Kitchen Damaged In Accidental Fire

On September 30, 1958 at 9:10 a.m., firemen responded to the Pine Road near the Airport for a house fire. A fire caused by a refrigerator burnt out a kitchen in a 1-½ story frame dwelling. The remainder of the home suffered smoke and water damage. When firemen arrived smoke was billowing from the windows and door with fire showing from a section of the wall that burnt through. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Vacant Restaurant Destroyed In Arson Fire

On September 29, 1995 at 6:52 a.m. firefighters were alerted to a building fire on the Pa. Turnpike, eastbound at mile marker 187.6. An arson fire destroyed a vacant restaurant, one of the original service areas when the Pike opened in 1940. A damage estimate was not available. Part of the building collapsed and a nearby garage was slightly damaged. Water was obtained from a pond just of the Turnpike and from the Tuscarora Tunnel, just west of the incident. Firefighters from eight companies were on the scene four hours. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company assisted at the scene.

Shippensburg firefighters also responded to a silo fire, alarm bells and two auto accidents during the day.

Furnace Explodes Causing Fire

On September 28, 1940 at 4:00 p.m. firemen were sent to 301 North Prince Street for a basement fire. A gas explosion in a furnace caused a fire that damaged a basement and destroyed the kitchen floor. Firemen had to use masks to enter the basement. Damages were estimated at $500. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies battled the blaze. The Mechanicsburg-Shippensburg High School football game was ending as the alarm sounded and most of the spectators rushed to the scene to watch (the school was at Prince and Burd Streets at the time).

Incendiary Fire Destroys Stable

On September 27, 1868 at 12:30 a.m. the cry of fire was heard over town, firemen soon learned the cause for alarm was at Jacob Stevick’s stable. An incendiary fire destroyed a frame stable. Stables on both sides were scorched, thanks to a calm night further destruction was avoided. The Vigilant Fire and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.

Borough Shed Damaged In Morning Blaze

On September 26, 1977 at 7:30 a.m. Shippensburg firefighters were alerted to a building fire on West Burd Street at the Borough Shed. A fire that started in the loft caused extensive damage to a 1-½ story frame storage building. Firefighters were on the scene one and a half hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

The photograph below is of the West End Fire and Rescue Company in 1990.

Bank Barn And Numerous Out Buildings Destroyed

On September 25, 1949 at 2:00 p.m. local firemen were sent to Leesburg-Cleversburg Road for a barn fire. A large bank barn, wagon shed, chicken house and hog pen were destroyed in a fire of unknown origin. Lost in the fire were a side delivery rake, hay loader, corn husker, hay, straw and other machinery. The blaze had gained such headway that by the time the Viggies arrived all they could do was protect the dwelling. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Vacant Barn Burns In Arson Fire

On September 24, 1987 at 5:57 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a barn fire on U. S. 11 just north of Shippensburg in Southampton Cumberland. An arson fire destroyed a vacant barn causing $10,000 in damages. Firefighters were on the scene 3 ½ hours. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Dairy Barn Destroyed

On September 23, 1978 at 9:30 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a barn fire on the Burnt Mill Road, Lurgan Twp. Franklin County. A diesel engine used to run a milking system caused a fire that destroyed a large dairy barn. Firefighters pumped water from a nearby stream for twelve hours. Firefighters had to remove hay by hand from the milking stable to save that area. Firefighters were able to save the milking stable and silo. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene.

Attic Apartment Damaged

On September 22, 1992 at 11:23 a.m. Shippensburg firefighters were dispatched to 25 N. Washington Street for a house fire. An accidental fire burnt an attic converted into an apartment. The building is a five-unit 2-½-story frame apartment building. An apartment on the second floor suffered water damage. Approximately 20 firefighters from four companies had the fire was under control in 20 minutes and remained on the scene 1-½ hours. Damages were estimated at $10,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze.

The photograph below is of the West End Fire and Rescue Company circa 1984.

Child Playing With Lighter Sparks Blaze

On September 21, 2006 at 5:35 p.m. the Franklin County Communications center sent firefighters to 5395 Greenvillage Road, Greene Township for a dwelling fire. A 10-year old child playing with a lighter in a closet sparked a blaze that destroyed a 2-1/2-story frame duplex displacing ten people and killing the family dog. The occupant attempted to extinguish the fire with several pots of water before turning in the alarm. An interior attack was quickly abandoned when conditions worsened. About 70 firefighters from nine companies had the blaze under control in 45 minutes and remained on the scene almost five hours before clearing at 10:15 p.m. One firefighter was injured. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene.

Fire Damages Greene Township Apartment

On September 20, 1982 at 8:00 p.m. firefighters were alerted to an apartment fire on Carbaugh Lane, Greene Township. Fire caused $10,000 damage to a four unit occupied apartment building. The fire originated in a bathroom light/fan fixture and spread to the attic and roof. Firefighters from five companies had the blaze under control in 15 minutes. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene.

