Stove Causes House Fire

On January 31, 1926 at 9:15 p.m. firemen were sent to the area northeast of Shippensburg in Shippensburg Township. A fire that started in the kitchen stove gutted the kitchen and extended to other parts of the occupied dwelling before being brought under control by firemen. Damages were estimated at $5,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Bank Barn And Contents Lost In Evening Fire

On January 30, 1931 at 9:00 p.m. firemen responded to a barn fire four miles east of Shippensburg. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a bank barn, wagon shed, buggy house and hog pen. Lost in the fire were 12 chickens, eight ton of hay, machinery and other items. Firemen were hampered in fighting the blaze due to the lack of water. Damages were estimated at $4,000 to $5,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies battled the blaze.

Garage And Workshop Burns

On January 29, 1976 at 2:00 p.m. firefighters responded to Shippensburg R. D. 3 for a building fire (the article does not give any other location but if my memory is any good I believe this pond was along the Orrstown Road in Southampton Franklin, someone that looks has to remember the fire and address). A fire of undetermined origin caused heavy damage to a garage and workshop. Firemen from four companies battled the blaze that caused an estimated $24,000 in damages. A Vigilant engine fell through the ice of a pond while drafting water. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze along with units from Pleasant Hall and Newburg-Hopewell.

Three Perish In House Fire

On January 28, 1987 at 9:25 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to 1053B Mongul Hill Road, Southampton Township Franklin County for a house fire. A faulty installed wood stove sparked a blaze that destroyed an occupied 2-½ story stone and frame dwelling. A mother and two kids died in the fire of smoke inhalation, all three were found in a second floor bedroom together. The blaze began in the wall of the room directly below where the occupants were found. Firefighter had a column visible from miles away and arrived to find fire venting from all the windows in the front. Over 100 firefighters from five companies battled the blaze. Firefighters remained on the scene until 6:30 p.m. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm along with units from Pleasant Hall and Newburg-Hopewell.

Brethren Home Destroyed, 30 Rescued

On January 27, 1951 at 2:30 a.m. firemen were sent to the Huntsdale Church of the Brethren Home for the Aged for a building fire. A passing motorist spotted flames shooting from a burning wash house 25 feet from the home, he quickly alerted the employees and residents and began assisting with their removal some of whom were invalids and had to be carried from the home. A call was placed to the Mt. Holly telephone operator who sent the Mt. Holly Springs Fire Company (they were responsible for this area at the time). The washhouse was being used to heat water when the stove overheated causing the blaze. The wind quickly carried the flames and sparks to the main house. The fire spread so rapidly that none of the contents could be saved and had it not been for the quick work of the motorist some of the occupants would have been lost. Firemen from Mt. Holly, Newville, Carlisle, the Carlisle Barracks and Vigilant Hose companies battled the blaze for over 3 ½ hours using more than 4,000 feet of hose in the sub-freezing weather. The 2-½-story brick building and all its contents were a total loss; damages were estimated at $75,000.

A few months later at the Cumberland County Volunteer Firemen’s meeting Vigilant Hose Company President and Fire Chief M. Garfield Barbour had some pretty harsh words about the incident. “It was a poor job,” he said, adding, “I feel that the fire departments were responsible for the loss of the building. It never should have burned as it did.” Mr. Barbour’s remarks evoked no discussion.

Bank Barn And Contents Destroyed

On January 26, 1922 in the early evening hours, one mile north of Shippensburg, Southampton Cumberland; a fire of undetermined origin that began in the loft of a bank barn completely destroyed the building and its contents. Lost in the fire were a calf, some chickens, feed, machinery, a hog pen and wagon shed. Damages were estimated at $6,000. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company battled the blaze with their American LaFrance Junior combination engine.

