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.