Heat Lamp Causes Barn Fire

On October 31, 2000 at 1209 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 65 Chamberlin Road for a barn fire. A fire caused by a heat lamp caused extensive damage to a 150 X 50 foot barn. Firefighters from seven companies had the blaze under control in 30 minutes and were on the scene two hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze. Earlier in the morning the CV’s answered an AFA on Frey Road, later in the evening WEFR answered a working barn fire in St. Thomas Township followed by all three Shippensburg companies answering another working barn fire on the Pine Stump Road. Those two working fires can wait to be posted in the future.

Fire Extends To Zinn’s Grocery Store

On October 30, 1928 at 1:00 p.m. firemen were sent to East King Street near Earl Street for a fire. A pile of crates and boxes caught fire and extended to the rear of the Paul Zinn Grocery store. Firemen quickly rushed to the rear of the store with the two chemical trucks while hose lines were ran over the roof of the building. Damages were estimated at $400. One civilian was injured when he fell through a sky light in the Sherman Hotel while watching the firemen battle the blaze. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

West End Fire And Rescue Company Celebrates 50 Years Of Service

On October 29, 2005 the West End Fire and Rescue Company celebrated their 50Th anniversary with a banquet at the Beistle Plaza. The event was attended by nearly 400 people and featured a dinner, awards to past officers, entertainment and a dance afterwards. Nearly four years of planning went into the weekend activities that included a Chief's reception at the Market Cross Pub on the 28Th and a breakfast at the fire station on the 30Th.

West End Fire and Rescue’s 1947 Dodge Rescue

The only two major incidents to occur on this date were posted last year, an incident from 1973 and the job in Mainsville that happened last year.

This would become the first rig for the newly formed West End Fire and Rescue Company No. 3. It was originally owned by Henry’s Bakery and donated by Frank Hollar while the company was still in the planning stages as an annex to the Vigilant Hose Company sometime in early 1955. Member Merle Byers painted the rig red for the company and members mounted a ladder on the roof and lights and tools on the outside. The inside carried a stretcher, chemox air masks, fire extinguishers, salvage covers, protective clothing and many other small hand tools.

The unit was replaced sometime between 1959 and 1960 when the company purchased a 1947 Ford Rescue truck from Barren Hill, Pa. It is unknown what happened to the rig after that.

Barn Destroyed In Cleversburg

On October 27, 1928 in the evening hours local firemen were sent to Cleversburg for a barn fire. A fire possibly intentionally set destroyed a large barn and its contents. Four or five pieces of farm machinery and the hay crop stored for the winter were all lost with the barn. Firemen pumped water from a nearby stream in an effort to save the surrounding buildings. Damages were estimated at $10,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

$800,000 Blaze Hits Machine Shop

On October 26, 1999 at 10:00 p.m. Franklin County alerted an 11 box to 5800 Cumberland Highway, Paul E. Lehman Inc for a building fire. A fire of suspicious origin destroyed a 14,000 square foot machine shop and put more than 60 people out of work. When firefighters arrived they found the machine shop and several offices heavily involved in fire. About two hours earlier firefighters had responded to a trash bin fire outside at the same location. It took firefighters from 12 companies over an hour to control the blaze. Firefighters were able to save six computers that were termed critical to the business and remove dangerous chemicals before they could be involved in the blaze. Damages were estimated at $800,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Firefighter’s Battle Second Barn Fire In Hours

On October 25, 1983 at 6:38 a.m. firefighters were sent to the Borough of Newburg for a barn fire. Over 150 firefighters manning 20 pieces of apparatus battled a barn fire for over five hours before bringing it under control. The barn was saved as firefighters worked all day to remove the burning hay. The fire was ruled arson along with another barn fire just three miles away and an hour earlier. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.


The above photograph is of the Vigilant Hose Company's fleet circa 1955, from left to right the 1950 Seagrave rural engine, 1950 Seagrave city quad and the 1953 International tank truck.

Fire Damages American Legion Post

On October 24, 1958 at 6:45 a.m., an alarm of fire was dispatched for 117 West Orange Street, Robert Green American Legion Post. A fire of suspicious origin caused heavy damage to the one story block building. Firefighters encountered dense smoke and a floor that had fallen into the basement upon their entry. Damages were estimated at $2,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze. Later in the evening firemen responded to the intersection of King and Earl Streets for an auto fire, defective wiring in the car caused a slight blaze.