Early Morning Fire Damages House

On January 25, 1983 at 1:54 a.m. firefighters responded to 800 Mickey’s Inn Lane, Greene Township for a house fire. A fire caused by a faulty flue spread to a first floor ceiling, up the wall and into an attic of an occupied 1-½-story frame house. Firefighters from four companies had the blaze under control quickly and remained on the scene over one hour. Damages were estimated at $3,500. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene along with the Franklin's, Fayetteville and Pleasant Hall.

Farmhouse Gutted In Morning Blaze

On January 24, 2003 at 6:20 a.m. firefighters were sent to 7541 White Church Road, Southampton Franklin for a house fire. Companies could see a glow in the sky from two miles out as the first arriving officer reported heavy fire with the possibility of two people still inside the home. Luckily no one was found in the home. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed an occupied 2-½ story stone house and an adjoining shed. The house was well involved when firefighters arrived. Firefighters from eight companies were on the scene until 10:00 a.m. in 10-degree temperatures with wind chills of minus six. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm along with units from Fayetteville, South Newton, Letterkenny, Newburg-Hopewell and St. Thomas.

Malfunctioning Furnace Causes House Fire

On January 23, 2000 at 7:18 p.m. firefighters responded to a house fire at 1025 Pine Stump Road, Greene Township. A malfunctioning oil furnace caused a fire that gutted an occupied 2-½-story frame house. When firefighters arrived the basement and first floor were well involved with fire extending in the voids to the second floor and attic. Firefighters from nine companies had the fire under control in 30 minutes and remained on the scene over 2 ½ hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

LOCAL UNDERTAKER INSTALLED NEW AMBULANCE

LOCAL UNDERTAKER INSTALLED NEW AMBULANCE

Mr. H. S. Roth, the local undertaker, Bruce Berry, Manager, has added another attraction to his equipment. Last week he received from the Hoover Wagon Company of York, a very attractively gotten up ambulance.

The same is of the motor type, painted in steel gray and is quite an addition in every respect and very attractive in appearance.

This article was taken from the Wednesday January 22, 1919 edition of the Shippensburg New it gives a little insight into early EMS before the community had an ambulance.

Man Dies In Morning Fire

On January 21, 1970 at 11:40 a.m. firemen responded to a house fire at Shippensburg R. D. 4, Cleversburg. An electrical short sparked a blaze that damaged an occupied 2-½-story frame house killing one occupant and injuring another. Firefighters from three companies battled the blaze for more than an hour in freezing temperatures and drifting snow. The house sustained heavy damage from fire, smoke and water. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company stations 1 & 2 and the West End Fire and Rescue Company answered the alarm.

Cressler’s Fruit Store Burns

On January 20, 1940 at 3:00 p.m. firemen raced to Cressler’s Fruit Store, West King Street for a building fire. An overheated furnace in the first floor sparked a fire that caused extensive damage to the second floor storeroom and smoke and water damage to first floor stock. Firemen worked for over an hour to control the blaze hampered by broken sections of hose. The Cumberland Valley had nine sections break and the Vigilant Hose had two sections break. Frank Cressler suffered a broken arm after jumping from a second floor window and another civilian suffered smoke inhalation and was rescued by firemen. Damages were estimated at $4,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies battled the blaze. Firemen from the C.V. Hose Company returned later in the day to extinguish a small hot spot.

Also on this day in 2003 firefighter Keith Hess made the supreme sacrifice while performing his duties at a house fire.

Log House Destroyed Near Middle Spring

On January 19, 1977 at 5:51 a.m. firemen rushed to Rt. 702 near Middle Spring for a house fire. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed an occupied log house displacing a family of five. Approximately 45 firefighters from three area companies were on the scene almost four hours in near zero weather. Ice had to be broken on the middle spring creek to obtain water to battle the blaze. Damages were estimated at $18,000. The West End Fire and Rescue and Vigilant Hose companies battled the blaze with help from the Newburg-Hopewell Fire Company.

Can you guess who this young Vigilant firefighter is? I must be crazy for trying this again after the poor response I got a few days ago.

