year.

On July 6, 1977 the final tribute was paid to James C. Cutchall in a style never before experienced in central Pennsylvania. Firefighters and 80 pieces of apparatus from 60 fire companies in six states lined both sides of Lincoln Way in Chambersburg for the mile-long procession to Lincoln Cemetery where the Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and Halfway, Maryland aerial towers formed an arch draped in black. The casket, carried in the red velvet hose bed of Engine 7-1, was followed by more than 2,500 uniformed firefighters who, along with friends, slowly moved toward the cemetery in sweltering 100-degree heat.

Some of the mourners present included Don Flinn, IAFC, Chief Burton Johnson, District of Columbia Fire Department, Chief Robert Little, Director, Eastern Division, along with representatives of the University of Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute and members of the Pennsylvania State Legislature and Pennsylvania State Police.

Normally I would not use something that someone else wrote for my site but this is a rare case. The two men that wrote the article on Chief Cutchall were best of friends with him; they to were dedicated to the fire service and its betterment. In later years they both gave their lives in the line of duty also. This entry is a tribute to all three men.

Stove Explodes, Child Burnt

On July 1, 1930 at 4:40 p.m. and alarm of fire was sounded for 114 North Fayette Street. A gasoline stove in the outer kitchen exploded igniting the rear portion of the house. Firemen were on the scene quickly and extinguished the blaze in 15 minutes. The flames damaged a car parked in a shed next to the house also. Damages to the house and car were estimated at $1,200. A nine-year-old boy was burnt when the stove exploded. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.