Barn And Shed Destroyed In Afternoon Fire

On September 30, 1967 in the afternoon hours, firemen responded to the Frank Novotny farm, Shippensburg R. D. 2 for a building fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a barn and shed. Radiant heat from the fire cracked windows in the house. A damage estimate was not available. Firemen remained on the scene over five hours. Units returned to the scene at 10:30 p.m. for a rekindle. The Vigilant Hose Company station 1 and 2, West End Fire and Rescue, Fayetteville and Newburg-Hopewell fire companies answered the alarm. The Cumberland Valley Community ambulance answered one call for the day.

Ambulance Overturns Responding To Call

On September 29, 1985 at 1:31 p.m. while responding to an injured person at Valley Quarries the C. V. Hose Co. ambulance (153) was struck broadside causing it to roll on its side at King and Prince Streets. The ambulance was driven by Gary “Plummer” Rotz when a car pulled from the intersection striking the ambulance in the side causing it to flip on its side striking another car. No one was injured. The call at Valley Quarries was a suicide; a man jumped 60 feet into the pit. The Vigilant Hose Company stood by at the accident scene.

S.G. Breckenridge Elected Borough Chief

On September 28, 1894 a joint committee of the two Hose Companies met and elected S. G. Breckenridge, of the C. V. Hose Co., Chief, and Charles Fridinger, of the Vigilant Hose Co., assistant borough Chief.

Someone asked once before if I have a list of Fire Marshalls and Chiefs in the borough of Shippensburg. That would be a yes and no, the information is in over 100 books I just need to take the time to dig them out and put them in one data base.

Juniata Tire Recycler Burns

On September 27, 1996 at about 6 a.m. Juniata County 911 sent firefighters to Mahantango Industries a tire recycling plant for a fire. First arriving firefighter found a building housing the business well involved and a 100 by 200 foot pile of tires involved. More than 20 fire companies from seven counties were called into fight the fire most of them sending tank trucks. An HIA rig was also sent to flow foam along with a hazardous materials team. The fire continues to burn overnight in 2 ½ acres of tires. The following day at approximately 9:35 p.m. the Vigilant Hose and South Newton Township fire companies sent tankers to the scene. A cause and damage estimate was not available.

Sorry for the run of calls in 1996 but I have to post what I have ready.

Unattended Cooking Causes Fire

On September 26, 1996 at 7:44 a.m. Franklin County 911 alerted firefighters to a building fire at 1460 Lincoln Way East, cottage no. 3. An oven left on when the occupants went to work caused a fire that completely destroyed a 1-½ story house. Damages were estimated at $30,000. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 12 minutes and remained on the scene almost three hours. The Fayetteville, Franklin’s, New Franklin’s, Marion, St. Thomas and West End Fire and Rescue Company operated at the scene.

Oil Stove Explodes Causing Fire

On September 25, 1965 at 8:25 a.m. firemen were dispatched to two miles south of Shippensburg near the Mainsville Road for a house fire. An oil stove exploded destroying a 2-½ story occupied frame house. A family of seven was displaced. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze. Later in the day firemen responded to a car fire on East King Street and an oven fire on East King Street. The Cumberland Valley community ambulance also answered two calls during the day.

Small Fire At Store Causes Concern

On September 24, 1996 at 5:11 p.m. Franklin County 911 alerted units to a fire at the Franklin Feed and Supply Co., 1977 Philadelphia Avenue. A motor on an auger in the warehouse behind the store caught fire and created little damage but allot of smoke. Firefighter had to remain on the scene almost two hours because they were concerned from the fire would ignite the dust in the warehouse. The Franklin’s, Chambersburg, Pleasant Hall and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

The last two days were not major incidents but I needed something for a post. I have a few days throughout the year that no major incidents occurred and some days with as many as 20 major incidents. With the second anniversary of the blog approaching it will occur more often that I have no incidents to post but with winter coming hopefully I will have time to get more apparatus and other companies histories entered in the data base.

26,000 Pounds Of Rubber Burn

On September 23, 1996 at 10:43 p.m. Chambersburg firefighters were dispatched to a box-trailer fire at Baker Rubber Inc., 810 Progress Road. According to Chief Baldwin tires were shredded in Toronto and packed in 2,200-pound bags. The heat generated from the shredding lingered and sparked the fire in the trailer. Between 12 and 16 bags of shredded tires burned. The blaze was under control in three hours. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted the Chambersburg firefighters at the scene.

Five Displaced In Mobile Home Fire

On September 22, 2005 at 3:26 a.m. firefighters responded to the first block of Gutshall Road for a mobile home fire. A family cat awoke a resident alerting her to the blaze in her mobile home. Fire destroyed the residence displacing a family of five. Three smoke detectors were located in the home all with dead batteries. Five fire companies battled the blaze for about 90 minutes. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue and Newburg-Hopewell and Penn Township fire companies operated at the scene. The Shippensburg fire companies answered at least three other alarms during the day including a working fire in Penn Township’s area.

Saddler Shop Damaged By Fire

On September 21, 1902 at 7:00 a.m. Bridges Building, West Main Street. A fire of unknown origin burnt stock in a saddler shop; smoke and water damaged the other goods. Damages were estimated at $800. The Cumberland Valley was on the scene quickly and played a steam of water in the room but had trouble locating the blaze because of the smoke. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

150 Firemen Battle Barn Fire

On September 20, 1974 at 1207 a.m. firemen responded to a barn fire at Culbertson R. D. 2. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a L-shaped barn and its contents. Lost in the fire were a bull, three heifers, and one cow, 150 tons of hay, a hay baler, binder, corn picker and four wagons. Over 150 firefighters from eight companies battled the blaze. One firefighter was injured and transported to Chambersburg Hospital; five others were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. Damages were estimated at between $100,000 and $150,000. The West End Fire and Rescue Company, Letterkenny, Pleasant Hall, Franklins, Newburg, Marion, Fayetteville and St. Thomas responded to the call. Firemen returned later in the day to extinguish a rekindle. During the day all three-borough companies responded to a fire alarm at SKF industries.

Small Stable Burns

On September 19, 1933 at 11:00 p.m. firemen were sent to a stable fire near the Oak Grove schoolhouse. A small frame stable full of hay was destroyed in a fire of undetermined origin. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company extinguished the blaze but not before the building was destroyed, they were able to protect the house just 50 feet away from the small barn.

Sawmill Burns In Upper Strasburg

On September 18, 1971 at 3:46 a.m. units were alerted to a sawmill fire in Upper Strasburg. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a 100 X 30 foot sawmill operated by Garnet Rosenberry. Lost in the fire were 15 electric motors, saws and other equipment. The fire was declared out at 7 a.m. Damages were estimated at $50,000. The Pleasant Hall, West End Fire and Rescue, Franklins and Vigilant Hose Company operated at the scene.

9,000 Peeps Killed In Fire

On September 17, 1993 at 11:00 p.m. firefighters responded to 2991 Keefer Road for a barn fire. A fire caused by a malfunctioning oil furnace destroyed a 200-foot chicken house and killed 9,000 peps. Water had to be shuttled to the scene from a hydrant at Lawyer and Edenville Roads. A damage estimate was not available. Twelve fire companies battled the blaze for hours. Units on the scene were from the Franklins, Fayetteville, Marion, Rescue Hose of Greencastle, Chambersburg, New Franklin, St. Thomas, Mont Alto, Letterkenny, Mercersburg, Franklin County Air Wagon and the Vigilant Hose. St. Thomas Township Co. 18 crashed their 1980 Ford engine enroute to the scene. The driver and passenger had to be cut from the cab. Both were treated and released at Chambersburg Hospital. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene of the accident after transferring to Station 4.

Fire Damages The Sherman Hotel

On September 16, 1870 at 4:00 a.m. firemen raced to the W. N. Shoop’s Drug Store (located in the Sherman Hotel building). An arson fire was contained to the basement under the drug store. The engineer of a passing freight train turned in the alarm after he spotted smoke. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.

