Gutshall Road Home Burns

On April 30, 1987 at 2:03 a.m. firefighters responded to a fire on the Gutshall Road, Southampton Cumberland. An electrical malfunction in the stairwell caused a fire that extensively damages the two-story frame house. Initially firefighters believed someone was still inside the home, but a search of the residence proved negative. Firefighters from five companies had the blaze under control in 36 minutes. Two firefighters were injured and transported to Chambersburg Hospital. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze with assistance from South Newton and Penn Twp.

Stable Destroyed

On April 29, 1859 between the hours of 10 and 11 p.m. the cry of fire aroused the residents from their sleep. It was soon learned that a stable belonging to the Rev. Joseph Mahon was ablaze (an address was not given). The efficient efforts of the fireman along with a recent rain that saturated combustibles in the area prevented the flames from spreading beyond the destroyed stable. Damages were estimated at $500 and it was believed the fire was intentionally set. The Vigilant Fire and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.

Newville Barn Burns

On April 28, 1956 at 7:45 p.m. firemen were alerted to a barn fire at Newville R. R. 2 (off Rt. 541 west of Green Spring). A neighbor seen lighting strike the barn and went to the farm to alert the occupant, by the time he arrived and contacted Newville the barn was already well involved. The Newville Fire Company was delayed in reaching the fire because of traffic. Cars filled the road with people going to watch the blaze. Firemen concentrated on saving the surrounding exposures and were successful with the exception of the roof on the combination chicken house and hog pen. Lost in the fire were seven head of cattle, farm machinery and crops. Damages were estimated at $12,000. Firemen from Newville and the Vigilant Hose Company remained on the scene until 11 p.m.

Mobile Hose Damaged In Morning Fire

On April 27, 1971 at 10:28 a.m. firemen were dispatched to a house fire at Shippensburg R. D. 4 (near Etter Orchards). A fire of undetermined origin caused heavy damage to the kitchen and living room of an occupied mobile home. The rest of the home suffered smoke damage. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue Company answered the alarm.

Later in the day around 4:00 p.m. the Vigilant’s and West End responded to a grass fire near Exit 9, I-81 along the Penn Central tracks.

Cumberland Woodcraft Building Destroyed In Overnight Fire

On April 26, 1983 at 2:56 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to a building fire at the Cumberland Woodcraft Company, 2500 Walnut Bottom Road, Dickinson Township. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed the large frame building and its contents. The building contained more than 25,000 board feet of lumber and machines. Between 75 and 100 firefighters from 12 companies battled the multiple alarm blaze for almost three hours before bringing it under control. Firefighters encountered fire from the roof upon their arrival and were hampered by 20 miles-per-hour winds and a water supply that was over one mile away. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries. Damages were estimated at 1.5 million dollars. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene along with units from Penn Twp, Mt. Holly, Newville, Upper Frankford, West Pennsboro, South Newton, South Middleton, North Middleton and the Friendship, Goodwill and Union’s of Carlisle.

Barn Burns In Letterkenny Twp.

On April 25, 2003 at 10:37 p.m. Franklin County 911 alerted firefighters to a barn fire at 3551 Rotz Road, Letterkenny Township. A faulty electrical wire in the rear of the barn caused a fire that destroyed the barn and its contents. Firefighters from nine companies battled the blaze that could be seen from as far away as Shippensburg. Damages were estimated at $100,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene along with units from Pleasant Hall, Letterkenny, Newburg-Hopewell, Walnut Bottom, Fannett-Metal and Mont Alto.

Vacant Trailer Destroyed In Fire

On April 24, 1976 at 10:03 p.m. firefighters responded to a trailer fire at Shippensburg R. R. 1, Huckleberry Land, Southampton Cumberland. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a vacant trailer. When firefighters arrived the building was fully involved. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company Stations 1 & 2 answered the alarm.

Firefighters also responded to an auto accident at 12:28 a.m. on Neff Avenue.

