Tin and Roofing Shop Burns On Martin Avenue

On August 18, 1968 at about 3 p.m. KGD-556 alerted Shippensburg firemen to a building fire at the Grant Martin Tin and Roofing Shop on East Martin Avenue. When firemen arrived smoke and flames were pouring from the shop and storage shed next door. Borough Fire Chief Dan Orris described the blaze as “very hot”. Two firemen suffered smoke inhalation while battling the blaze. Randy Eastep of the Vigilant’s was transported to Chambersburg Hospital and Rural Chief Charlie Myers was treated at the scene. The heavy smoke from the blaze plus fumes from an acid bottle caused several other firemen to leave the building quickly including Chief Orris, none required treatment. The buildings were destroyed along with most of their contents including a 1963 Cadillac. Telephone and power lines were also burnt through effecting portions of the borough. A cause was not given, however Chief Orris requested trooper William Sweet to help with the investigation. Chief Orris and Bob Jones returned to the scene about 11 p.m. and emptied the jug of acid after neutralizing it. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm. The C.V. ambulance also answered two calls for the day.