Blaze Destroys Britton Road House

On January 18, 1981 at 2:04 p.m. firemen responded to a house fire on the Britton Road, Southampton Cumberland. A fire of undetermined origin began in the first floor of an occupied 2-½-story frame house and spread quickly to the second floor and attic. Smoke was visible from town and firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire upon their arrival. Emergency personnel were delayed when the babysitter did not know the correct address of the residence. Firefighters from seven fire companies had the blaze under control in 30 minutes and were on the scene over three hours. Engine 352 (1969 Seagrave) dropped their LDH at Britton and Mud Level and layed to the scene, and a hydrant was used at Queen and Burd Streets to fill tankers. Several firefighters were treated for minor injuries. New air wagon 53 responded and filled 61 air cylinders. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm along with units from Newburg, South Newton, Newville and Pleasant Hall.

Defective Wiring Causes House Fire

On January 17, 1954 at 11:45 a.m. firemen responded to a house fire on the Walnut Bottom Road, one mile west of Leesburg. When firemen arrived smoke and flames were pouring from the large house. Defective wiring in the attic started a fire that did heavy damage to an occupied 2-½-story frame dwelling. Fire damaged the attic, three bedrooms on the second floor and the first floor kitchen. Firemen obtained their water from a cistern located on the property. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm along with a tank truck from Letterkenny.

Gilbert Road House Gutted

On January 16, 1983 at 5:10 a.m. Cumberland County 911 dispatched firefighters to a house fire on the Gilbert Road, Southampton Cumberland. A fire caused by a defective chimney caused heavy damage to an occupied 2-½-story frame house. The fire started in the second floor wall and destroyed most of the second floor and attic along with the first floor kitchen. Due to extreme cold and icy conditions a second alarm was requested. Enroute to the alarm Chief Charles Myers was unable to stop at the intersection of Orange Street and Rt. 174 because of the icy roads, he struck the side of Engine 252 causing light damage to the engine and destroying his car. Firefighters laid 2,200 feet of hose to the hydrant in Cleversburg to supply water to the fire ground. A damage estimate was not available and a family of five was displaced. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm along with units from South Newton Twp., Pleasant Hall and Fayetteville.

Can you guess who the firefighter is on the right?

Fulton County Restaurant Burns

On January 15, 2001 at 9:30 p.m. firefighters responded to the Pleasant Valley Restaurant, Great Cove Road, Fort Littleton for a building fire. A fire of undetermined origin caused extensive damage to the kitchen area of the building. Units from seven companies responded and remained on the scene until 2:00 a.m.. A damage estimate was not available. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company’s air wagon answered the alarm along with units from Hustontown, McConnellsburg, Shade Gap, Breezewood, Orbisonia and Three Springs.

First Call Of Year Is A Fire

On January 14, 1908 at 11:00 p.m. firemen responded to West Orange Street for a stable fire. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a small wood stable and its contents. Damages were estimated at $50.00. This was the first fire call for 1908. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies battled the blaze.

Former POSA Hall In Leesburg Gutted

On January 13, 1952 at 3:00 a.m. firemen were alerted to a fire at the former P. O. S. A. Hall, Leesburg. A fire of undetermined origin that started in a garage destroyed the garage and gutted the rear of a 2-½ story occupied multi family frame building. An exposure building had the shingles burnt and the windows cracked from radiant heat. Firemen utilized water from three nearby cistern to control the blaze; once the flames were knocked down they were able to use the cistern under the front porch of the fire building. Firemen from four companies battled the blaze for hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm along with units from Newville, Letterkenny and the Unions of Carlisle. Vigilant rural fire chief praised the efforts of volunteers but pointed out he had not called for assistance from the other three companies and that towns’ people called them directly.

C.V.’s Buys Two Ambulances and Turns 150 Years Old

On January 12, 1978 at the regular monthly meeting of the Cumberland Valley Hose Company members voted to purchase two 1978 Dodge Continental van ambulances for an estimated cost of $32,874 including trade ins. The units were to replace two 1973 Cadillac’s and marked the first time the company would operate ambulance’s not of that style. The decision was made after months of discussions within the company about the type of ambulance to buy.

