Afternoon Fire Destroys Barn

On July 30, 1940 at 3:30 p.m. firemen were sent to the Clarence Strohm farm just south of Lees Cross Roads for a barn fire. Lightning struck the barn during an afternoon storm causing it’s complete destruction and the loss of 700 bushels of wheat, 300 bushels of barley, alfalfa, clover, a wagon full of hay and about a quarter of the farms equipment. Firemen worked to save the exposures but a shortage of water in the farms cistern kept them from saving a hog shed and machine shed. Flames were so intense that that firemen operating a steam 50 feet away needed another steam played on their backs to keep them cool. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm and remained on the scene until after 7 p.m.

Barn Burns, Livestock Lost

On July 29, 1949 at 6:30 p.m. firemen were sent once again to a barn fire, this time at the William Varner farm, Newville R. R. 1, along the Newville-Centerville Roads. Like all the other barn fires to plaque the area over the last couple of months this one also was caused by an overheated haymow. When the Newville Company arrived the fire had gained considerable headway and the Vigilant’s assistance was requested. Neighbors attempted to save the livestock but three cows and a heifer perished in the blaze. A large bull escaped but he was burnt so bad he had to be put down. Also destroyed in the blaze were eight loads of hay, corn, straw, farm machinery and a lot of new walnut lumber. A damage estimate was not available. The Newville Fire Company and Vigilant Hose companies battled the blaze.

OLD BORO SIREN TO RETIRE SOON

The following article was reprinted in its entirety from the Friday July 27, 1956 edition of The News Chronicle.

OLD BORO SIREN TO RETIRE SOON

There was a bit of kidding around the Vigilant Hose Company firehouse recently when the smoke eaters roared off to extinguish a liquor truck fire in Shippensburg. Be it known that all the boys returned perfectly sober.

The blaze was one for Ripley. No damage was reported by the trucker but the fire siren was damaged. It was stuck, as you remember.

With the alarm blasting away from atop the town hall, Ralph Naugle, Glen Heberlig and Charles Cover had an ear splitting time inside the building trying to receive short wave civil defense messages over the radio. They were listening for instructions to blow the siren for a CD alert. The radio crew was about ready to call out the marines. The situation was getting out of hand.

Somehow the old siren which should have been retired from municipal service long ago was stopped. If anything is seriously wrong with the siren, it’s just too bad. They don’t make parts for the old timer any more.

Some of the confusion connected with the sounding of borough sirens may be ended soon with the installation of a new coded fire alarm horn. Coded signals will be sounded for locations of fires and also civil defense alerts.

Shed Damages On Orange Street

On July 26, 1941 firemen responded to a shed fire at the Clarence Heller residence on East Orange Street. The fire spread from a controlled burn, no damage estimate was given. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm and had the blaze controlled quickly.

Large Shed Destroyed In Accidental Blaze

On July 25, 1994 shortly before noon Franklin County alerted units to a building fire at 3461 Church Road, three miles north of New Franklin. Sparks from a saw caused a fire that that destroyed an 80 by 30 foot aluminum shed and its contents. Acetylene cylinders and 55-gallon drums of hydraulic oil exploded sending a huge fireball into the sky. Firefighters were able to protect all the exposures. Damages were estimated at $100,000. The New Franklin Fire Company, Franklin’s, Fayetteville, Marion, Chambersburg, Waynesboro, Greencastle, Mont Alto, Letterkenny and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze for more than three hours.

Another Barn Burns

On July 24, 1949 in the morning hours firemen again responded to a barn fire at the W. H. Sheaffer residence in the area of Huntsdale. This fire like the others were caused by overheated hay mows. Firemen were unable to save the barn or the 100 tons of hay and machinery in the barn but managed to protect the exposures. Damages were estimated at $20,000. The Newville Company returned later in the day to extinguish a flare up. Units from Newville, Mt. Holly Springs, Carlisle and the Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Later in the day the Vigilant Hose Company responded to the John Pugh farm at Shippensburg R. R. 1 four miles east of town on the Ritner Highway when Mr. Pugh suspected his haymow in the barn was overheating. Firemen stood by while the hay was removed without having to flow any water.

