Two-Alarm Fire On East King Street

On August 31, 1988 at 10:17 a.m. Shippensburg firefighters were alerted to a structure fire at 16 East King Street. When firefighter arrived they encountered heavy smoke showing from the third floor windows of the three-story taxpayer. The blaze began in a third floor rear bedroom and destroyed the apartment and caused smoke and water damage to apartments on the second and third floors and two businesses on the first floor. One civilian was injured and transported to Chambersburg Hospital and 13 firefighters were treated at the scene for various injuries.

Firefighters from 10 companies answered the two-alarm fire and had it under control at 11:02 a.m. The last units left the scene at 2:00 p.m. The fire was caused by an electrical problem in the third floor apartment. Damages were estimated in excess of $200,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Appliance Malfunction Causes $30,000 In Damages

On August 30, 2006 at 2:45 p.m. Cumberland County 911 alerted Box 52-01 for a house fire at 632 Brad Street. A malfunctioning dehumidifier sparked a blaze that gutted the basement of a 1-1/2-story house. Firefighters initially had trouble locating the origin do to the intense heat and heavy smoke. The house was sealed up tight contributing to the conditions but it also suffocated the fire keeping to the basement. One firefighter suffered minor injuries. Damages were estimated at $30,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated on the scene for about three hours.

Richard Avenue House Damaged By Fire

On August 29, 1937 at 7:45 p.m. firemen responded to a house fire on Richard Avenue. Fire started at the base of the stairwell leading to the attic in the duplex destroying the roof and attic in both sides. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

This photograph appeared in today's edition of The News Chronicle in 1958. Wouldn't it be great to have an original of this instead of a copy from microfilm. In years to come more of my photos and slides will be scanned and put up on the site. I have one good photo of the old station before the addition was added and of the engine and tanker in this photograph but I have none of the utility shown here.

If anyone has any photos they want to share with the site please contact me and we will get them on. Also if anyone has any photos they want to sell or trade I am always interested in anything I don't have from Cumberland and Franklin counties.

Farmhouse Well Involved

On August 28, 2006 at 12:57 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to 4645 Olde Scotland Road, Greene Township for a house fire. First arriving units found a large 2-½ story vacant farmhouse well involved. Firefighters from nine companies needed approximately 30 minutes to control the fire and remained on the scene for over two hours. The fire was later ruled arson. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Barn And Crops Destroyed In Fire Of Unknown Origin

On August 27, 1929 around 7 p.m. Shippensburg firemen were sent to the Frank Hollar farm on the old Carlisle Pike just east of town for a barn fire. Both companies made good time getting to the scene but were unable to do anything to save the building because of the lack of water. Destroyed was a 30-by-80 foot building containing 19 tons of baled straw and 35 to 40 tons of hay. Damages were estimated at $2,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm. On August 11, 1926 a barn was destroyed by fire on the same property.

Have you ever noticed the amount of fires I post that were barn fires? I have not kept track of them but from typing it seems as if there is allot spread out over 150 plus years.

Family Losses Home Near Lurgan

On August 26, 1963 at 8:29 p.m. firemen were alerted to a mobile home fire on Star Route 3, near Lurgan. The occupant ignited the oil-heating unit that ignited spilled oil that spread along the fuel line to the storage tank. The tank went up in flames eventually exploding, tearing apart the rear portion of the home. There was little firemen from two companies could do to save the structure. A family of three was left homeless by the fire that caused $4,000 in damage. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm. Earlier in the evening at 7:35 p.m. all three Shippensburg Fire companies responded to a vehicle fire at the Burd Street parking lot.

The photograph of the Cumberland Valley Hose Company fleet was taken in 1992 for the CCVFA convention book.

Chambersburg Firemen Prohibited From Riding Running Boards

On August 25, 1927 the drivers of the Chambersburg Fire Department were instructed by Fire Marshall Howard Forbes to prohibit firemen from riding on the running boards and fenders of the fire apparatus while en route to and returning from calls. The fire marshal explained that there is a state law-forbidding firemen to ride on the sides of fire trucks.

Barn Burns Down Two Miles East Of Town

On August 24, 1936 around noon firemen were alerted to a barn fire two miles east of Shippensburg. The fire of undetermined origin destroyed the 50 by 80 foot barn, a milk house, hog pen, a bull and sow, machinery and crops. The engine was of little use because the level of the water in the well was 30 feet and the engine was unable to obtain a draft. Firemen did what they could to protect exposures. Damages were estimated at $5,000 to $6,000. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Barn Destroyed In St. Thomas Twp

On August 23, 2003 at 11:10 p.m. units were alerted to a barn fire at 8878 Edenville-Cheesetown Road, St. Thomas Township. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a barn and its contents. Firefighters from 19 companies battled the three-alarm blaze, and remained on the scene until 6:07 a.m. One firefighter suffered minor injuries. Damages were estimated in excess of $80,000. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Vigilant Hose Orders Motorized Chemical Truck

On August 22, 1923 it was mentioned that at a recent meeting of the Vigilant Hose Company that the company had decided to order a motorized hose and chemical wagon. The chassis was purchased from the J. L. Miller dealership and the work was to be performed by H. B. McPherson of Chambersburg. This would become the Vigilant’s second motorized rig and when the Ford along with the C. V.’s recently rebuilt chemical engine arrives it will complete the motorization of the Shippensburg Fire Department.