Today also marks the 150Th birthday of the Cumberland Valley Hose Company.

Greene Twp. Trailer Destroyed

On January 11, 1982 at 2:42 p.m. firefighters responded to lot 100 Valley View Trailer Park, 4600 Sycamore Grove Road, Greene Township for a mobile home fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed an occupied mobile home displacing a family of four. Three firefighters suffered minor injuries battling the blaze. Firefighters from six companies had the fire under control in 15 minutes. Damages were estimated at $30,000. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene along with units from Fayetteville, Letterkenny, Pleasant Hall, New Franklin and the Franklin's.

Cleversburg Home Damaged In Late Morning Blaze

On January 10, 1962 at 1120 a.m. the Shippensburg Civil Defense room alerted firemen to a house fire at Shippensburg R. D. 2, behind Cleversburg near the old speedway. Faulty wiring in a kitchen sparked a blaze that caused extensive damage to the room and heat and smoke damage to an unoccupied 2-½-story frame dwelling. Firemen were on the scene three hours. Damages were estimated at $2,500. The Vigilant Hose Company extinguished the fire.

Greene Twp. Home Gutted

On January 9, 2006 at 7:17 p.m. Franklin County 911 alerted the 11-5 box for a house fire at 7764 Nyesville Road, Greene Township. A fire caused by a faulty chimney destroyed a large 2-1/2-story frame house. Flames were visible from Company 11, seven miles away when they went responding. Firefighters from 11 companies battled the blaze and remained on the scene until 11:20 p.m. Damages were estimated at $160,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene along with units from Pleasant Hall, Letterkenny, Franklin's, Fayetteville, St. Thomas, Marion, South Newton and Newburg.

Pa. Fish And Boat Building Burns

On January 8, 1997 at 8:23 p.m. firefighter responded to the Pa Fish and Boat Commission building, 195 Lebo Road, Penn Township for a building fire. A fire of undetermined origin caused heavy damage to a four bay 40 X 48 foot concrete block garage. Approximately 50 firefighters from eight fire companies had the blaze under control in 20 minutes and remained on the scene almost three hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose Companies assisted at the scene along with units from Penn Twp., South Newton, Mt. Holly, Newville, West Pennsboro and Upper Frankford Twps.

East Burd Street Home Burns

On January 7, 1937 in the afternoon hours firemen were alerted to a chimney fire at 318 East Burd Street. When firemen arrived they found fire in the wall and weather boarding from the basement to the attic. Damage was said to be extensive. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Log Cabin Destroyed

On January 6, 2004 at 4:22 p.m. firefighters responded to Richvale Road & Tuscarora Creek Road, Tell Township, Blairs Mill for a cabin fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a 2-story log cabin. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 45 minutes. A damage estimate was not available. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company assisted at the scene along with units from Metal Twp., Fannett-Metal and Pleasant Hall Fire companies.

House Suffers $3,000 in Damages

On January 5, 1973 at 11:52 a.m. firemen responded to a house fire on the Reese Road between Route 11 and Forest Ridge Acres. A fire of undetermined origin gutted a bedroom and extended to the hallway and crawl space before being extinguished by firefighters. Damages were estimated at $3,000. The West End Fire and Rescue and the Vigilant Hose Companies battled the blaze under the direction of Chief Crawford Wiestling. The Ladies Auxiliary of the West End Fire and Rescue Co. assisted the occupants in recovering and restoring their belongings.

