Auto Body Repair Shop Destroyed

On May 31, 1999 at 10:31 a.m. firefighters responded to a building fire an auto body repair shop, 2736 Rocky Spring Road. Firefighter from numerous companies battled the blaze that destroyed a five bay garage and its contents. Very little was reported on the incident. A complete listing of companies responding to the blaze was not available, those listed were, Franklins’, Fayetteville, Marion, New Franklin, Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose.

WEFR’s 1948 International Tanker

In 1957, the exact date unknown, the West End Fire and Rescue Company purchased a used oil truck from a Chambersburg gas company. The unit was a 1948 International KB and capable of carrying 1,500 gallons. Company members remember taking the tanker to H & H Garage and installing a 250 gallon per minute pump on it from an old Cumberland Valley Hose Company rig. The unit was painted red and lettered for the company becoming their first tank truck. In September 1958 WEFR sold the unit to the Union’s of Carlisle for $1,700. Carlisle operated the rig until 1962 when it was sold to the Mont Alto Fire Company. When Jackson was still alive repeated attempts to gather information on the rig from Mont Alto went unanswered. Maybe someday I will be able to find someone there that can tell me what they paid for it and when they disposed of it.

The three photographs posted here are the only ones I have ever seen of the rig. In order as they appear is the tanker with WEFR, Unions and Mont Alto.

Restaurant Destroyed By Fire

On May 28, 1996 at 1:34 a.m. firefighters were alerted to a building fire at Nick’s Chicken and Seafood House, 1524 Lincoln Way East. When firefighters arrived the building was already heavily involved with flames through the roof. Firefighters from nine companies had the blaze under control in about 30 minutes and remained on the scene about four hours. Two firefighters were treated for minor injuries after one-stepped on a nail and the other smashed his thumb. A damage estimate was not available but the building was a total loss. The Chambersburg Fire Department, New Franklin, Fayetteville, Marion, West End Fire and Rescue, Cumberland Valley Hose Company, Pleasant Hall, Mont Alto and Franklin fire companies battled the blaze.

The Cumberland Valley add appeared in a 1983 news paper.

The Ringing of Fire Bells

The following article appeared in The Shippensburg News on June 3, 1910. The incident occurred on this date May 27, 1910.

Quite a commotion was raised on our streets about an hour before noon on Friday last, at which time the bell of the Cumberland Valley Hose Company sounded the usual fire alarm. Businessmen left their storerooms; merchants dropped hammers, planes, saws and brushes, teams dashed wildly through our streets, endangering life and limb. The members of the Vigilant Hose Company, hearing the alarm sounded, rushed for their hose house, thinking some neighbor’s or some citizen’s house was in danger. No one stopped to inquire whose it was; the only question being asked was, where is it? A large crowd of anxious citizen’s had gathered in the vicinity of the hose house, when it was learned there was no fire in anywhere excepting in the stoves where it was doing no damage and strictly necessary at that hour. Cloyd, the 4-year old son of Clarence Rhinehart, of Big Spring, who was in town with his father, had strayed away. Some one suggested the ringing of the fire bell. This we want to say is a great mistake. The fire bell should only be rung at times of fire, when the firemen’s services are actually needed. A few times like this and our faithful firemen will not know when to respond. We are well aware of the anxiety of a parent in cases of this kind, but the alarm should be made in some other manner. In this instance the lost boy was found in an alleyway a short distance from where he was stopping.

Building Burns During Storm

On May 26, 1933 in the afternoon hours an electrical storm passed over the area striking a storage shed between Pleasant Hall and Upper Strasburg. The large shed and its contents were destroyed butt the neighbors were able to save some of the contents. The rural pumper made the trip in fourteen minutes despite driving through blinding rain most of the way. They immediately laid 700 feet of hose to a nearby stream and extinguished the burning timbers. Damages were estimated at nearly $1,000. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

New Cumberland Fire Department

The only major incident to occur on this day was in 2004 and that was posted last year. Today is the last installment of the New Cumberland Fire companies before moving on to another community.