Middle Spring Home Burns

On July 23, 1949 in the morning hours firemen responded to a fire at the Ambrose Leedy residence in Middle Spring (beside the Grange Hall). A defective oil stove sparked a blaze that damaged two kitchens in the home before being controlled by firemen. Damages were estimated at $750. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm. Firemen also responded to a well-involved barn fire on the Pinola Road during the day, but that post is for another year.

Walnut Bottom Barn Destroyed

On July 22, 1932 in the evening hours a storm went through the area. Lightning struck a barn in Walnut Bottom owned by Joseph Kline causing its complete destruction along with its contents. Firemen responded promptly and were able to save several out buildings that began to burn because of the close proximity to the barn. The farm was situated along the Yellow Breeches creek providing an ample supply of water. Damages were estimated at several thousand dollars. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Beetle’s Greenhouse Destroyed

On July 21, 1992 at 4:20 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to a building fire at Beedle’s Flowers, 306 East Garfield Street. When firefighters arrived black smoke and flames were billowing from the 75 by 25 foot one story greenhouse. The greenhouse was destroyed along with some supplies; damages were estimated at $100,000. Approximately 40 firefighters from three companies battled the blaze for over 70 minutes. Two firefighter were injured and transported to Chambersburg Hospital, one with a hand injury and one with a foreign object in his eye. Both were treated and released. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Fire Guts Trailer

On July 20, 1963 at 5:30 p.m. firemen were sent to the Jack Lutz residence in the trailer park to the rear of the Tropical Treat along U.S. Rt. 11. The fire started when the occupant put a pan of grease on the stove and then got in the shower. Vigilant Chief Charles Mouer said three quarters of the home-suffered fire damage. A damage estimate was not listed. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm, the article mentioned no other fire companies responding but I would think that WEFR also answered the call.

Later in the afternoon the Vigilant Hose Company responded to a field fire near the Oak Grove School.

Summer Cottage Destroyed

On July 19, 1930 at 2:15 p.m. firemen responded to a summer cottage fire owned by Dr. Ezra Lehman in the area of MaClay’s Mill. When firemen arrived the cottage was well involved and brush and leaves were burning and rapidly extending towards other cottages. Firemen were able to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other buildings. The cottage was a total loss with damages estimated at $850. The origin of the fire was undetermined but it was believed to be intentionally set. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company responded to the incident.

Firemen Save Barn In Culbertson

On July 18, 1949 around 5 a.m. firemen were sent to the John Meyers farm, one half mile north of Culbertson in Greene Township fire a barn fire. A new haymow in the barn was burning when firemen arrived. With the help of many neighbors and farmers firemen from three companies manning eight pieces of fire apparatus worked for five hours emptying 10 tons of smoldering hay. The barn suffered slight damage. The Vigilant Hose, Letterkenny and Franklin fire companies answered the alarm.

West End Company Plans Its Firehouse

The following article is reprinted in its entirety from the Tuesday July 17, 1956 edition of The New Chronicle.

West End Company Plans Its Firehouse

Firemen Will Donate Labor For Construction

Shippensburg West End Fire and Rescue company members plan to do most of their own construction work in building a firehouse near the corner of Reading Rd. and Westover Avenue, according to what members told the Shippensburg borough council recently.

They will have the labor donations of some professional bricklayers however. Plans call for a 36 by 24 foot one story building, which will be largely built of cement block.

It is hoped the structure will be up by next fall. The borough council has indicated approval for use of the lot by the firemen. Formal approval is expected once the borough has the deed to the land in hand. It accepted an offer of the lot recently.

The building will house a 24 by 24 foot engine room and a meeting chamber. It will have an eight-inch concrete floor. There will be no basement.

Firemen plan to build in the center of the lot so that expansion will be possible in any direction later. A company siren has been on this lot for about six months.

The company which started from scratch nine months ago now has some 50 members and a radio equipped rescue truck.

The building was never built.

Woman Killed When Dress Catches Fire

On July 16, 1938 in the morning hours, Mrs. Nancy Taylor, 53 of Norwood suffered fatal burns when her clothing was ignited while she was tenting a bon fire. Mrs. Taylor was visiting relatives in Orrstown when the incident occurred. Dr. Thomas White, Orrstown physician tore the burning clothing from the woman. She suffered severe burns about the face and head and less severe burns over most of her body. A call was made to Shippensburg for an ambulance but the caller asked for a fire engine instead. The Vigilant Hose Company responded but were held up before reaching the scene. A Chambersburg ambulance transported Mrs. Taylor to Chambersburg Hospital where she died later that day.

