School Building Burns On Cold Morning

On December 31, 1925 at 2:00 a.m. firemen responded to the Educational Hall, Prince and Burd Streets for a building fire. A fire possibly caused by a furnace malfunction destroyed the 2-½-story school building and all its contents. Upon arrival of the two local companies it was soon realized that they could not save the building and all efforts were made to protect the other two schools and surrounding houses. Assistance was requested from Chambersburg and the Good Will Fire Company made the trip in 11 minutes. Damages were estimated at $50,000 to $60,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies battled the blaze in below freezing temperatures.

House Destroyed When Firemen Can’t Secure Water

On December 30 1876 at 3:00 p.m. the cry of fire was sounded for Prince and Orange Streets for a house fire. A defective flue started a fire in the attic of an occupied 2-½-story dwelling. When the fire department arrived the second floor and attic was ablaze. Due to the lack of water in the area the house was destroyed. The household goods were removed before the home was lost. Damages were estimated at over $700. The Vigilant and Cumberland Valley Fire Companies battled the blaze.

The Vigilant Hose Company on Christmas Eve 2008.

Almost 80 Firefighters Battle Blaze

On December 29, 1991 at 11:30 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a house fire at 2309 Lindsay Lot Road. A faulty installed wood stove caused a fire that gutted a second floor and attic of an occupied 2-½-story frame dwelling. Firefighters had difficulty at first securing a water supply because the house was back an 1,800 foot lane and the first in engine was only carrying 1,500 feet of hose. When the second engine arrived the lay was completed and additional tank trucks were requested. The first floor suffered smoke and water damage. A damage estimate was not available. Between 70 and 80 firefighters from seven fire companies were on the scene almost three hours. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm along with assistance from Fayetteville, Newburg-Hopewell, South Newton and Mont Alto Fire companies.

Barn Burns On Newville Road

On December 28, 1937 at 5:30 p.m. firemen responded to a barn fire at Shippensburg R. R. 1, (Newville Road, close to the quarry). A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a large bank barn and some of its contents. Passing motorist assisted the farmer in removing the cattle and some of his machinery. When firemen arrived all that could be done was to protect the exposures. Damages were estimated at $10,000. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

This shot glass was given away by the West End Fire and Rescue Company during their WEFR Day in 1974.

Chimney Causes House Fire

On December 27, 2005 at 8:30 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 120 Chamberlin Road, Hopewell Township for a chimney fire with extension. A fire that started in a chimney extended to the walls and floors before being controlled by firefighter. Companies worked for several hours opening up and extinguishing flames. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

First Floor Damaged, Civilian Injured In House Fire

On December 26, 1970 at 10:00 p.m. firemen responded to 316 East Garfield Street for a house fire. Faulty electrical wiring sparked a blaze that destroyed a first floor room and caused heavy heat and smoke damage to an occupied 2-½-story dwelling. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 15 minutes. Firefighters were unable to get water from the first hydrant they took and had to take a plug at the other end of the block to establish a water supply. One civilian was injured. The highway department had to be called to the scene to loosen the hoses frozen to the street. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Christmas Day Fire Destroys Barn

On December 25, 1979 at 11:19 a.m. local firefighters Christmas was interrupted when they were dispatched to a barn fire at Shippensburg R. D. 5, Route 533 next to Valley Quarries. An electrical malfunction sparked a blaze that destroyed a barn and its contents. Firefighters from eight companies were able to rescue the livestock and remained on the scene until 3:45 p.m. Several firefighters suffered minor injuries. Water to fight the blaze was obtained from valley quarries and sent to the scene in a seven-tanker relay. Several firefighters suffered minor injuries but none were transported. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze along with the South Newton Twp. Penn Twp., Newburg Hopewell, Newville and Pleasant Hall fire companies.

After almost 32 years of firefighting I have forgotten some of the fires I have taken in but this one sticks in my mind like it was just last year. There was only three of us at the station that morning when the bells hit. Pap Sanders drove the 1963 Seagrave (Engine 252), Paul Healy was riding the seat and I was on the tailboard, we led off with the deluge gun after swinging open the barn doors but like most it was not enough to stop the fire.