Most of the rich history of the New Cumberland Fire Department has already been told on this site when I featured the Elkwood and Citizen’s companies.

In 1966 the Citizens’ Hose Company No. 1 and the Elkwood Fire Company No. 2 merged to form the New Cumberland Fire Company. The transition was not an easy one, with pride and competition having prevailed between the to companies for so many years, but is was accomplished. At the time of the merger the companies continued to operate out of their respective fire stations for some time.

In 1972 a junior organization was formed starting out with nine junior members. In 1973 a CF Mack pumper was purchased for $39,000 and a new Dodge Horton ambulance was added to the fleet. In March of 1976 all the apparatus cabs were repainted with white roofs. I n 1978 the New Cumberland ambulance association became a part of the New Cumberland Fire Department.

In 1980 a new fire station was constructed at 319 Fourth Street and completed at a cost of $400,000. The building was dedicated on October 18, 1980 completing the merger of the two fire companies as one.

In 1982 new squad truck and Pierce Arrow pumper was added to the fleet. In 1990 a Seagrave ladder truck was purchased from New York City and refurbished. In 1992 the 1973 Mack was refurbished with an E-One glider kit. Numerous other small rigs and ambulances have also been purchased over the years. The company’s newest rig is a 2005 Pierce ladder truck.

Bank Barn Burns Near Middle Spring

On May 24, 1952 at 4:15 p.m. firemen went to the Burk Handshew farm, Shippensburg R.R. 3 near Middle Spring. Firemen thought they had the barn saved when they ran out of water. Additional water was obtained from a well and a cistern before the pumper drafted water from the Middle Spring creek. A tank truck from Letterkenny also responded but was delayed in getting to the scene when they stopped at a fire at Rt. 11 and Mt. Rock. Lost in the barn were a hay loader, tractor, corn plows, 100 bushels of barley and other items. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Letterkenny fire companies answered the alarm. In 1908 a barn at the same location burnt to the ground after being struck by lightning.

On May 24, 1991 the movie Backdraft opened in theaters across America.

400 Chickens Burn In Brooder House Fire

On May 23, 1950 around noon firemen were sent to the Paul Reese farm, Shippensburg R.R 3 for a brooder house fire. A small brooder house was destroyed along with nearly 400 two-week old chicks and another brooder house was scorched before firemen could control the blaze. A kerosene stove used to keep the chicks warm started the fire. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

The WEFR fair add appeared in a local news paper on May 23, 1991.

Apartment Damaged On Fayette Street

On May 22, 1966 in the early morning hours Shippensburg firemen were sent to 220 South Fayette Street for an apartment fire. A quick response by firemen confined the fire to one room on the second floor, the rest of the apartment suffered smoke damage. Borough fire chief Ed Thrush said the blaze was started by faulty electrical wiring and that damages were estimated at $2,500. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm. During the day the Cumberland Valley ambulance answered one call when a person fell from a horse at the WEFR horse show.

Southampton Twp. Home Burns

On May 21, 1979 at 11:26 p.m. Cumberland County headquarters alerted units to a house fire at the William Duncan residence, Shippensburg R.D. 6 along LR21006. When firefighters arrived they found fire showing from two sides of the 2-½-story frame house. According to Chief Myers the blaze was caused by a wood burning stove and traveled through the walls before being noticed. Three rooms in the house were damaged by fire and the remainder of the home-sustained heat, smoke and water damage. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, West End Fire and Rescue, South Newton Twp. and an Air Wagon and Ambulance from the Cumberland Valley Hose Company answered the alarm and remained on the scene over two hours.

Mobile Home Burns On Lurgan Road

On May 20, 1991 at 9:25 a.m. Franklin County 911 sent firefighters to 12707 Lurgan Road, Lurgan Township for a mobile home fire. Firefighters from four companies had the blaze under control in 10 minutes. The fire was confined to a back bedroom but the remainder of the home suffered heat and smoke damage. Firefighters rescued a cat from the fire and administered CPR to revive it. A damage estimate and cause were not available. Units from Newburg-Hopewell, Letterkenny and the Vigilant Hose Company assisted the Pleasant Hall Fire Company.

Walnut Bottom Barn Burns

On May 18, 1987 at 5:23 p.m. firefighters were alerted to another barn fire on Water Street (rear of the Jacksonville Elementary school), Walnut Bottom. Firefighters from six companies operated at the scene for over three hours to save the building. Three firefighters were injured, two transported to Carlisle Hospital and one to Chambersburg. A damage estimate was not available. The fire was ruled arson by State Police Fire Marshall Fred Klages. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene along with units from South Newton, Penn Twp. and Newville.

Greene Township Mobile Home Destroyed

On May 17, 1984 at 1:30 a.m. Franklin County dispatched firefighters to a mobile home fire at 578 Siloam Road, Greene Township. When the first units arrived the home was well involved. The home and contents were a total loss. It was believed a kerosene heater triggered the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. Firefighter remained on the scene for almost 3 ½ hours. The West End Fire and Rescue, Franklin’s, Pleasant Hall Letterkenny and an Air Wagon from the Cumberland Valley Hose Company answered the alarm.

Four Killed In I-81 Crash

On May 15, 1987 at 8:30 p.m. a rescue local was sent to South Newton Township, Interstate 81 north of exit 10 in the southbound lane for an auto accident. When Chief 52 Charlie Myers arrived it was soon realized that this was a very serious incident. A car was traveling the wrong way in the southbound lane when it collided with a van head on. The van was carrying a family of five and came to rest upside down after the accident with multiple entrapment's. The drivers of both vehicles were killed and a 12-year-old boy died at 10:15 at Carlisle Hospital. Three other members of the family were transported to area hospitals. The driver of the car traveling the wrong direction had a blood alcohol level of .31. On May 29Th the mother died of her injuries at Hershey Medical Center. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene, if any other companies responded they were not listed in the articles.

Borough Home Burns

On May 14, 1919 at 1:00 p.m. firemen responded to Washington and Burd Streets for a house fire. A fire of undetermined origin broke out in the garret of a double house. Firemen responded quickly and were able to contain the fire to the garret and a couple of rooms on the second floor. The possessions in one half the residence were removed but the other residence lost almost everything to fire, smoke and water. Firemen had the blaze under control in just under an hour. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

I know this is not fire related but I found it interesting enough to copy and put in the book when I was doing the microfilm. This appeared in the News Chronicle on May 14, 1957.

Lower Mifflin Barn Struck By Lighting

On May 13, 1991 in the evening hours, firefighters were sent to 906 Center Road, Lower Mifflin Township for a barn fire. The barn was struck by lightning during an evening storm causing the blaze that completely destroyed the building and its contents. Little information on the fire appeared in the newspaper. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company assisted at the scene along with units from Newville, Newburg-Hopewell, Upper Frankford and Penn Townships.

Another Barn Burns In Pleasant Hall

On May 12, 1987 at 7:52 p.m. firefighters were again alerted to a fire to the rear of the Pleasant Hall Fire station on Route 997. When firefighters from seven companies arrived the second floor of a 2-1/2-story frame shed was involved in fire. Quick work by firefighters limited damage and saved the building. A damages estimate was not available. The cause was listed as arson. The West End Fire and Rescue and the Vigilant Hose companies assisted at the scene along with units from Pleasant Hall Letterkenny, Newburg-Hopewell and another unnamed company. This was one of numerous arson fires to plaque the area in a short time.

Mobile Home Burns On Mothers Day

On May 11, 2003 at 6:19 p.m. Franklin County 911 alerted units to a mobile home fire at Schaff’s Mobile Home Park, 7500 Molly Pitcher Highway, Southampton Franklin. Firefighter arrived to find heavy fire showing from the home. The blaze began in the kitchen area and caused $10,000 damage to the home, a neighboring trailer suffered minor damage to its aluminum siding. Firefighters from four companies had the blaze under control quickly and remained on the scene over two hours. Firefighters from the West End Fire and Rescue, Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and Pleasant Hall fire companies operated at the scene.