This is the only photograph I have ever found of this rig. It was taken from microfilm when the company was replacing the unit.

Greene Twp. Mobile Home Gutted

On August 21, 1983 at 8:06 a.m. Franklin County communications center dispatched firefighters to a mobile home fire at 640 Mickey Inn Road, Lot 77, Greene Township. When firefighters arrived flames were evident from the back portion of the home. It only took minutes for the firefighters from four companies to control the fire and they remained on the scene for one and a half hours. The fire started in a mattress but it was unknown exactly how. A family of four was left homeless in the blaze that caused $10,000 in damages. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene.

Pleasant Hall Barn Burns

On August 20, 1937 at 3:20 p.m. lightning struck a barn one mile west of Pleasant Hall. Firemen had to respond and fight the fire in a driving rainstorm. Firemen were on the scene and had a stream of water playing in 15 minutes. Apparatus remained on the scene nearly two hours. Along with the barn a truck, 25 acres of wheat and 18 acres of rye were destroyed. Damages were estimated at $3,500. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

The West End Fire and Rescue Company, circa 1982.

Wash House Roof Destroyed

On August 19, 1955 in the afternoon hours firemen responded to a blaze at the Glenn Martin residence six miles west of Shippensburg on the Rowe Road. Firemen were delayed in their response by a passing freight train through the center of town. The fire was confined to the roof of the wash house. The blaze began when the chimney became overheated while the owner was roasting corn for storage. The Vigilant Hose Company extinguished the fire.

Fire Destroys Mt. Rock Barn

On August 18, 1933 at 3:00 p.m. firemen were sent to Mt. Rock near the Molly Pitcher Highway for a barn fire. By the time firemen arrived there was little they could save as fire destroyed the barn, farm machinery and a ford truck. Damages were estimated at $5,000. It was believed the fire was set by a tramp. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Scotland House Damaged In Afternoon Blaze

On August 17, 1998 at 4:38 p.m. Franklin County 911 dispatched a 7 box to 4017 Main Street in Scotland for a house fire. Firefighters arrived to find smoke showing and a working kitchen fire. Firefighters from five companies had the fire under control in 10 minutes and remained on the scene over one and a half hours. Damages were estimated at $10,000. The West End Fire and Rescue and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene. Earlier in the day the West Enders answered a working barn fire, but that post will be saved for another year.

Button Engine Arrives In Town

On August 16, 1860 the first new piece of fire apparatus ever operated in the borough of Shippensburg arrived by rail. The second-class button hand engine was described as handsome in appearance. A trial of the new engine was scheduled to take place in a couple of days. The engine was assigned to the Vigilant Fire Company. A more detailed history of this rig will appear at a later date.

WEFR’s 1947 Ford Rescue Truck

No major incidents occurred on this date in history involving the Shippensburg Fire Department.

Sometime between 1959 and 1960 the West End Fire and Rescue Company purchased a 1947 Ford rescue truck from the Barren Hill Fire Department in Pennsylvania (WEFR had the rig by June 1960 at the latest). The exact date and amount paid for the rig are unknown. The unit was already painted red when the company purchased it and only a few minor changes were made to the lettering. This would become the company’s second rescue replacing the first rig the department ever had. The unit was designated C-109 by Franklin County. In August 1963 the rescue was removed from service being replaced with the 1954 GMC featured on this site earlier. Having trouble selling the rig it was taken to Naugle Motors in September 1964 for them to try and sell. As of March 1965 the rig was still not sold and a minimum price was set at $300.00 at the company meeting. I am not 100% percent of this but using company minutes and the local newspaper it is believed that in April or May 1965 the company traded the unit to H & H Chevrolet for a pick up truck. From this point the whereabouts of this rig are unknown.

Presently I have a gentleman from the Barren Hill area with ties to the fire service trying to help me fill in the gaps and gather additional information on this rig and the 1950 Ford Maxim engine that may have come from Barron Hill. Thanks George.

C.V. Hose To Motorize Chemical Wagon

On August 14, 1923 at a special meeting of the Cumberland Valley Hose Company it was decided to have the 1910 American LaFrance combination chemical wagon mounted on a one-ton Ford. The Ford was purchased from the J. L. Miller dealership and H. B. McPherson of Chambersburg will perform the work. The cost of the work was to amount to $1,000. This would become the C.V.’s second motorized rig. In the article it mentioned that man or horsepower previously pulled the wagon but I never found any mention of Shippensburg Fire apparatus ever being pulled by a horse.

Frey’s Farm Dairy And Other Businesses Destroyed

On August 13, 2000 at 9:53 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a structure fire at the Frey’s Farm Dairy building at 1844 Falling Spring Road, Guilford Township, Franklin County, box 17-7. When crews first arrived they found the center of the building to be well involved. The multi story building housed a milking parlor, J&H Industries, Swartz’s Auto Repair, a storage facility and Hoffeditz’s Ceramic shop. Firefighters made numerous attempts at an interior attack but were driven back each time. Approximately 75 firefighters from 12 companies battled the blaze and had it contained by 12:03 a.m. Firefighters remained on the scene until 3:35 a.m. One firefighter was transported to Chambersburg Hospital with heat exhaustion. Damages were in excess of $250,000. A cause was not listed. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene.

Besides the fire the Vigilant’s and West End answered an auto accident on I-81, the Cumberland Valley handled an AFA in Penn Twp. and all three companies answered an AFA in Shippensburg Twp. on this day.

Today's photograph was taken on this day in 1979. The incident was in the 100 block of East Orange Street for a car leaking fuel. From left to right Glen Bitner (dark pants, light shirt), Chief Charlie Myers (In the blue), Elizabeth Myers, Kenny Nehf, and Bradley Myers.

Lower Mifflin Barn Burns

On August 12, 2001 at 1:29 a.m. firefighters responded to a barn fire at 101 Meadows Road, Lower Mifflin Township. When firefighter arrived the 30-by-60 foot metal building was well involved. The main barn and equipment shed was only about 20 yards away from the burning structure but firefighters were able to save both buildings. One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion. Firefighters from seven companies had the blaze contained in 15 minutes and remained on the scene until 3:23 a.m. It was believed the fire was started by an electrical problem. Damages were estimated at $60,000. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company assisted at the scene.

That same morning the Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered an auto accident at Rt. 641 and Quigley Roads.

Busy Day For Shippensburg Firefighter’s

On August 11, 2006 at 6:06 a.m., Franklin County 911 alerted units to a house fire at 3464 Troon Drive, Greene Township. Spontaneous combustion in mulch piled along the exterior of a townhouse caused a fire that burnt up the outside wall and extended into the attic before being stopped by firefighters. Approximately 50 firefighters from five companies were able to contain the blaze quickly. The West End Fire and Rescue and C.V. Hose companies assisted at the scene.

Earlier in the day at 3:42 a.m. the Cumberland Valley Hose Company’s air wagon assisted on a house fire at 63 H Street Carlisle. Later that day at 3:59 p.m. the Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies responded to a kitchen fire at 138 Meadow Drive, Roxbury Ridge Apartments. The fire started on the stove and traveled into the cabinets and across the ceiling before being extinguished by firefighters.

If you are counting today's entry give me 300 post on the SFD site. Within the next two month both sites will celebrate their first anniversary.

Orrstown Garage Destroyed

On August 10, 1937 at 10:00 p.m. the rural pumper responded to the north end of Orrstown for a garage fire. By the time the engine arrived the garage had already burnt down destroying a 1927 Pontiac. The pumper connected to a hydrant about 100 feet away from the fire and prevented it from spreading further. The water system was installed in Orrstown just a few years earlier. Damages were estimated at $400. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Today's photograph is of the Cumberland Valley Hose Company No. 2, Shippensburg, Pa, circa 1969.

Chicken House Destroyed In Evening Fire

On August 9, 1971 at 9:45 p.m. firemen were sent to Orrstown for a chicken house fire. A glow could be seen by local firefighters as they left the borough. The accidental fire destroyed a frame chicken house and caused minimal damage to two other buildings before being controlled by firemen from three companies. Damages were estimated at several thousand dollars. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm. Earlier in the day the Vigilant’s responded to a field fire at the Rosenberry farm after a passing freight train started a fire that burnt 5 acres.

Roxbury Barn Destroyed

On August 8, 1932 at 9:30 p.m. firemen were alerted for a barn fire in Roxbury. The fire of undetermined origin destroyed the barn, a car, hay, straw, 25 chickens and tools. Other nearby buildings started to burn but was saved by firemen. Damages were estimated at $800. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Burning Lamp Causes Fire On Penn Street