Fry Barn Burns

On July 15, 1950 in the afternoon hours firemen responded to a barn fire at the J. Craig Fry residence, Shippensburg R. R. 3. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed the barn and its contents. Damages were estimate at $2,500. Little was reported on the incident other than the fact that this was the first fire for the Vigilant’s new 1950 Seagrave pumper. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Early Morning Fire Destroys Barn

On July 14, 2007 at 5:27 a.m. Franklin County 911 alerted the 15-1 box for a barn fire at the James Witter farm, 744 Orrstown Road, Southampton Twp. Franklin County. Firefighters arrived to find the barn well involved and multiple exposures threatened by the fire. Deputy Chief 15 (Cleck) immediately requested second and third alarm tankers. About 75 firefighters from 14 companies had the blaze under control in 30 minutes and remained on the scene until noon. The barn was a total loss and two calves died in the fire. Damages were estimated at $300,000. A cause was not listed but it was believed to be electrical in nature. The West End Fire and Rescue, Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, Pleasant Hall, South Newton Twp., Newburg-Hopewell, Letterkenny, Franklin’s, Newville, McKinley Street station, Penn Twp., Fannett-Metal, Marion and Mont Alto fire companies answered the alarm.

Summer Kitchen Destroyed

On July 13, 1962 at 3:40 a.m. the Shippensburg Civil Defense room alerted local fire companies to a house fire at the Clyde Beam residence, Shippensburg R. D. 3 (near Orrstown). A summer kitchen and small workshop were completely destroyed but firemen were able to save the house and garage with only minor damage. The fire started around the roof in the area of the chimney. A fireplace was used earlier in the day for canning. Firemen responded with a pumper and 1,000 gallon tank truck. Water was pumped from a cistern on the property with a portable pump and the tanker was taken to a hydrant in Orrstown twice for water. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company responded to the incident.

New Uniforms and Better Equipment to be Had

SHIPPENSBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT

New Uniforms and Better Equipment to be Had

The following article appeared in The Shippensburg News on Friday July 12, 1907, it is typed here exactly as it appeared in the paper.

Realizing the need of more interest and enthusiasm on the part of our fire department, as well as better regulations and means of extinguishment at times of fire, the Cumberland Valley Hose Company, at a recent meeting, determined to procure new uniforms for their active members. While there may be a few who object to this, as there always are to all projects, we want to say it is one of the first steps. The active working membership of all good fire companies is largely made up of young men; not of old men at least; generally speaking such are in the way. You must have enthusiasm and interest in a fire company as well as in a Sunday school. In order to do this you must get up some attire, simply meeting once a month to heat the secretary read a dry, prosy report, or treasurer the financial statement, will not do this. You must get new young blood into the organization and do something to attract them. Get them interested in the organization. Old men are a good thing in their place. We do not believe, like Osler, they are worn out at 60 years, nut we do not think they are the kind to make active fireman. The uniform is to be a light navy blue, with silver buttons, to correspond with the new uniforms of the Vigilant Hose Company. Then if we disband, the idea is to have them organize under the name of the Shippensburg fire department and thus be able to make some showing among fire companies. If this is done our young men will become interested. When you get young men in these days, aroused and interested, they accomplish wonders. There are no obstacles they cannot surmount.

Log Home Destroyed In Hopewell Twp.

On July 11, 2002 at 1:15 p.m. firefighters Cumberland County 911 alerted firefighters to a house fire at 89 Stony Lane, Hopewell Township. When firefighter arrived the 2-½-story log home was well involved. Firefighters launched an offensive attack but because of the lack of water and rapidly extending fire a defensive attack made. Water was shuttled to the scene using a dry hydrant located about a mile away. Firefighters were unable to save anything. Nearly 50 firefighters from eight fire companies battled the blaze for over three hours. A damage estimate or cause was not listed. The Newburg-Hopewell, Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue, Pleasant Hall, South Newton Twp., Fannett-Metal and Upper Frankford Twp. fire companies answered the alarm.