Burning Brush Spreads To Buildings

On April 23, 1960 at 1:03 p.m. KGD-556 alerted Shippensburg monitors to a building fire at Shippensburg Star Route 2. The occupant was burning brush near a chicken house and left momentarily, when he returned a few minutes later the fire had spread to the shed. Just moving into the home the occupant had not had his phone hooked up and had to travel a mile to use the nearest phone. Firemen were able to contain the blaze to the chicken house and a small nearby out building. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company extinguished the blaze with assistance from the Newburg Hopewell Fire Company.

Two Injured In House Fire

On April 22, 1982 at 6:00 p.m. firefighters responded to the Newburg Road, two miles south of Newburg for a house fire. Spilled grease from a deep fryer caused a fire that damaged an occupied house injuring two civilians. The kitchen and living room sustained heavy fire damage and the remainder of the house suffered smoke damage. Approximately 30 firefighters from three companies had the fire under control in 10 minutes and remained on the scene for several hours. Damages were estimated at $3,500. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted Newburg-Hopewell at the scene.

Walnut Dale Hose Burns

On April 21, 1933 in the afternoon hours firemen responded to a house fire in Walnut Dale, one and one-half miles east of Cleversburg. Upon returning home from picking arbutus the families daughter noticed smoke coming from the roof of the house. The mother rushed up stairs to try and save some belongings and found the second floor a mass of flames. When she returned downstairs the ceiling fell setting fire to the first floor. The house burnt down with damages estimated at $1,500. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

King Street House Burns

On April 20, 2000 at 7:50 p.m. Cumberland County 911 alerted firefighters to a house fire at 312 W. King Street. A fire of undetermined origin caused extensive damage to an occupied 2-½-story house. The fire started in the basement and caused heavy fire damage to the first floor and smoke and heat damage to the remainder of the home. A family of four was displaced in the fire that caused $30,000 to $40,000 in damage. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 10 minutes. Two dogs perished in the blaze. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Bank Barn Burns

On April 19, 1958 shortly after noon firemen were alerted for a barn fire at Newburg R.R. 1. When firemen arrived the barn was well involved. A quantity of hay and other items were lost in the fire. A damage estimate and cause was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Friendships of Newville battled the blaze.

Bedroom Gutted In Borough Home

On April 18, 1875 at 11:00 a.m. firemen were alerted to a fire at the Orange and Penn Streets. A fire of undetermined origin gutted a second floor bedroom in an occupied 2-½-story house. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.

Vacant Building At Penn Hall Burns

On April 17, 1997 at 7:07 p.m. firefighters responded to Penn Hall, 1425 Philadelphia Avenue, Chambersburg for a building fire. A cutting torch sparked a blaze that damaged the basement in an unoccupied building undergoing renovations. Firefighters from 11 companies had the fire under control in 45 minutes and remained on the scene until midnight. Two firefighters were treated and released from Chambersburg Hospital with minor injuries. 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 Chambersburg, Franklin, New Franklin, Pleasant Hall, Marion, Waynesboro, Greencastle and Fayetteville.

During the day Shippensburg firefighters also responded to an auto accident on Rt. 696 near Middle Spring and a house fire at 3434 Orrstown Road.

500 Chickens Killed In Fire

On April 16, 1929 at 11:00 a.m. firemen were alerted to a fire on the Walnut Bottom Road, three miles east of town. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a frame chicken house killing 500 chickens. Firemen had the blaze under control quickly. A damage estimate was not available. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company answered the alarm.

Firefighters Battle Basement Fire

On April 15, 1982 at 4:20 a.m. firefighters responded to 8184 Rice Road, Southampton Franklin for a basement fire. A refrigerator caused a fire that damaged a finished basement in an occupied house. Firefighters from five companies had the fire under control quickly and remained on the scene nearly two hours. Damages were estimated at $5,000. The West End Fire and Rescue, Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm with assistance from Pleasant Hall and Fayetteville.

