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.