Buchanan School Gutted

On February 20, 1980 at 2:24 a.m. firefighters were alerted to a fire at the Andrew Buchanan Elementary School East Washington and Seventh Streets, Chambersburg. An arson fire caused heavy damage to the building; this was one of many in a string of arson fires to plaque the Franklin County area in 1980. When firefighters arrived the southeast corner of the building was well involved and flames were spreading through the loft. Approximately 75 firefighters from seven fire companies worked for more than two hours to control the 2-alarm blaze. Damages were estimated at $1 million dollars. The West End Fire and Rescue and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene along with units from Chambersburg, Franklin, Fayetteville, New Franklin and Waynesboro.