In the second photo that is Charlie Myers on the left and Dave Rohr on the right, on the third photo it looks like Dave "Grizz" Staver on the left and on the fourth photo that is Rick Hosfelt in the jeans and vest.

Christmas Eve Fire Kills Woman and Destroys House

On December 24, 1943 shortly after midnight firemen were sent to Shippensburg R. D. 2 for a house fire. A dog upset a kerosene lamp causing it to explode destroying the 2 story occupied log and frame house. One female resident perished in the fire and her husband received burns to his hands and face attempting to rescue her. The Cumberland County coroner ruled the death was caused by cremation. With a limited water supply firemen were unable to save the building. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Cabin Damaged In Accidental Fire

On December 23, 1968 at 2:37 a.m. firemen were sent to Shippensburg R. D. 1, near the Walnut Dale Speedway for a cabin fire. An overheated stove sparked a blaze that partially destroyed an occupied cabin. John Snyder, assistant rural chief, was the first to arrive and reported the fire was blazing near the stove, but when the Viggies apparatus arrived a few minutes later flames were shooting out of the windows. Firefighters operated at the scene over two hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Pizza Hut Destroyed, Three Firefighters Injured

On December 22, 2004 at 2:55 a.m. Shippensburg firefighters were sent to the Pizza Hut, 815 West King Street for a building fire. Fire destroyed the local Pizza Hut. When the first firefighter arrived flames had already taken control of the building. An offensive attack was attempted but quickly abandoned. Three firefighters were injured; two of them were transported to Chambersburg Hospital. A damage estimate was not available. Firefighters from four companies had the blaze under control within one hour and remained on the scene until around 7 a.m. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Livestock Lost In Shed Fire

On December 21, 1973 at 4:30 p.m. firefighters responded to a shed fire on the Rowe Road behind the High School. A heating lamp located to close to straw sparked a blaze that damaged a 30 X 15 limestone shed. According to WEFR Chief Ed Goodhart firemen had trouble getting to the scene because of icy conditions and drifting snow. Lost in the fire were two sows and 20 piglets. Firefighters operated at the scene over two hours. Damages were estimated at $1,000. The West End Fire and Rescue and the Vigilant Hose Company battled the blaze.

I had to switch things up a bit today, I realized without being able to make Smokey Stover larger you could not read the print, anyone else out their work for a person like this?

Firefighters Respond To Well Involved House Fire

On December 20, 2006 at 1:26 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a house fire at 7026 McClays Mill Road, Lurgan Township. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a house and its contents. Firefighters began an interior attack but quickly with drew to defensive operations. Tanker shuttled water from a mile and a half away. Firefighters from nine companies operated at the scene for multiple hours. A damage estimate was not available, 10 people lived in the home and were displaced. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Fire Races Through Attics Before Being Stopped

On December 19, 1959 at 2:35 a.m. firemen responded to a house fire in Newburg. A fire of electrical origin gutted an attic and spread to the attic of two other houses before being brought under control. The Newburg Fire Company had just put the last of the water they carry on their rigs when the Viggies arrived. A supply line was laid several blocks away to a large cistern but was not needed. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company and Newville Fire Company assisted the Newburg Fire Company at the scene.

Mobile Hose Destroyed, Occupant Killed

On December 18, 2001 at 6:09 a.m. a Shippensburg box was dispatched for a mobile home fire at 15 Dykeman Road in Shippensburg Township. A candle left burning on a wooden bookshelf sparked a blaze that killed the 38-year-old male occupant and destroyed the mobile home. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 15 minutes and out in 30 minutes. One firefighter suffered second degree burns in a rescue attempt before the arrival of fire apparatus. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

More WEFR letterhead.

House Damaged In Accidental Fire

On December 17, 1963 at 2:30 p.m. KGD-556 dispatched Shippensburg monitors to a house fire in Hays Grove. A fire started in the kitchen and quickly spread to the second floor and attic of a 2-½-story frame dwelling. The origin was believed to be electrical. Firemen were on the scene over two hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted the Friendship Fire Company of Newville and the Penn Twp. Fire Co. at the scene.