Cumberland Valley Ambulance Celebrates 50 Years

On September 19, 1981 the Cumberland Valley Hose Company held a banquet at the Shippensburg Senior High School to celebrate 50 years of ambulance service. Featured speaker was Sister Rita Moriarty. Guest were treated to a meal and entertainment. Various awards were presented for outstanding long-time service and dedication.

Fire Damages Home Near Cleversburg

On September 18, 1938 at 6:45 p.m. firemen were alerted to a house fire near Cleversburg. Fire destroyed the roof and damaged rooms on the second floor of an occupied 2-½-story frame dwelling. A defective flue caused the fire. The first floor suffered smoke and water damage. Damages were estimated at several thousand dollars. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Mobile Home Gutted On Neil Road

On September 17, 1981 at 12:46 p.m. local firefighters were dispatched to a mobile home fire on the Neil Road. A fire of unknown origin destroyed an occupied mobile home. Approximately 30 firefighters from three companies battled the fire for 90 minutes. Two firefighters and a civilian were injured. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Newburg FD Tankers Ends Up In Ditch

On September 15, 1958 while en route to a grass fire at the Guy Hammond farm the Newburg Hopewell tanker being driven by Mel Swope left the road and went into a four foot ditch along the Mill road between Newburg and Newville. No one was injured and the tanker was not damaged. The firemen were able to remove the tanker from the ditch with their LaFrance engine and a wrecker.

Large Tire Fire In W.Va.

On September 15, 1993 firefighters responded to Inwood, Berkeley County West Virginia for a tire fire. The blaze began at 3:40 a.m. Over 2 ½ acres of tires burnt for days as more than 250 firefighters from three states battled the blaze. The fire was eventually termed arson and a volunteer firefighter was arrested. The Vigilant Hose Company transferred their tanker to Waynesboro and around 7 p.m. responded to the scene. They hauled 13 loads of water while there. At the height of the operation 65 tankers were involved in a shuttle that supplied 5,000 gallons-per-minute to the scene. It took 36 hours to completely extinguish the fire.

Arson Strikes Garage While Firefighters Party

On September 14, 1979 at 8:15 p.m. while local firefighters partied at the VFW as part of the Cumberland County Volunteer Firemen’s Association Convention a 52 box was struck for a garage fire at 130 East King Street in the rear. An arson fire caused heavy damage to a 2-½-story frame garage used for storage. Damages were estimated at $5,000. One firefighter was injured and treated at the Shippensburg Medical Clinic. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies responded. A 17 year old by was later arrested for this fire and ten others.

The video of the C.V. Hose Company was taken yesterday at the Cumberland County Volunteer Fireman's convention parade in West Fairview. I got a new phone the other day and it has a 3.2 mega pixel video camera feature, Shane hasn't taught me everything about it yet so this is something new. I am amazed I made it work.

Arson Fire Destroys Two Stables

On September 13, 1872 in the evening hours the cry of fire was heard over Shippensburg. Firemen soon learned the location of the alarm was on Prince Street. An arson fire destroyed two stables and everything inside. Thanks to a calm breeze firemen were able to keep the blaze from spreading. The Vigilant and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.

Today's photograph is of the Vigilant Hose Company fleet circa 1969.

Fire Hits Eight Row Homes In Newville

On September 12, 1987 at 6:07 a.m. a 47 box was struck for a structure fire at 23-31 East Main Street, Newville. A 2-½ story occupied wood frame row. Fire caused by an electrical malfunction started in the attic of 23 E. Main. Fire damaged the second floor and attic of 23, and the attic of 25. Smoke and water damaged 25, 27 and 31 E. Main and 1 Corporation Street. Damages were estimated at $50,000. Seven people were displaced. Firefighters from 11 companies were on the scene 4 ½ hours. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene.

Vacant House Damaged In Suspicious Fire

On September 11, 1985 at 6:08 p.m. a 52 box was alerted for a house fire at 322 E. King Street. An arson fire caused heavy damage to the rear of an unoccupied 2-½-story frame house. The fire extended to the second floor rear of 324 E. King doing minimal damage. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 29 minutes and were on the scene for two hours. Damages were estimated at $10,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Roof Burns On Wal-Mart Building

On September 10, 2004 at 11:45 a.m. Shippensburg firefighters were sent to Conestoga Drive, Shippensburg Township, the new Wal-Mart building under construction for a building fire. An accidental fire started on the roof of a 100-foot by 200-foot strip mall being built to house a Wal-Mart store. An impressive thermal column could be seen from anywhere in town. One civilian suffered minor burns. Firefighters had the blaze under control by 12:12 p.m. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Shed Destroyed In Lurgan Township

On September 9, 1978 at 11:30 a.m. firefighters were sent across from the Lurgan UB Church for a shed fire. A 20-by-40 foot storage shed partially collapsed onto an electrical box causing a fire that destroyed the building and its contents. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Today's photographs come from day two of the CVVFA convention I posted about yesterday. Both of these were taken September 9, 1915 during the parade. The first photo is the Cumberland Valley Hose Company drilling with the Council House (Vigilant building) in the back ground. The other was taken in the first block of East King Street and is of an unknown fire company marching as the Darktown Fire Brigade. This was a very common thing during this time period and awards were given to the best appearing.