Barn Destroyed

On April 14, 1977 at 4:26 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a barn fire at Shippensburg Star Route 3. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a barn and its contents. Lost in the fire were 13 head of cattle and farm machinery. A shed and woodpile were also damages. Firefighters from three companies battled the blaze for nearly two hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene along with units from Pleasant Hall.

Two Houses Burn In Jacksonville

On April 13, 1925 in the morning hours firemen responded to the Walnut Bottom Road, Jacksonville for a house fire. A fire that started in a defective flue destroyed that house and an adjoining home along with an ice house before being extinguished by firemen from Shippensburg and Carlisle. The paper reported that the Shippensburg firemen had the blaze under control before the Carlisle firemen arrived (it did not say which Carlisle company responded). A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Shed Fire On High Street

On April 12, 1976 at 3:46 p.m. firefighters responded to 213 High Street for a building fire. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a 12 by 20 foot frame shed and its contents. Damages were estimated at several hundred dollars. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Kitchen Fire On King Street

On April 11, 1943 at about 10:00 p.m. firemen answered an alarm of fire at 228 West King Street. A kitchen stove started a fire that badly damaged the kitchen and burnt through the floor. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Fire Leaves 13 Homeless

On April 10, 1957 at 5:02 p.m. firemen were alerted to a fire at Shippensburg R. R. 3. A fire of undetermined origin leveled an occupied six-room 1-½ story frame dwelling. Firemen were on the scene 1-½ hours. Damages were estimated at $3,500 in the blaze that displaced a family of 13. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Elkwood Fire Company No. 2, New Cumberland

I am going to start something new today. In the past when I did not have a major incident for the date I profiled a piece of apparatus from the Shippensburg Fire Department. Since I do not have all the rigs done that is not always an easy thing to do. Over the years I have been photographing past and present fire stations in Cumberland and Franklin Counties along with a database on each. Starting today I will begin on the West Shore with the lowest numbered company (New Cumberland, the first three post will all tie in together) and work my way to Shippensburg providing a BREIF history of the company’s with photographs of their firehouses. I will not spend much if any time on their apparatus, if I live long enough and the site remains up after I finish the two counties I will return to them with apparatus over the years. I will return to Shippensburg apparatus from time to time.

The Elkwood Fire Company No. 1 was organized August 1922. At the time Elkwood was a portion of Lower Allen Township and bordered New Cumberland. The citizens of Elkwood felt the need for fire protection and called a meeting in the Elkwood School House. In the meeting an organization was formed and officers were elected. In January 1923 a new Reo engine was ordered and on June 7 of that year the rig was delivered. The Reo was housed in a nearby stable until a permanent building could be erected.

In the spring of 1923 a lot was purchased for $200 and paid for by assessment of $2.00 upon the membership of the company. The building was immediately started and on January 1924 the company held their first meeting in the new firehouse (the third photo is of the original building).

In 1931 Elkwood became a part of New Cumberland Borough and the Elkwood Fire Company #1 changed their charted to reflect as the Elkwood Fire Company #2.

In August 1939 the company received their second piece of apparatus a 1939 Ward LaFrance (the rig and a brief history of the fire can be seen at this link http://shippensburgfiredepartment.blogspot.com/2008/01/elkwood-fire-company-gutted-by-fire.html). On January 25, 1940 the unthinkable happened when the firehouse burnt to the ground destroying the 1923 Reo (photo four is the firehouse with the 1939 Ward during the fire). Chief Arnold estimated the loss at more than $20,000. Plans were started to rebuild and in the late summer of 1940 the cornerstone was laid. On December 7, 1940 the building was formally dedicated (photos five and six show the building at different time).

In 1950 the Elkwood fire station was enlarged with the addition of a social room at a cost of $22,000. And then in July 1956 the company purchased a 500 gpm GMC pumper built by Oren for $11,773.50. In 1966 the company again upgraded it’s apparatus with the purchase of a 750 gpm Hahn engine.

In September 1966 the Citizen’s Hose Co. #1 and the Elkwood Fire Company #2 merged to become the New Cumberland Fire Department. I have never confirmed it but it is written that this was the first time that two volunteer fire companies merged into one in the state of Pennsylvania.
Photos 7,8,9 and 10 show the Elkwood building as it appears today. The next installment will feature the Citizens Hose Company #1 of New Cumberland. If anyone has any corrections or additions to the brief history I would love to hear them.

Oakville Store Badly Damaged

On April 8, 1983 at 9:15 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a structure fire at the Village Store, Oakville. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed the 1-½ story frame store. Firefighter from five companies had the blaze under control in 10 minutes and remained on the scene for hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene along with units from Newville, South Newton and Newburg-Hopewell.

Orrstown House Burns, Five Homeless

On April 7, 1921 at 7:00 p.m. one mile east of Orrstown a house and all the contents were destroyed by fire. A faulty flue in the center of the home caused a fire that destroyed a 2-½-story brick and frame occupied duplex. One of the residents saw smoke and flames coming from the flue and turned in the alarm. Before neighbors could arrive the house was enveloped in flames. It is unknown which fire company from Shippensburg answered the alarm if one even did as the paper reported that efforts of the firefighters to save the out buildings were successful, as only the wash house burned. The term firefighters could be referring to the towns’ folks forming a bucket brigade. A family of five was displaced and a damage estimate is not available.

Accidental Fire Damages Home

On April 6, 1982 at 11:15 p.m. firefighters were alerted for a house fire on Spring Road, Stoughstown. An electric heater caused a fire that damaged a 2-½ story occupied frame dwelling. The fire started in an addition and spread through the walls to the attic. Flames were fanned by high winds and firefighters were hampered by extreme cold. Firefighters from five companies battled the blaze and remained on the scene until 1:19 a.m. Damages were estimated at $6,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene along with units from Newville, South Newton and Penn Townships.

Garage Fire In Roxbury

On April 5, 2004 at 3:08 a.m. Franklin box 11-02 was struck for a garage fire at White Oak Lane, Lurgan Township. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a two-story frame garage and its contents. Firefighters from seven companies had the blaze under control in 22 minutes and remained on the scene over three hours. 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, Newburg-Hopewell, Letterkenny and Fannett-Metal.

Fire Destroys Summer Kitchen

On April 4, 1991 at 3:30 p.m. a Franklin 15 box was alerted for a house fire at 7490 Old Scotland Road, Southampton Franklin. A faulty fireplace sparked a fire that damaged a 2-½ story occupied brick dwelling. Fire destroyed a one-story frame addition and the kitchen before being contained by firefighters. The rest of the home suffered extensive smoke damage. Firefighters from seven companies had the fire under control in 10 minutes. Damages were estimated at $10,000 to $12,000. The West End Fire and Rescue, Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies battled the blaze with assistance from Fayetteville, South Newton, Newburg-Hopewell and Mont Alto.

Lock-Up Destroyed By Fire

On April 3, 1872 at 9:00 p.m. the towns’ citizens were aroused by the cry of fire. Firemen soon found the cause of the alarm to be in the lock-up to the rear of the Council House on East King Street. A box containing gunpowder exploded destroying the lock up to the rear of the Council House. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.

Hog Pen And Chicken House Destroyed

On April 2, 1955 at a time unknown, firemen responded to South Penn Street extended for a fire. A controlled burn got away causing a fire that burned a hog pen and chicken house. Damages were estimated at $50. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Numerous Out Buildings Burn On Windy Night

On April 1, 1997 at 6:02 p.m. Cumberland County 911 alerted firefighters to a fire at 510 Middle Road, Upper Mifflin Township. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed three frame sheds, numerous lean-tos and spread to a wooded area before being contained by firefighters. Firefighters from six companies had the fire under control in 20 minutes. Damages were estimated at $10,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm along with units from Newville, Newburg-Hopewell, West Pennsboro and Upper Frankford.

During the day Shippensburg firefighters also responded to an auto accident on Horsekiller Road and smoke in a building at Huber Apartments.