At 8:30 a.m. the Vigilant and Cumberland Valley Hose Companies operated at a working for on South Penn Street extended (that post is for another year) and at 12:37 p.m. the Viggies answered a chimney fire in Lurgan.

24 Sheep And Three Horses Lost In Blaze

On December 16, 1943 at 1:45 a.m. a fire broke out in a barn on the Stoughstown Road. A tractor shredding fodder started a fire in the fodder burning the barn and its contents. Lost in the fire were three horses, 24 head of sheep, 45 tons of hay, machinery and other items. The only water available to fight the blaze was to close to the barn to use. The area men formed a bucket brigade before the arrival of the community pumper but the flames spread to rapidly for them to be effective. A damage estimate was not available. The fire department was called back later in the day for a rekindle. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarms.

Occupant Killed In Dwelling Fire

On December 15, 1951 at 4:00 p.m. firemen responded to a house fire in Roxbury. A fire of undetermined origin damaged an occupied 2-½-story frame dwelling, killing the occupant. Fire destroyed the living room and caused smoke and heat damage to the remaining structure. The occupant was found in the living room in the area of the sofa. The man died from third degree burns from over two thirds of his body. First arriving firemen broke out the windows and used a chemical extinguisher, snow and a garden hose to control the blaze just as the Vigilant engine was arriving. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company extinguished the blaze.

WEFR Burns Mortgage

On December 14, 1975 at the West End Fire and Rescue Company’s annual Christmas Party and awards banquet the mortgage on their building was burnt. The company signed a $24,000 mortgage on the building in the fall of 1970. In October 1975 the final payment was made. Among the awards given at the banquet were: Herbert Cassisdy Jr., outstanding firefighter of the year; Galen Smith received the president’s award, and Steve Gabler received the chief’s award. The Ladies Auxiliary presented the men with a check for $1,000.

Flue Sparks Cause Fire

On December 13, 1906 at 9:45 a.m. the bell on the C.V. Hose firehall sounded an alarm of fire. Firemen were sent to the area between West Main and West Orange Streets near the Branch stream along the P. & R. R. R. for a building fire. A blaze caused by escaping sparks from a flue pipe destroyed a large building housing a wood and coal business. The fire extended rapidly to the attic of the large (over 100 feet in length) frame building that by the time firemen arrived they could not save the structure. Firemen had the blaze under control in 30 minutes. Damages were estimated at $1,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose Companies answered the alarm.

The New Engine 53

Model: 75' Aluminum Ladder
Sales Organization: Glick Fire Equipment Co.
Department:Cumberland Valley Hose Co # 2. Shippensburg, PA
Job Number: 21026
Category: Aerials
Chassis:Velocity™
Body:75' Aluminum Ladder
Engine:Caterpillar C13
Horse Power: 525
Foam System:Husky® foam system
Pump:Hale
Pump GPM:1750
Tank:Foam, Water
Tank GPM:20 foam/500 water
Generator:Harrison
Generator KW:20
Safety:Command Zone™, Side Roll Protection system, TAK-4® independent front suspension
Lighting: Whelen Freedom LED warning light package, (6) FRC quartz lights on body/cab, (4) FRC quartz lights on aerial, Whelen scene lights
Storage: Aluminum quint combo body w/dual hose chutes
Comments:(2) electric cord reels, front intake, (5) crosslays, chrome bell, painted bumper, front discharge, 2.5 aerial aux discharge, rope lighting on aerial

Garfield St. House Burns

On December 12, 1988 at 4:18 a.m. Cumberland County 911 dispatched Shippensburg firefighters to a house fire at 229-231 East Garfield Street. A fire of undetermined origin damaged the second floor of an occupied 2-½ frame duplex. The blaze gutted a bathroom and caused heavy heat and smoke damage to the bedrooms, the remainder of the house-received smoke and water damage. 229 E. Garifield was a vacant structure and 231 consisted of apartment for college students. Approximately 25 firefighters had the blaze under control in about 30 minutes and remained on the scene 3 ½ hours in single digit temperatures. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Later in the morning all three Shippensburg Fire Companies answered a smoke detector activation at 110 Meadow Drive and in the afternoon the Vigilant Hose transferred to Newburg’s quarters.