Chicken House Destroyed Almost 200 Chickens Lost

On May 10, 1929 at about 7 p.m. a call was sent for the Cumberland Valley Hose Company to respond to Lees Cross Roads for a fire. A large chicken house, 32 feet by 16 feet was ablaze and threatening a house near by. The blaze started in a brooder stove and completely destroyed the building killing between 100 and 200 chickens. A damage estimate was not available.

Stable Burned

On May 9, 1918 shortly before midnight a fire was discovered in the stable of J. P. Hockersmith, off Morris Street. Before firemen arrived the upper part of the stable was burned and the lower part was badly damaged. A few chickens were lost in the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm. A damage estimate was not available.

Barn Destroyed Near Newville

On May 8, 1969 at an unknown time firemen were sent to the George Stambaugh farm, Newville R.D. 1, four miles south of Newville along Route 11 for a barn fire. When Newville arrived the found the barn to be well-involved and requested assistance from six other companies. Family, neighbors and firemen were able to lead most of the livestock to safety, however six calves died in the blaze. Also lost were a quantity of hay, grain, straw and some equipment. A damage estimate was not available. Assisting Newville were units from the Vigilant Hose, West End Fire and Rescue, Union of Carlisle, Penn Twp., Plainfield and west Pennsboro Township.

While firemen operated at the scene the Cumberland Valley Hose Company and the Newburg-Hopewell and Pleasant Hall fire companies (standing by for the Viggies and Wefr) answered a false alarm on West King Street.

Mobile Home Burns In Southampton Cumberland

On May 7, 2007 at 2:55 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to a mobile home fire at 68 Rustic Drive, Southampton Cumberland. Units arrived to find smoke showing and all the occupants outside, thanks to three working smoke detectors. Firefighter were able to rescue two cats from the blaze.

The cause of the fire was electrical in nature, starting in a wall in the living room area. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue and South Newton Twp. fire companies operated at the scene until 4:45 a.m.

Fire Destroys Nine Buildings In Shippensburg

On May 6, 1885 at 12:15 a.m. an alarm of fire was sounded in Shippensburg. Firemen soon learned the location of the alarm was in the alley between Penn Street and Normal Avenue near the Presbyterian Church. The blaze began in the stable of S.S. Wolfe and had already spread to adjacent stables before firemen arrived. Firemen from the Vigilant and Cumberland Valley Fire companies performed noble service but a strong breeze continued to spread the flames rapidly. The Vigilant engine secured water at the cistern near the Council House and the Cumberland Valley engine got their water from a well near Penn and Main Streets. Both water supplies were far enough away to require firemen to use most of their hose reaching the blaze.

Firemen were able to gain control of the blaze but not before it destroyed nine stables, a butcher shop and the old Seceder Church (then occupied by I.C. Diehl’s net factory, and also known as the "White Church").

It was believed that the blaze was incendiary in origin and damages were estimated at $6,000. The blaze again caused the local newspapers to call for a water system in Shippensburg. A reward of $50 was offered for the apprehension of the people responsible for the fire.

Occupant Dies In Cleversburg Fire

On May 5, 1982 at 5:38 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to a house fire on the Neil Road, Cleversburg Southampton Cumberland. Firefighters could see a column from Shippensburg. By the time the first engine arrived at 5:45 a.m. heavy fire was showing from most of the windows on the front of the 2-1/2-story frame house. Assistant Chief Gerald Holtry immediately ordered the deluge gun to be used. The gun knocked down most visible fire on side one before lines were advanced inside. Almost 50 firefighters from four companies had the blaze under control in 15 to 20 minutes. A 78-year-old male occupant and the family dog perished in the blaze. Another occupant was transported with burns. An overturned kerosene heater started the fire. A damage estimate was not available. Firefighters remained on the scene until 10:00 a.m. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm with assistance from South Newton.