Explosion Causes Fire And Kills One

On September 8, 1900 at 3:30 p.m. an alarm of fire was sounded for the Shippensburg Gas Light Company for an explosion. An explosion occurred in the building blowing out one of the block walls and setting the woodwork on fire. Firemen arrived quickly and soon had several lines playing water onto the blaze. A man working in the building at the time was killed in the fire his body burnt beyond recognition. Damages were estimated at $1,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies responded.

The photographs today are from the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association Convention held in Shippensburg on September 8 and 9 1915. This was the first firemen's convention ever held in the borough. During this time period Shippensburg was home to Clyde A. Laughlin a photographer that made many post cards over the years (he was known as the post card king of the Cumberland Valley). He made a series of post cards for the firemen's convention, unfortunately I don't own the complete set. More photos from the convention on Tuesday but the event itself will be saved for another year.

Storage Barn Destroyed

On September 7, 1967 in the afternoon hours firemen were sent to Shippensburg R. D. #2 for a building fire. A fire of undetermined origin caused heavy fire damage to a one-story frame storage barn. Lawn equipment and other items were lost in the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. Firemen were on the scene over one hour. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm. Later in the evening the Vigilant Hose Company assisted Newville on a well-involved barn fire, but that’s another post.

WEFR Wins Fayetteville Vol. FD’s Pumping Contest

On Saturday September 6, 1971 the West End Fire and Rescue Company finished in 1:36.3 minutes to win a pumping contest sponsored by the Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department. Joan Strite, the queen for WEFR accepted the first place trophy for the men in front of a large crowd at the fairgrounds. The Vigilant Hose Company Stations 1 and 2 also participated in the event.

WEFR’s 1950 Ford Maxim Pumper

In August 1965 the West End Fire and Rescue Company purchased a 1950 Ford Maxim engine. The company paid $3,000 for the rig but it is unknown whom they purchased it from. We believe it was the Barren Hill Fire Department, in Pennsylvania, and hope to have a definitive answer on that soon. In September 1965 the West Enders took possession of the unit. The rig was painted red when purchased and re-lettered by the company. In its later years it carried the Franklin County designation 15-4. A couple of these photographs are when the rig ran as a Fayetteville engine on loan to them in 1973. In February 1974 the department sold the engine to J. T. McGee of Panama City Fire Equipment for $3,500 to be taken to Florida like so many other local rigs.

Nothing major occurred in the Shippensburg area today. Today's post was supposed to be a slide show, but after trying numerous times to make it work, I give up. These stupid machines!

Arson Fire Strikes China Castle Restaurant

On September 4, 1993 at 1:20 a.m. firefighters were sent to 710 East King Street, China Castle Restaurant for a building fire. More than 150 firefighter’s battled a two-alarm fire that destroyed a portion of the former SWID Brothers department store. Firefighters had fire through the roof upon their arrival at the large one story masonry building. It took firefighters two hours to control the blaze. The restaurant sustained extensive fire and smoke damage. Flames spread through the ceiling into the original portion of the building that once housed the Pa. Turnpike engineers destroying that portion of the structure. Because of a roof collapse firefighters battled the blaze with three elevated master streams. Two firefighters were slightly injured and treated and released from Chambersburg Hospital. A damage estimate was not available; the cause was listed as arson. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze.

White Church Road Duplex Destroyed

On September 3, 2000 at 1:40 a.m. firefighters were sent to 5820 White Church Road for a house fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a frame duplex undergoing renovations. Firemen from seven companies were on the scene 2 ½ hours. Two firefighters were injured and treated at the scene. A damage estimate was not available. The West End Fire and Rescue, Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies responded.

Arson Fire Damages Earl Street Home

On September 2, 1984 at 5:00 a.m. firefighters were sent to 28 N. Earl Street for a house fire. An arson fire caused $5,000 in damage to a vacant 2-½-story frame multi-family dwelling. The fires was confined to one room on the first floor with heat and smoke damage to the first floor and smoke damage to the second floor. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Mobile Home Destroyed In The 51 Box

On September 1, 1997 at 9:03 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to a mobile home fire at 9280 Otterbein Church Road. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a mobile home. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene.