Barn Burns, Milk House Saved

On March 31, 1970 at 6:25 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to a barn fire at Shippensburg Star Route 2. Faulty electrical wiring sparked a blaze that caused heavy damage to a large frame barn. Lost in the fire were 25 tons of hay, seven tons of straw, some feed, grain and a grain drill. Firemen from four companies were able to save the milk house and remained on the scene almost five hours. Firemen pumped water from a nearby stream using an engine and portable pumps to fight the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm along with assistance from Newburg-Hopewell and Newville.

South Newton Home Burns

On March 30, 1987 at 1:25 p.m. a 49 box was alerted for a house fire on the Firehouse Road, South Newton Township. A fire caused by an improperly installed chimney caused moderate damage to the living room of an occupied house. The rest of the home suffered smoke damage. Firefighters from five companies were on the scene almost three hours. Damages were estimated at $35,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene along with units from South Newton, Penn Twp. and Newville.

Afternoon Fire Destroys Workshop

On March 29, 2006 at 1:34 p.m. Franklin County 911 alerted firefighters to a building fire at 20732 Path Valley Road, Fannett Township. A fire of undetermined origin completely storage and workshop building and its contents including three tractors. Firefighter from six companies battled the blaze and remained on the scene until 4:38 p.m. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene along with units from Newburg-Hopewell, Metal Twp., Shade Gap and Fannett-Metal.

2000 Chickens Burned In Fire

On March 28, 1934 at 10:30 p.m. firemen were sent to Lurgan Township for a structure fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a brooder house and its contents including 2,000 chicks. By the time firemen arrived there was little they could do to save the building or contents. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company battled the blaze.

Units From 6 Counties Battle Blaze

On March 27, 1986 at 11:30 a.m. a structure fire box was reported for the Anderson Box Company, East York Street, Biglerville, Adams County. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed two adjoining box company warehouses and there contents. Damages were estimated at $2 million dollars. Approximately 200 firefighters from about 44 fire companies in Adams, York, Cumberland and Franklin Counties along with units from Maryland battled the blaze for 7 ½ hours before bringing it under control. It was reported that approximately 90 pieces of apparatus was on the scene. It was expected to take two days to completely extinguish the blaze. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene and the West End Fire and Rescue Company transferred to Arendtsville. For the last few months I have been listing all the companies that responded to the emergency but due to the amount of departments and the local papers not reporting all, that will not happen today.

House Burns In Hopewell Twp.

On March 26, 2004 at 1:25 a.m. Cumberland County 911 sent box 151-01 to 121 Zion Road, Hopewell Township for a chimney fire, before units arrived the assignment was upgraded to a house fire. An accidental fire caused extensive damage to an occupied 2-½-story frame dwelling. The fire started in a first floor kitchen and extended to the second floor room above before burning through the roof, the remainder of the house suffered extensive heat and smoke damage. Firefighters from four companies had the blaze under control in 15 minutes and remained on the scene over two hours. A family of six was displaced and a damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted the Newburg-Hopewell Fire Company at the scene.

Welding Shop Gutted By Fire

On March 25, 1981 at 7:20 a.m. Cumberland County Headquarters dispatched firefighters to a building fire at County Line Welding, Pa. Rt. 641 two miles west of Newburg. Sparks from cutting torch ignited paint thinner causing a fire that extensively damaged the business. Firefighters from two companies had the blaze under control in 20 minutes. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene along with units from Newburg-Hopewell.

Mobile Home Destroyed

On March 24, 1994 at 12:24 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a trailer fire at 1041 Mayapple Drive, Southampton Franklin. A carelessly discarded cigarette caused a fire that gutted an occupied mobile home. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 14 minutes. Damages were estimated at $13,000. The West End Fire and Rescue, Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Chestnut Grove Road House Burns

On March 23, 1937 at 3:00 p.m. firemen responded to the Chestnut Grove for a house fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed an occupied 2-½-story wood frame dwelling. By the time firemen arrived all that could be saved was the summer kitchen. The rural pumper responded to a chimney fire east of Shippensburg on the Walnut Bottom Road shortly before the Chestnut Grove Road fire was reported. The second engine responded to the fire and when the rural pumper heard of the severity of the incident they also responded. A group of boys from the Big Pond CCC camp armed with portable tanks used in fighting forest fires helped keep the blaze from spreading before the Vigilant’s arrival. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company extinguished the blaze.

Log House Burns

On March 22, 1978 at 10:40 p.m. firefighters responded to Shippensburg R. D. 4 on the Cleversburg-Mainsville Road, Southampton Cumberland for a house fire. A faulty chimney caused a fire that did heavy damage to the second floor of an occupied 2-story log home. Firefighters from two companies battled the blaze for three hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Fire Destroys Mobile Home

On March 21, 1981 at 12:45 a.m. firefighters responded to a mobile home fire at 9224 Newburg Road, Lurgan Township. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a mobile home used for storage. Approximately 30 firefighters from four companies had the blaze under control in 20 minutes and remained on the scene one and a half hours. Damages were estimated at $2,000. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene along with units from Newburg-Hopewell and Pleasant Hall.

Garage Burns Two Trucks Damaged

On March 20, 1939 in the evening hours firemen were sent to 65 West King Street for a building fire. A fire of undetermined origin gutted the interior of two-story frame garage and damaged two trucks. Firemen had the blaze under control quickly. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

125 Chickens Perish In Fire

On March 19, 1950 in the afternoon hours firemen were sent to Hays Grove for a building fire. A hot bulb sparked a blaze that damaged a brooder house and killed 125 baby chicks. Firemen were able to save part of the building using a booster line. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Newville Warehouse Destroyed

On March 18, 1997 at 10:45 p.m. firefighters were sent to 15 Railroad Avenue, Newville for a building fire. An arson fire destroyed a 32 by 81 foot vacant frame building once used for storage by the CV Coop Co and damaged the roof of the near by ribbon mill. Firefighters from nine companies battled the multiple alarm fire. Units were on the scene almost two hours. Damages were estimated at $35,000. Two juvenile boys were later charged with the crime. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company assisted at the scene along with units from Newville, West Pennsboro, Upper Frankford, Penn Twp, Newburg-Hopewell and the Empire, Union and Cumberland-Goodwill of Carlisle.

Earlier in the day Shippensburg firefighters responded to a fatal house fire on 324 Airport Road and an auto accident on West King Street.

Church Building Burns

On March 17, 1872 at 9:00 p.m. Shippensburg residents were startled by the cry of fire, it was soon learned that the blaze was to the rear of the Church of God. A small frame building containing the apparatus used for generating the gas for lighting in the main church was destroyed in an accidental fire. The rear of the Church sustained a small amount of fire damage. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.

Family Homeless After Fire

On March 16, 1996 at 3:00 p.m. firefighters responded to 8337 McClay’s Mill Road, Lurgan Township for a house fire. A fire that started in bathroom caused heavy fire damage to a 2-½-story “A” frame style home. Firefighters from five companies worked for 30 minutes before bringing the blaze under control and were on the scene several hours. A family of five was displaced in the $100,000 fire. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue, Pleasant Hall and Newburg-Hopewell fire companies answered the alarm.

Cornerstone Laid For New CV Firehall

On March 15, 1950 during a brief ceremony the cornerstone was set in place at the new Cumberland Valley Hose Company building. Russell Lerew, company president gave a brief speech witch included the history of the company. A copper box was placed in the stone by Mr. Lerew witch included a history of the company, pictures of the old building and of the proposed new building, a recent issue of The News Chronicle and a roster containing the entire membership of the company.

Cleversburg Home Damaged By Fire

On March 14, 1949 at 7:15 a.m. firemen responded to a house fire in Cleversburg. A kitchen was ruined after an oil stove exploded. The kitchen sustained heavy fire and smoke damage causing $1,000 in damages. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Fire Damages Home

On March 13, 1987 in the afternoon hours firefighters were alerted to a house fire on the Upper Strasburg Road. A fire of undetermined origin caused extensive damage to a wall, ceiling and roof in an occupied 2-½-story frame dwelling. The rest of the home suffered smoke and water damage. Firefighters from five companies battled 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 along with units from Pleasant Hall and Letterkenny.

Fire Damages Home, Cat Dies

On March 12, 2006 at 6:51 p.m., firefighter were alerted to a house fire at 141 East Main Street Walnut Bottom, South Newton Township. A malfunctioning electrical outlet in an attic bedroom sparked a fire that gutted the room in a 2-1/2-story frame house. Smoke and water damage on the lower two floors displaced a family of six. About 35 firefighters from four companies battled the blaze and remained on the scene for almost one and a half hours. A damage estimate was not available. The family’s cat perished in the blaze. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene along with units from South Newton and Penn Twp.

Roxbury Home Burns

On March 11, 2003 at 8:30 p.m. Franklin County 911 alerted firefighters to a house fire at 11249 Forge Hill Road. A fire of undetermined origin caused extensive damage to the first floor kitchen and a second floor bedroom in an occupied 2-½-story log house. Firefighters from seven companies were on the scene three hours. A damage estimate was not available. The West End Fire and Rescue and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene along with units from Pleasant Hall, Newburg-Hopewell, Letterkenny, Franklin and Fannett-Metal.