Citizen Hose Company #1, New Cumberland

A couple of weeks ago I started posting on Cumberland County fire companies starting at the west shore when I had no major incidents to report. Today’s post features the Citizen’s Hose Company of New Cumberland.

In 1895 fire destroyed the home and business of Jacob Eisenberger at 5TH and Markets Streets. Newspaper accounts referred to the fire as a major conflagration witch totally destroyed the structures and threatened to spread to adjacent buildings.

Following the fire Mr. H. A. Lenhart, borough Burgess, called a meeting of interested townspeople to organize the Citizen’s Hose Company No. 1, at which time G.W.H. Wilson was elected the first fire chief and Mr. Lenhart the first president.

No fire station existed at the time and it would be another 12 years before the first one was occupied. In 1896 council purchased 500 feet of 2-½ inch hose followed by a hose reel the same month. All the fire equipment was housed in a shed located at the back of the schoolhouse at Fifth and Bridge Streets.

On July 28, 1906 council purchased a lot at the corner of 4Th and Locust Streets for $333.34. On July 29, 1907 the company dedicated the new house with a three-day celebration and parade featuring over 400 firemen in the line of march. The total cost of the project was $2,831.34.

In 1907 the company purchased a hose wagon for $325.00 and a horse for $225.00. The horse was named “Smoke” and it was reported that he loved to eat tobacco and run to fires.

In 1915 the company received their first motorized rig, a Brockway combination chemical and hose truck. In 1923 an American LaFrance 600-gpm triple combination pumper was purchased for $12,250.00.

In 1927 an addition to the firehouse was started and it was dedicated July 4, 1928. The cost of the project was $13,000. The company continued to upgrade its apparatus with the addition of a 700-gpm American LaFrance pumper in 1938 and an emergency unit in 1940. The unit was equipped with six large searchlights and equipped to be used as an ambulance in case of an emergency. Over the years the company had other apparatus including a 1950 White Squad truck, a 1954 GMC General pumper, a 1960 Ford pumper and an International rescue truck.

In 1966 the Citizen’s Hose Company No. 1 and the Elkwood Fire Company No. 2 merged to form the New Cumberland Fire Department. The transition was not an easy one, what with pride and competition having prevailed between the two companies for so many years, but it was accomplished.

The histories of Cumberland County fire departments are meant to be short, the are not intended to provide an in depth view of the companies. Next time I will feature the New Cumberland Fire Department. This is the place that I say if anyone has any additions or corrections please pass them along, but why bother no one has added anything in almost two years.

Chambersburg House Burns, Family Of 4 Displaced

On May 3, 2000 at 3:21 p.m. Franklin County 911 dispatched firefighters to a house fire at 436-438 E. Washington Street, Chambersburg. Firefighters from five companies battled the afternoon fire that damaged the back of a duplex displacing four people. The blaze started in trash bags next to the building after an ashtray was emptied near them. Chambersburg firefighters were assisted by the Franklins, Fayetteville, New Franklin and the West End Fire and Rescue companies.

Middle Spring House Burns

On May 2, 1975 at 7:10 p.m. the Civil Defense room alerted Shippensburg firemen to a house fire in Middle Spring. A fire of undetermined origin gutted two rooms on the first floor of a large 10 room-2 story log farmhouse; smoke and heat caused heavy damage to the second floor of the home. Firemen from three companies used 20 bottles of air fighting the smoky blaze according to Chief Charles Myers. The West End Fire and Rescue and the Newburg-Hopewell companies assisted the Vigilant Hose Company.

Also on this Friday evening the Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered an alarm for a car fire on South Penn Street and the CV ambulance answered one call during the day.

Washington Street Kitchen Burns

On May 1, 1973 at 6:64 p.m. firemen responded to a kitchen fire at 25 North Washington Street. A fire of undetermined origin gutted a kitchen and badly damaged one apartment displacing three college students. Firemen had the blaze under control quickly; a damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

The Cumberland Valley ambulance answered two other calls during the day.