Barn And Two Sheds Go Up In Flames

On October 23, 1986 at 7:25 p.m. the Vigilant’s assistance was requested at a barn fire at 328 Old York Road. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a barn and two sheds. The farmhouse was also damaged in the fire along with two pieces of fire apparatus. Firefighters were hampered by gusty winds and a lack of water. Damages were estimated at $203,000. Eight firefighters were treated at the scene for minor injuries. Firefighters from 17 companies in two counties battled the blaze for hours. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene.

Vigilant Hose Co.’s 1950 Seagrave Pumper

Nothing major occurred in the Shippensburg area on this date.

On Friday March 17, 1950 the Vigilant Hose Company voted to purchase a new rural pumper. The membership unanimously approved the purchase after hearing a report given by M. Garfield Barbour, President, concerning reaction to a meeting held by the Vigilant’s with supervisors, auditors and councilmen of the rural areas served by the company and held in Middle Spring on March 8.

President Barbour reported that all the areas represented at the meeting reported favorable to raising their annual payments for fire protection, pending final decisions by their respective official bodies.

The Vigilant’s had requested the rural supervisors either discontinue the rural pumper service or vote to raise their respective payments with the thought of making the purchase possible. Most of the townships paid $50 a year, while two townships paid $75 and two areas only paid $25 (the research didn’t reveal what areas paid how much amount). It was pointed out that the rural townships in Chambersburg and Carlisle paid upwards of $200 per year for rural fire protection. The Vigilant’s agreed at the meeting to pay half the purchase price of the rural engine.

Specifications for the pumper were to be a 1950 Seagrave with a 750 gallon-per-minute pump, 200 horse power motor, two ¾ inch 150 foot booster reels, two flood lights, two carbon dioxide extinguishers, two fog nozzles, one foam extinguisher and a 1,500 watt generator. The company decided against a cab or hood over the cab in order to save the $750 it would cost to purchase additional equipment.

The color of the new rural pumper was to be the same as decided upon recently for the new borough quad on order; the fenders and skirt to be painted red, with the body and hood finished in eggshell cream, trimmed in gold and black. The engine cost was $14,218.50.

On July 7, 1950 the Vigilant’s excepted delivery of the new engine just in time for the jubilee event being held by the C.V. Hose Company in conjunction with the dedication of their new firehouse. The engine responded to its first run and working fire on July 15, 1950 when a barn was destroyed at the J. Craig Fry residence, Shippensburg R. R. 3.

The engine replaced a 1931 Seagrave and became the company’s second rural pumper.

The Vigilant’s ran the engine until 1962 when a cracked engine block sidelined it. Faced with a $4,000 to $6,000 bill to repair the rig and having to constantly add water to keep the rig running it was decided to replace it. Seagrave took the engine as trade for $6,000 towards a new rural pumper. The company paid Seagrave $10.00 per month to rent the engine until their new on arrived but the motor didn’t last that long and a loaner engine was obtained from Media, Pa. until the new engine could arrive.

It is unknown what Seagrave did with the pumper after they got it.

125-Year Old Conestoga Wagon And Other Equipment Lost In Fire

On October 21, 1980 at 5:50 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to Newburg R. D. 1 for a barn fire. A fire that started in the haymow destroyed a 40 X 70 foot barn. Lost in the fire were a 125-year-old Conestoga wagon, elevator, hay wagon, two calves and other machinery. Firefighters were able to save the silo, three outbuildings and the house. Almost 100 firefighters from four companies battled the blaze. Damages were estimated at $67,000. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Okay, I thought about this one for some time and today is when I make the request. Very few people leave comments on this site and I can't force you to comment but what I can do is change the way you comment if need be. This is not the whacker fest central pa fire I have a mangina site. This is my Shippensburg Fire site. I hate anonymous postings, I am not referring to you that leave a name or close to it, I know who you are and you are not hiding anything. I mean the ones that are just plain anonymous, if you want to comment have balls, be proud, don't hide behind a skirt, if that is what you want to do then stay at the central whacker fest site with the rest of the firefighters on the net only. Yes I have been ragging for some time and it shows here, but that is also the way I feel. Four years, three months and 28 days until I get released from the mental institution I call work.

Storage Barn Destroyed In Greene Twp.

On October 20, 2003 at 12:54 p.m. Franklin County 911 alerted units to 5642 Lincoln Way East, Greene Township for a barn fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a two-story 60-by-30 foot barn used for storage. Firefighters from six companies operated at the scene for three hours. One-firefighter suffered minor injuries. Damages were estimated at $40,000. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene. Earlier in the morning Shippensburg firefighters responded to the Walnut Bottom Road for an auto accident with entrapment and later in the day firefighters answered another mva to I-81 in Southampton Cumberland that killed two men.

The above photograph is of the West End Fire and Rescue Company circa 2002.

Barn Leveled In Upper Strasburg

On October 19, 1977 at 9:47 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to Upper Strasburg, Letterkenny Township for a barn fire. A fire of undetermined origin leveled a barn. Firefighters battled the blaze for over three hours. One firefighter suffered minor burns and was treated at the scene. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue Companies assisted at the scene.

Stove Overheats Causing Fire

On October 18, 1950 in the morning hour’s firemen were sent to Shippensburg R. R. 2, Huckleberry Land for a house fire. An oil stove overheated and exploded causing a fire that destroyed an occupied frame dwelling. Firemen were unable to save the home and concentrated their efforts on the exposures. Damages were estimated at $2,000. Three people were displaced. The Vigilant Hose Company battled the blaze.

Washington House Destroyed By Fire

On October 17, 1998 at 4:13 a.m. firefighters were alerted to a building fire at 204 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg the Washington House Restaurant & Bar. An early morning arson fire destroyed the top two floors of the 128-year-old four-story building. A restaurant and bar occupied the first floor. The second floor had two apartments and 13 hotel rooms all vacant at the time. The third and fourth floors were closed off. Almost 150 firefighters from four counties battled the multiple alarm fire before bringing it under control at 6:21 a.m. Units remained on the scene until after 4:00 p.m. Three firefighters were treated for minor injuries. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene. Later in the day Shippensburg firefighter’s answered an auto accident in Hopewell Twp. and tires on fire on West Orange Street.

New Cumberland County Rigs...

Nothing important happened on this date in the Shippensburg area. With that being said, when I started the site I mentioned that it would not just be Shippensburg Fire but include Cumberland and Franklin Counties also. So for today I thought I would put up a couple new rigs in Cumberland County. I wanted to include the new Engine 45 (Friensdhip/Empire), Engine 123 (Upper Allen) and Chief 52's but I just never got around to photographing them yet.

The top photograph is from Monroe Twp. Co. 25, they recently placed into service a 2009 Dodge Charger, this car is very sharp looking and even more impressive with it's light package. The other rig Upper Frankford Twp. Co. 48's new rescue engine. The rig is a 2008 KME Predator, 6 man cab rescue engine. It is equipped with a 1750 GPM pump, 980 gallons of water a 20 gallon foam tank and a 9000 watt light tower. This past Saturday the company housed the rig.

Let me know what you think of doing this from time to time when there is no Shippensburg history to post.

Vigilant Hose Dedicates E-One Engine

On October 15, 2006 the Vigilant Hose Company dedicated their 2005 E-One Cyclone II engine to Richard L. Sanders and Robert Van Scyoc. Rick and Bobby have served their community combined for over 80 years. The company ordered the engine from Guardian Fire Equipment in April 2005, and received the rig in November. The engine has a 2000 gallon-per minute pump, 20-gallon class A foam system and a 20- gallon class B foam system. The engine officially went in service on April 1, 2006.

There was supposed to be a photograph with today's post but when I finally got around to it this morning I realized I only had one of this engine and I did not ask the person that took it permission to use it. I really need to get to Shipp. and shoot some apparatus. Maybe the Wagon master can help me out with that someday soon.

House Damaged In Accidental Fire

On October 14, 1982 at 5:47 a.m. firefighters were alerted to a house fire on U.S. 11 three miles south of Stoughstown. A fire caused by a faulty flue caused $4,000 damage to a 2-½-story frame occupied dwelling. The blaze started in a first floor wall around the chimney and extended to a second floor bedroom. Firefighters had the fire under control in 20 minutes and remained on the scene until after 7:00 a.m. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene.

Mutual Aid To Lewistown

On October 13, 2001 at an unknown time Shippensburg firefighters were requested to assist on a building fire at Mann Edge Tools, Lewistown, Mifflin County. Lewistown firefighters were initially dispatched to the fire at 6:45 a.m. Firefighters from more than 65 fire companies battled a blaze in a warehouse containing about 200,000 fiberglass axe handles for more than 12 hours. Seven or eight firefighters suffered various minor injuries battling the blaze. The Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Defective Wiring Sparks Apartment Building Fire

On October 12, 1932 at 9:00 a.m. firemen were sent to East King Street, exact location unknown for a building fire. A fire caused by a defective wire broke out in the third floor common hall and extended into the ceilings and floor above. A fourth floor tenant was awakened by a crackling sound and jumped out of bed to find fire coming out of the floor. The fire was contained to the voids causing heavy smoke and water damage to the four-story taxpayer. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Today's photograph is of the Cumberland Valley Hose Company's ambulance fleet, circa 1989.

