Sunday, January 18, 2009

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.

7 comments:

Haney said...

Ran this one as a Junior member. Took pictures, too. I remember going with Jaye Alleman and someone else in old Rescue 52 up to a farm on Ridge Road to chop a hole in the ice for drafting.

Haney said...

And a new header.

Brad Myers said...

Haney, I can always count on you to notice a new header, thanks. I didn't remember them going to the Ridge Rd. to do try and get water. I was riding the tailboard of the 1969 that day, it was a Sunday and we were loaded for bear. I think Pap Sanders was driving and he was going balls to the walls, I climbed out along side the ladder and was still struck by a coupling as we dropped line. I remember the owner coming home and not being very happy and trying to blame the fire department for his loss.

Anonymous said...

Brad,
I remember how HUGE your elbow was after being hit by that coupling!!! Not the last time you were hurt at a call either...I think it was Sept of the same year that dad & I ended up coming to the Carlisle Hospital ER!!!
Sis

Anonymous said...

Brad,
Haney's right about going to the former Kerns farm to cut a hole in ice, I was the other person on the bus. I don't remember whose engine drafted thru it, or if anyone ever did, but we cut it.
Kenny

Brad Myers said...

Thanks Kenny, I stayed at the scene with Chet catching fire. There is many things I don't remember after all these years and so many fires. I think the only reason I remeber this one was because of getting struck by the coupling and the owner showing up and being very angry. I think he even threatened us with a law suit.

Guys at work get mad all the time when they say do you remember such and such fire and I relply no.

Anonymous said...

I remember this fire which was a good one,I was riding officer as Deputy Chief on the 69. Had the first line in the front door, shortly thereafter the fire was shooting out the same door we went in. Received a couple burns in the process. Those were the good old days.

Danny Byers