On August 7, 1910 between the hours of 10 and 11:00 p.m. most of the towns people had retired for the night when the Vigilant’s bell tolled for an alarm of fire. It was soon realized that the alarm was for the Harry Diller residence in Hollar’s row, North Penn Street. Mr. Diller was preparing for bed when a lamp flared up, grabbing the lamp Harry attempted to toss if from a window without realizing the screen was still intact. The lamp struck the screen and bounced back breaking when it hit the floor and spreading flames though out the room. Realizing he could not control the fire he sounded the alarm. Neighbors from across the street quickly came to his aid; attaching a garden hose a stream was played through the window. When the water struck the screen it formed a spray extinguishing the fire. Firemen were soon on the scene attaching to a plug and stretching a line but there water was not needed. The carpet was ruined along with several pieces of furniture causing an estimated $35.00 in damages. Mr. Dillers arm and hand were badly burned. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Man Rescued, Two Dogs Die In House Fire

On August 6, 1998 at 9:07 p.m. a 911 call was received for a house fire at 506 S. Fayette Street. By 9:09 the first firefighters arrived on the scene to find smoke showing from a 1-½ story brick occupied house. Quick entry was made into the dwelling and an occupant was found lying on the kitchen floor and removed from the building by 9:11 p.m. The living room had been consumed by flames and almost burnt itself out due to the lack of oxygen. A faulty air conditioner wire sparked the blaze that caused an estimated $40,000. The mail occupant was transferred to Lehigh Valley Hospital in critical condition, his two dogs perished in the fire. Approximately 35 to 40 firefighters from four companies operated at the scene. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Today's photograph is the West End Fire and Rescue Company No. 3, Shippensburg, Pa. circa 1973.

Rhinehart’s Apartments Damaged In Suspicious Fire

On August 5, 1968 at 12:05 a.m. Shippensburg firemen were sent to a building fire at Rhinehart’s Apartment, 33 West King Street by the local Civil Defense Room. The fire started in the living room of a second floor, rear apartment. Firemen were able to contain the blaze to the apartment of origin but thick smoke filled the other six apartments and water seeped in the G. E. Rhinehart Sons appliance store on the first floor. Borough Fire Chief Dan Orris called in Cumberland County Fire Marshall William Sweet to assist with the investigation. A 27 year old man was arrested later that morning and charges with arson. Damages were estimated at $5,000 and firemen remained on the scene until 2:20 a.m. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Greene Township House Burns

On August 4, 1987 at 11:01 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to 71 Rocky Mountain Road, Greene Township Franklin County for a house fire. When firefighters arrived the first floor was heavily involved in the two-story frame residence. A lack of water and low manpower hampered firefighting efforts. Firefighters from nine companies operated at the scene. Three firefighters were injured, one was treated at the scene and two were transported to Chambersburg Hospital. Damages were estimated at $60,000. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene.

Fire Ruins Couples Mobile Home

On August 3, 1994 in the evening hours lightning struck a mobile home at 640 Mickey Inn Lane, Lot 100, Greene Township. When the first firefighters arrived the center section of the home was in flames. The home and its contents were destroyed causing $25,000 in damages. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene.

I-81 Crash Leaves Two Dead

On August 2, 1982 at 4:30 a.m. a 52 box was alerted for an auto accident on Interstate 81 North bound three miles north of exit 10 in Southampton Township Cumberland County. First arriving units found a tractor-trailer head on into a concrete bridge pillar. The driver was found still in his seat approximately 30 yards from the truck on the highway. Upon further investigation the rider was found to still be in the cab deceased. The driver was transported to Washington County Hospital in serious condition where he died a few days later. Units operated on the scene until late morning when the rider was finally extricated and the highway reopened. The Vigilant Hose Company and Cumberland Valley ambulance operated on the scene along with two other companies.

Flames Damages J. W. Pierce Drug Store

On August 1, 1877 around 10:00 p.m. a dense volume of smoke was seen pushing from the ceiling under J. W. Pierce’s Drug Store in the Criswell Building on the corner of Main and Railroad Streets. Firemen were on the scene quickly with the Cumberland Valley boys taking the well at the Black Bear Hotel and the Vigilant’s taking the well at the Sherman House; two streams of water were soon flowing. Firemen had great difficulty in locating the fire, as the smoke was very dense and suffocating. Only after cutting a hole in the floor could water be played on the fire in the basement. After extinguishing the blaze it was determined that it was a small amount of rubbish burning in the basement causing minimal damage. For Criswell it was good news as in the last 10 years two of his warehouses were destroyed by flames in Shippensburg. The Vigilant Fire and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm. After the fire the local newspaper again began their campaign for a water supply in the borough of Shippensburg.

Today's photograph is of the Vigilant Hose Company No. 1 in 1928, this was taken shortly after the completion of the building. Note the newly planted grass in front of the building.

I would like to thank everyone for stopping by the site daily and an extra thanks to those that contribute by commenting and adding to the site. For the month of July the site had 1,607 visitors viewing 3,715 pages and staying an average of 1:55 each visit. These numbers are very good but I wouldn't mind if they went higher, if you know anyone that would like the site and may have never been to it please pass it along. Thanks again Brad.