Shed Destroyed By Fire

On December 11, 2003 at 11:00 p.m. firefighters responded to 11098 Roxbury Road for a shed fire. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a 25 by 25 foot frame shed and its contents. Firefighters from five companies had the blaze under control in five minutes and remained on the scene 1-¼ hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Bird Perishes In Fire

On December 10, 1933 at shortly after noon firemen responded to a house fire on East Orange Street after several women walking past the residents spotted smoke coming from the house. Firemen arrived to find the sofa on fire already extending to the walls and ceiling. A line was laid but the blaze was quickly control with a chemical line. A family canary perished in the blaze. Damages were estimated at several hundred dollars. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Below is some of West End Fire and Rescue Company's letterhead over the years.

Overheated Chimney Causes Fire

On December 9, 1982 at 2:41 p.m. a 47 box was alerted for a house fire at Newville R. D. 4 (Pa. 233). An overheated chimney sparked a fire that caused heavy damage to the roof and attic of an occupied 2-½-story frame dwelling. Firefighters from six companies had the blaze under control in 30 minutes. Damages were estimated at $20,000 to $25,000. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene.

Firemen Combine Hose To Extinguish Fire

On December 8, 1890 at 3:00 p.m. fire station bells alerted firemen to a fire on South Penn Street, just over the borough line. A fire that began in the attic around the chimney destroyed the upper portion of the home and its roof. The C.V.’s on the scene first took the plug at Orange and Penn streets, but ran out of hose before reaching the scene. The Vigilant Hose connected to the C.V. line and finished the lay. This left the companies short on hose providing them with just enough to play one stream on the fire. Damage estimates were not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose Companies extinguished the fire.

Huge Fire Destroys Ollie’s Outlet

On December 7, 1994 at 10:15 p.m. firefighter responded to 1714 Lincoln Way East, Guilford Township for a building fire. A fire traced to repair work on the roof destroyed Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Just Cabinets and damaged several other buildings. Firefighters initially started an interior attack but after about 20 minutes as the fire was fanned by strong winds defects in the structure were noted and the crews were removed to the outside. Over 150 firefighters manning approximately 50 pieces of apparatus set up a relay of 7,500 feet of five inch and operated six elevated master streams before bring the seven alarm blaze under control. The fire was under control by 2:30 a.m., some units remained on the scene until noon the following day. Three firefighters suffered minor injuries. Damages were estimated at $5 million dollars. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Earlier in the morning the Vigilant Hose Company assisted on a search party in Hampden Twp.

Accidental Fire Damages House

On December 6, 1970 at 2:26 p.m. firemen responded to a house fire at Shippensburg R. D. 5 midway between Valley Quarries and Oakville (Rt. 533). An accidental fire caused extensive damage to an occupied 2-½-story frame house. The fire started in the basement and damaged two rooms on the first floor before extending to the attic. Firefighters were on the scene over two hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company Stations 1 & 2 and the West End Fire and Rescue Companies answered the alarm.

Two-Story Log House Destroyed

On December 5, 1969 at 11:58 p.m. firemen were alerted to a house fire in Huckleberryland. A defective heating system started a blaze that destroyed an occupied 2-story log house. Water was drafted from a nearby pond to extinguish the stubborn blaze. The house was destroyed and a family of eight was displaced. Firefighters were on the scene over four hours. The Vigilant Hose Company Stations 1 and 2 and the West End Fire and Rescue Company extinguished the fire.

Earlier in the morning the Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies extinguished grass fire on the Mainsville Road.

December 5, 2004 Jackson Gerhart, 65, died of his injuries at 5:17 p.m. at York Hospital. Jackson was injured on November 30 while helping the Chambersburg Fire Department at the scene of a house fire. Jackson was surrounded by his family and friends in his final hours.