Clever Farm Burns

On July 10, 1939 at 11:30 a.m. firemen were alerted to a barn fire at the Frank Clever residence on the Cleversburg Road. When firemen arrived the barn was well involved and all efforts were made to protect the exposures. A lack of water hampered firefighting operations as the only water available was in the two pumpers and cistern. Water was brought in from nearby farms in milk cans. Lost in the blaze were 10 tons of alfalfa, the wheat crop, a wagon, binder and some farm machinery. A cause and damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Quick Action Saves House

On July 9, 1924 at 5 a.m. occupants on East Orange Street awoke to find smoke in their house. The occupant Mrs. Earl Brewster called James Pechart a member of the C.V. Hose Company who along with Fire Chief Leighton Hargleroad took the chemical truck to the scene. The fire started in the kitchen at a side door leading to the dinning room and burned up through a wall into the bedroom above. Quick work by firemen with a chemical line subdued the flames. A damage estimate was not available. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company answered the alarm.

Fire In Stoughstown

On July 8, 1956 at 2:30 p.m. firemen were sent to Stoughstown, Shippensburg R. R. 1, the John Gsell residence for a building fire. When firemen arrived they found a 14 by 16 foot frame washhouse well involved. On three different occasions the house caught fire but firemen were able to extinguish those fires quickly. A cause and damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and Friendship’s of Newville answered the alarm.

Two Barns Destroyed

On July 6, 1949 shortly after 5:00 p.m. a barn was struck by lightning at the Paul Stum farm Newville R.R. 3. While the Newville firemen battled the blazer another barn another barn was struck by lightning at the farm of Edgar McElwee, Shippensburg R. R. 1, Spring Road near the Ritner Highway. Since the phone lines were down because of the storm the McElwees had to drive six miles before they could call for help. Because of the delay the barn was a total loss including a grain drill, hay loader, feed chopper, wagon, 500 bales of hay, and other items. Damages were estimated at $15,000. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm along with the second engine from Newville.

Lightning Strikes Peerless Plant

On July 5, 1926 at 12:20 a.m. lightning struck the Peerless Furniture Company plant on Lurgan Avenue. The current ran down a steel window sash to a radiator on the first floor, ignited some paper causing a fire. About one dozen chairs were burned on the floor. The sprinkler system went off extinguishing the fire and sending water into the basement where it damaged about 500 table bases that will now have to be refinished. Damages were estimated at $300.00. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies responded and rendered efficient service.

Stable Burns And Extends To Other Buildings

On July 4, 1921 at 6:00 p.m. the bells on the firehouse roofs began to toll the alarm of fire. A stable to the rear of East Garfield Street belonging to Page Cline was found ablaze and quickly extended to two more stables. A double house was also damaged. Sparks from the fire fell on the roof of the Lewis Cramer shirt and pants factory on Prince Street and the Junior Fire Company of Chambersburg was summoned for help. The Juniors’ made it to the scene in 14 minutes but were not needed. The fire may have started by spontaneous combustion. Damages were estimated at $5,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Fire Damages Brookside Avenue Home

On July 3, 1974 at 6:52 a.m. firemen were dispatched to a house fire at the Tom Moore residence on Brookside Avenue, Shippensburg Township. Mr. Moore awoke to smoke and had to escape through a rear window in the two and a half story frame house. Firemen contained the blaze to the living room however damage was extensive. Assistant borough fire chief John Snyder said the cause appeared to be electrical in nature. A damages estimate was not given. Apparatus returned to quarters by 9 a.m. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm. The Cumberland Valley ambulance made one run during the day.

Fireworks Cause Stable Fire

On July 2, 1900 at 9:00 a.m. an alarm of fire was sounded. This time it was a stable fire in Church Alley, on the lot of S. A. Angle. The horse team of W. M. Hykes & Bro. hauled the Cumberland Valley’s hose reel to the scene in double time and the Vigilant Hose reel soon followed. When firemen arrived and opened the doors the inside was a sea of flames. A hose stream was soon played on the blaze and it was quickly subdued. The stable remained standing but it was a total loss. A damage estimate was not available. Children playing with fireworks caused the fire.

Unoccupied House Burns Down

On July 1, 1958 in the early morning hours firemen responded to a house fire at the Walnut Dale Speedway. Charlie Mouer , rural chief said when firemen arrived the unoccupied one and a half story frame house was already on the ground. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company operated at the scene.