Fire Damages Home Near Orrstown

On March 10, 1938 in morning hour’s firemen were sent to a house fire on the Orrstown Road at Greenawalt’s Mill. An overheated chimney caused a fire that damaged an occupied 2-½-story frame house. A second floor room was gutted along with the attic and roof, the other parts of the home suffered smoke and water damage. Firemen were hampered by heavy smoke conditions making it difficult to locate the blaze (remember SCBA’s were not used yet) and by slippery conditions caused by snow. Two lines were laid to the Conococheague creek, about an eighth of a mile away to supply water to the scene. Damages were estimated at several hundred dollars. It took firemen almost an hour to extinguish the blaze. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Blaze Destroys Barn And Kills Cattle

On March 9, 1987 at 8:15 p.m. a 52 box was struck for a barn fire on Smith Road, Southampton Cumberland. When firefighters arrived at 8:19 p.m. the barn and a calf barn were well involved. Firefighters were faced with the task of protecting exposures on this windy night. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a large frame barn. Lost in the fire were 21 calves a hay wagon, cattle trailer, grain drill and other machinery and feed. Firefighters from five companies battled the blaze for almost four hours. At 1230 a.m. the last piece of apparatus left the scene. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue Company answered the alarm along with units from Pleasant Hall, Newburg-Hopewell and South Newton.

Small Barn Destroyed By Fire

On March 8, 1970 at 5:37 a.m. firefighters responded to a building fire at Shippensburg R. D. 2. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a small frame barn and its contents and scorched a nearby shed. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company Stations 1 & 2 battled the blaze.

First Radio Installed In CV’s Ward

On March 7, 1955 the Cumberland Valley Hose Company’s Ward LaFrance was taken to Carlisle to have a mobile radio installed. This was the C.V.’s first fire engine to have a radio installed. The two Vigilant Seagraves were scheduled to be taken to Carlisle to have radios installed the next day.

Firemen Respond To Middle Spring

On March 6, 1889 at 7:30 a.m. an alarm of fire was sounded for the Shryock Brothers’ Paper Mill, Middle Spring. A blaze of incendiary origin began in a 200 foot long straw stack. Word spread to Shippensburg about the fire and the request for assistance. Mr. Shryock’s six-mule team just happened to be in town taking a load to the freight depot and was attached to the Vigilant engine (1860 Button). The engine and hose reel along with the men arrived at the scene in about 40 minutes. Firemen quickly had a stream of water on the fire assisting the bucket brigade that had been working for sometime. At about 10:30 a.m. it was decided to only way to extinguish the fire to cut the straw stack in half making a fire break, by noon the fire was under control. Approximately 75 tons of straw was destroyed. A damage estimate was not available.

The photograph of the Cumberland Valley's fleet was taken sometime between 1970 and early 1973. The Bean and ladder truck did not come in until 1970 and the 1969 Caddillac was replaced in May 1973 with new caddy's.

Walnut Bottom House Burns Down

On March 5, 1936 at 2:30 p.m. firemen were summoned to Walnut Bottom (north side of town) for a house fire. A blaze that started around the chimney destroyed an occupied 2-½-story frame house and all its contents. Firemen were unable to save the house but managed to protect the exposures. Damages were estimated at $700.00 The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Shed Destroyed

On March 4, 1996 at 1:35 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a shed fire at 1069 Centerville Road. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a shed and its contents. A damage estimate was not available. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company assisted at the scene along with units from Penn Twp. and South Newton. During the day firefighters also answered an auto accident at Gilbert and High Roads, a house fire at 2256 Lindsey Lot Road and a reported smoke in the house at 215 Means Hollow Road.

Third Floor Apartment Gutted

On March 3, 1969 at 2:30 p.m. the Shippensburg Civil Defense room alerted firemen to a building fire at 19 East King Street, the Western Auto Store. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a three bedroom third floor apartment and caused water damage to the second floor apartments and the first floor store, occupants of a dozen apartments were forced to flee the building. This was the second fire in the building in the last week. On February 24 a fire was set in the hallway. A suspect was arrested in connection with that blaze. Damages in this fire were estimated at $4,500. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze. Borough Fire Chief Dan Orris gave high praise to the efforts of the firemen and police department in their handling of the blaze and traffic. This was the third Monday in a row that Shippensburg had been a victim of a suspicious fire.

Vigilant Hose Finally Gets New Seagrave

On March 2, 1981 the Vigilant Hose Company accepted delivery of their 1981 Seagrave engine after a 26-month wait. The engine was equipped with a 1,500 gallon per minute pump and carried 750 gallons of water. The engine cost the company $103,725.

Fire Damages Cressler’s Bakery

On March 1, 1908 in the early morning the station bells began to toll an alarm of fire for R. C. Cressler’s Bakery on West King Street. Firemen were soon hauling their hose carriages up King Street in the sleet and freezing rain. A defective flue caused a fire that destroyed the roof and did heavy water damage to the one story building. A damage estimate was not available. Firemen had the blaze under control quickly. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.