Franklin County Public Safety Training Center Dedicated

On October 11, 2003 the new burn building at the Franklin County Public Safety Training Center was dedicated. It had been six years since ground was broken on the five-acre site donated by the Franklin County Career and Technology Center, Loop Road. The center cost $1.2 million, $600,000 coming from a state grant, $100,000 seed money coming from the estate of the late Tony Gargaro and $250,000 when county commissioners challenged each of the 15 townships and seven boroughs to contribute $1 per resident towards the center and the county would match that total.

Firefighters Respond To Borough Fire

On October 10, 1979 at 5:30 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 116 East Orange Street for a house fire. A crack in a flue started a fire that did $8,000 damage to an occupied 2-½-story frame house. The fire was confined to the wall around the chimney on the first and second floors. The residents were alerted to the fire when the smoke detectors activated. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm and remained on the scene for one hour.

Today is the one-year anniversary of the Shippensburg Fire Department blog spot site. I would like to thank everyone that has visited the site and a special thanks to the devoted following and those of you that offer your comments. This is post number 360, I guess I missed a few days.

Faulty Chimney Sparks House Fire

On October 9, 1991 at 3:38 a.m. firefighter were sent to 7876 Park Road, Letterkenny Township for a house fire. A fire caused by a faulty chimney did heavy damage to an occupied 2-½-story frame dwelling. About 30 firefighter’s from six companies had the blaze under control in 45 minutes and remained on the scene for three and a half hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Amberson Cabin Burns Down

On October 8, 1987 at 5:30 a.m. companies were dispatched to a cabin fire on Rt. 641, Amberson. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a two-story log-hunting cabin. Firefighters from five companies had the blaze under control in 15 minutes and remained on the scene for three hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene.

Horse Killed In Barn Fire

On October 7, 1913 at 8:00 p.m. bells on top of the two firehouse rung out an alarm of fire. Firemen raced to the W. L. Karper Livery barn to the rear of the Smith Hotel. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a large stable killing a horse. Firemen had the blaze darkened down in about an hour and began shutting down some of their hose lines. Damages were estimated at $1,700. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose Companies answered the alarm.

Three Square Hollow Cabin Burns

On October 6, 1974 in the evening hours a 51 box was alerted to the top of Three Square Hollow for a cabin fire. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a cabin. Firefighters from five companies were on the scene two and a half hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene. During the day all three Shippensburg Fire companies responded to an auto fire on North Queen Street and the Cumberland Valley Hose answered an auto accident at King and Earl Streets.

Home and Two Out Buildings Destroyed

On October 5, 1927 at 9:30 a.m. local firemen were sent to a house fire near Cleversburg. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed an occupied 2-½-story frame dwelling. A large wash house and pump house was also destroyed. Firemen were able to keep the blaze from spreading to the barn. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies battled the blaze.

WEFR Dedicates New Fire Station

On October 4, 1970 the West End Fire and Rescue Company dedicated their new firehouse on Lurgan Avenue. The event featured guest speakers, the SASHS and town bands along with refreshments. The building was dedicated in memory of W. Mervin Fogelsanger, who died February 17, 1969 while assisting firemen at the scene of a large blaze on East King Street. The Company broke ground for the building October 4, 1969 and moved into the building in June 1970.

Left to right in the above photograph are G. Crawford Wiestling, Fire Chief; D. Elmer Hawbaker, state senator; William Duncan, President and R. Harry Bittle, state representative.

2-Alarm Blaze Damages House

On October 3, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 145 Highland Street, Hamilton Township Franklin County for a dwelling fire. Peanut oil heating on a kitchen stove caused a two-alarm fire that displaced the residents. The blaze gutted the kitchen, two back bedrooms and the attic before being controlled in about 10 minutes by firefighters from nine companies. A damage estimate was not available. Residents attempted to extinguish the fire with a garden hose for about 15 minutes before dialing 911. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Chambersburg Apartment Blaze Leaves 13 Homeless

On October 2, 1999 at 8:51 p.m. Franklin County 911 alerted a Company 1 box to 230 North Main Street Chambersburg for a building fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed two apartments and left 13 people displaced. The fire began in a first floor common area of the six-unit apartment building. A damage estimate was not available. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene. In the early morning hours all three Shippensburg companies also answered two automatic fire alarms at 101 Brookside Avenue.

Cumberland Valley Fire Company Band Gets New Instruments

It was announced in the October 1, 1886 edition of the Shippensburg Chronicle that the Cumberland Valley Fire Company Band purchased a full set of new instruments, costing about $150. They presented the previous Friday and it was reported that the “boys” had been doing some fine “tooting” since. Mr. Frank Mowers was the band leader.