Jackson had dedicated his life to the fire service having started his career as a volunteer with the Junior Hook and Ladder Company in Chambersburg. Jack was employed by the Chambersburg Fire Department for about two years before being hired in Washington, D.C. as a fireman where he worked for 32 years (most as the driver on 17 engine) before retiring in 1994. While in D.C. Jack was the secretary of IAFF Local 36 for 17 years.

While living in Maryland Jack was active with the Mt. Rainier Volunteer Fire Department and the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department serving as Assistant Chief and Deputy Fire Chief. After retirement Jackson returned to Shippensburg where he was an active volunteer with the West End Fire and Rescue Company and the Cumberland Valley Hose Company.

Jackson was a member of many other volunteer fire companies in the area including a life member of the Fayetteville, Pleasant Hall, Metal Township, West End Fire and Rescue and New Franklin Volunteer Fire Companies.

Jackson had a major impact on the careers of many young firefighters in the area, assisting them in getting career jobs and mentoring. Jack loved to help people and assisted numerous fire companies in getting started or anything else they needed. He was also very active in his church and delivered meals on wheels.

Jackson was well known for his large collection of fire toys. He loved photographing fire apparatus and assisted in numerous publications and books.

On a personal note Fireman Jack was my best friend and mentor and I miss him very much, he left a void that I can never replace. I still feel like I should call him every time I purchase a new toy just to hear him say “I know I got mine yesterday”. God Bless Jackson and save a seat for me in your new firehouse.

This same post was made last year and will be made every year on this date as long as the blog is up and running.

The Community Tree

For years as their annual gift to the community the Rotary Club erected a tree at the Municipal building for the holidays. The club would string lights and every evening during the holiday season the tree would be lit up. On November 30, 1931 town council granted the Rotary Club permission to plant a permanent tree at the Municipal building. Council stipulated that the tree to be planted would have to be suitable for a community Christmas tree and meet the approval of the council body. The tree will be of the evergreen variety and is to be planted under the supervision of the property committee of borough council. For reasons unknown a tree was not purchased at this time. On April 7, 1934 Rotary Club president Allan Watts and secretary Paul Noftsker purchased a 12-year-old 18-foot Norway spruce from a nursery near Harrisburg. Nursery experts planted the tree on May 16. At the time experts stated that it will not show much growth for the first year after transplanting, but that beginning with the second year it should grow from 12 to 18 inches a year, until it reaches its normal size and height. On Wednesday December 12, 1934 the Rotary Club decorated the tree. That evening the electric was turned on and the tree was lit for the first time.

The Rotary Club remained in charge of decorating the tree until 1945. In 1945 Marcus Engle began decorating the tree with stringers and lights supplied by the borough. On one occasion Mr. Engle trimmed the top of the tree to keep it under control. In 1965 Marcus turned the job over to the Vigilant Hose Company. They have been doing the job ever since.

In 1972 the community faced the possibility of not having a community Christmas tree. Glenn Bitner, chairman of the Christmas decorating committee stated that the company is becoming hard pressed to cover expenses. In 1971 the company paid out $130 just to cover the replacement bulbs. In addition he stated that the tree has grown out of control. Standing at nearly 50 feet in height it is no longer easy to decorate. The stringers used ran in length from 50 to 80 feet and have been in use since 1945. He stated that they are not sufficient to properly decorate the tree and that last year the bottom of the tree was left untouched.

Shippensburg Borough Manager Walter K. Smith gave the go-ahead to trim the top of the tree down to a more workable level this year. Dewalt’s Tree and Lawn Service of Orrstown agreed to trim the tree at no costs if the Vigilant’s provide some assistance. With the tree trimmed the only remaining obstacle was the expense. It took 250 25-watt bulbs to decorate the tree each year. According to company chief Charles Myers, “Every year some of the bulbs burn out and get broken”, “and being out in the weather takes the coloring right off the bulbs”. Theft also played a large role. Two years ago vandals made off with a large number of bulbs. Just in time for the approaching holiday season Democratic state senate candidate Bob Oravetz presented the company with $100 for the Christmas tree lights fund. The funds were raised by Oravetz friends and neighbors who sold a special Oravetz for State Senator mug for the purpose of assisting the company’s tree fund.