The new Harrisburg City Tower 1

2008 PIERCE® ARROW XT 75’ AERIALSCOPE REMOUNT

57” Arrow XT Cab with Flat Roof
Linex Cab Interior
258” Wheelbase
72,000# GVWR
Seating for 6
FireCom Intercom System
Hands-Free SCBA Brackets
TAK 4 Independent Front Suspension
Detroit Diesel S60 455 hp engine
Allison EVS 4000 Transmission
540 Amp Leece-Neville Dual Alternator System
Painted Front Bumper w/ground pad storage
Dual Mars Lights
Q2B Bumper Mounted Siren
Air Horns & Speaker Recessed in Bumper
West Coast Mirrors
Cab & Crew Cab HVAC System
Kussmaul Pump Plus Auto Charger & Air Compressor
Pierce Stainless Steel Body
Hinged and Roll Up Doors
OnScene Solutions LED Compartment Lighting
Adjustable Shelves
Cross View Mirror
Rubber Fenderettes and Rubrails
Fender Air Bottle Compartments
Compliment of Ground Ladders & Pike Poles
15KW Smart Power Hydraulic Generator
(2) Electric Cord Reels each with 200' of Cable and Junction Boxes
Fire Research Focus 120v/240v Work Lights
Electrical Receptacles
75' Baker Aerialscope Device
Roof Ladder, Folding Ladder and Pike Pole Storage Under the Escape Ladder
Breathing Air System
PowerCall 6-Adam E-Siren
Whelen Freedom LED Light Bars
Whelen LED/Strobe Warning Light Package
Roto-Ray Warning Light
Two-Tone Paint-White over Red with White Boom
Custom Graphics, Striping and Gold Leaf Lettering Package
Many Other Features and Options

Lindsay Lot Road House Burns

On January 4, 1987 at 10:20 a.m. a 15 box was struck for 2225 Lindsay Lot Road for a house fire. A faulty thimble for a first floor wood stove sparked a blaze that caused heavy damage to an occupied 2-½-story frame house. The blaze began in a first floor wall and extended to the second floor and attic causing extensive structural damage. Firefighters from four companies operated on the scene under the direction Chief Jeff Washinger for over two hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm with assistance from the Fayetteville Vol. Fire Co.

I didn’t realize at the time but three fires in the last seven were in the Mainsville area that I posted, this was not intended just a coincidence.

Apartment Destroyed, Three Others Damaged

On January 3, 1981 at 2:25 a.m. Franklin County dispatched a 15 box for a building fire at 8139 Molly Pitcher Highway. A short in an electric cord leading to a lamp sparked a fire that gutted an apartment and damaged three others. Approximately 50 firefighters from four companies had the blaze under control in 20 minutes and remained on the scene for over two hours. Damages were estimated at $30,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm along with the Pleasant Hall Vol. Fire Co.

Mainsville House Destroyed, Church Damaged In Fire

On January 2, 1943 in the early morning firemen answered a fire alarm in Mainsville. A faulty flue in the kitchen of an occupied 2-½-story log house sparked a blaze that destroyed the home and damaged a nearby church. With the lack of water in the area and the intense flames firemen were not able to save the house or any of its contents. The United Brethren Church only 20 feet away had the exterior charred with extension to the roof and water damage inside. Fireman combined their hoses to lay more than 1,500 feet of hose to Furnace Run to get water. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

I would like to thank everyone that visited this site during the year, a special thanks goes out to those that commented and shared your stories. Like my photography site I wanted to share the 2008 statistics with everyone.
16,613 visits
30,931 pages viewed
Average pages viewed per visit 1.86
Average time spent on site per visit 1:48
44% of the visitors were referrals (most from Bradley Myers Photography)
39% were direst visitors
17 % arrived by searching (most common Shippensburg Fire Dept Blog)
I had visitors from 67 countries and every state in the U.S.

Again a big thank you for making it a good year, Brad

Trailer Destroyed For First Fire Of The Year

On January 1, 1991 at 7:30 a.m. a 15 box was alerted for a trailer fire at lot 22 Valley View trailer park, Greene Twp. Franklin County. A fire of undetermined origin gutted a bedroom and caused heavy heat and smoke damage to an occupied mobile home. A damage estimate was not available. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 15 minutes. The West End Fire and Rescue Company answered the alarm. This was the first fire for newly elected WEFR Chief Jamie White.