Again in 1985 trouble plagued the community tree. The old wiring in the Vigilant fire house was unable to handle the extra load anymore. For one year the tree sat dark while the company worked with the borough to fix the problem. This was the only time in the trees history that it did not brighten the holiday season. By 1986 the problem was corrected and the tree was once again decorated.

On Thursday July 12, 2001 Allen Tree Service, Shippensburg began removing limbs from the bottom up at 7 a.m. When they were finished a few hours later only a 12-foot stump remained of what hours earlier was a 40-foot spruce. Andy Gettig, a company trustee, said the board had been considering replacing the tree for years. The tree had been in bad shape, limbs have been breaking off and the tree was leaning towards the street. With the tree removed it marked the end of a 66-year tradition. For most people the lighting of the community tree marked the beginning of the holiday season.

A new tree was to be planted shortly after the old one was removed but the dry weather made it hard to find a tree as large as the company wanted. Matt Hammaker a company member now living in North Carolina learned of the situation through his parents. Matt owns a plant brokering business; in late September 2001 he made arrangements with a Pennsylvania nursery to purchase a tree. Matt’s only request was that the tree be dedicated to the emergency workers and victims of the September 11 terrorists’ attacks. Vigilant volunteers Ken Nehf Sr. and Ken Nehf Jr. traveled to Pikes Peak nursery in Pine Run, Pa. to pick up the tree. On November 10, 2001 company members dug a three-foot hole and planted the 12-foot blue spruce.

On Saturday December 1 the company decorated the tree with a red white and blue ribbon and lights. As part of Dickens Days “Santa Clause” (Jerry Cramer) plugged the tree in for the first time. In 2002 the lights returned to the traditional multi-colored bulbs.

In late March 2003 Vigilant fire chief Greg Coy came up with the idea of using the community tree as a living tribute to the military troops on duty in the Middle East. Fire company members placed a red, white and blue ribbon on the top of the tree to support all of the military troops. Yellow bows were then put on the tree bearing the names of the individuals from the Shippensburg area serving over seas. The first two ribbons on the tree will honor two of the Vigilant’s own, Lisa Marie Wright and Ian Armstrong. By April 16 at least 20 yellow bows were attached to the tree. By early July four or five of the bows had been removed from the tree by returning veterans. On Saturday August 2 Ian Armstrong returned home and along with his mother Gloria McPherson claimed one of the first two bows to be placed on the tree.

Only one major incident occurred on this date and that was posted last year. I intended to post photos from the Vigilant Hose decorating this year but did not have time to get them ready. The above story was written in September 2003.

Fire Destroys Three Buildings

On December 3, 1989 at 5:30 p.m. firefighters responded to 1641 Shippensburg Road, Menallen Township Adams county for a building fire. A malfunctioning kerosene heater started a fire that destroyed three buildings and left one man homeless. The blaze began in the house before spreading to an automotive repair shop and storage trailer. It took firefighters over an hour to control the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene.

Duplex Destroyed, Occupant Injured

On December 2, 2004 at 12:05 a.m. Franklin County 911 alerted units to a house fire at 3467, 3469 Troon Drive, Greene Township. Electrical wiring in a back porch ceiling light caused a blaze that completely destroyed a 1-1/2-story frame duplex. A 79-year-old woman was critically injured and transported to a Baltimore burn unit. Firefighters from eight companies battled the two-alarm fire before controlling it at 1:32 a.m. Units remained on the scene until 3:13 a.m. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the blaze.

Fire Damages Hunting Camp

On December 1, 1981 at 7:16 p.m. firefighters responded to a cabin fire on the Shinabrook Road, Upper Horse Valley, Letterkenny Township. An overheated wood stove caused a fire that did considerable damage to a hunting cabin. The kitchen and bedroom sustained heavy fire damage and the remainder of the one story frame building received heat and smoke damage. Icy conditions on the mountain roads slowed the fire apparatus response. It took 40 firefighters from five companies 15 minutes to control the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.