Two Houses Burn

On September 15, 1877 just before midnight an alarm of fire was sounded for North Queen Street, by the African American M. E. Church. Two occupied 2-story log houses were destroyed in a fire of unknown origin. The Vigilant’s button engine pumped water from Birds Run to the buildings. A damage estimate was not available although most of the furniture was removed before flames could destroy the houses. The Vigilant and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.

Richard Avenue Home Burns

On September 14, 2000 at 2:37 p.m. Cumberland County 911 sent units to 31 Richard Avenue, Shippensburg Township for a house fire. A short circuit in a stereo caused a fire that damaged a second floor bedroom in an occupied 2-½-story frame duplex. Firefighters were on the scene one hour. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Wash House Gutted By Fire

On September 13, 1955 at 10:00 a.m. firemen raced to Newburg R. R. 1 for a wash house fire. An oil stove exploded setting fire to a wash house. The wash house was completely destroyed. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company responded.

Man Dies In Auto Accident

On September 12, 1970 at 9:45 p.m. firemen responded to an auto accident with fire and entrapment on East King street at the bottom of tollgate hill. A car being driven at a high rate of speed sideswiped a car before crashing into five parked cars and bursting into flames. One other car was destroyed by fire. The driver died at the scene. Cause of death was listed as suffocation and third degree burns. Damages were estimated at $8,165. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies responded. Also on this day the Vigilant’s and Newburg-Hopewell responded to a minor fire in a wagon shed on Newburg R. D. 1 at 2:45 p.m. An hour later the Vigilant’s, WEFR and Fayetteville extinguished a fire in a lower stable at a farm in Mainsville and at 10:13 p.m. the Vigilant and C. V.’s put out a minor shed fire on East Martin Avenue. The Cumberland Valley community ambulance also answered three calls for the day.

Shed Destroyed On Star Rout 1

On September 11, 1966 in evening hours firemen responded to a shed fire at Shippensburg Star Route 1. Fire destroyed a 9 X 12 foot shed and everything inside but firemen were able to prevent the fire from spreading to other nearby buildings. A damages estimate and cause were not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze. While firemen were battling the blaze the Cumberland Valley Hose Company also responded to a short circuit in an iron at 5 South Penn Street. At 10:30 a.m. the Vigilant’s and Cumberland Valley responded to a grass fire along the Reading Railroad tracks on the Baltimore Road and later in the afternoon answered another grass fire near Mountain View Estates on the Baltimore Road.

Apple Avenue House Burns

On September 10, 1949 at 7:00 a.m. firemen were sent to 131 Apple Avenue for a house fire. An overheated kitchen stove caused a fire that did heavy damage to a 2-½-story frame occupied dwelling. The fire extended to the outside wall and roof of the exposure building (another occupied house). Damages were estimated at $2,500. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Crash Involving Gasoline Tanker Kills 2

On September 9, 1972 at 10:40 a.m. firemen were sent to an auto accident at Lincoln Way West at West Point. A car pulled into the path of a H. J. Tanner gasoline tanker. Following the impact the tanker and its 2000 gallons of gasoline overturned and burst into flames. Both drivers were killed. Seven other cars were destroyed and four others damaged in the used car lot of Shively Motors. Firemen wearing proximity suits flowed water and foam on the fire and pumped off gasoline from the tanker to prevent additional fire and reduce the risk of explosion. Four firemen from the Juniors and Franklin's were injured. All five Chambersburg borough fire companies along with the Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene. The Cumberland Valley community ambulance answered two calls for the day.

Fire Destroys Barn Near Walnut Bottom

On September 8, 1940 at 8:00 p.m. firemen were sent to just outside Walnut Bottom for a barn fire. A fire caused by spontaneous combustion destroyed a two-story barn and its contents. Also lost were a hog pen and several hogs. Damages were estimated at $5,000. Vigilant Hose fireman Mark Snoke suffered a heart attack while battling the blaze. The Vigilant Hose Company and Friendship Hose of Newville answered the alarm. Later in the day both companies answered another working barn fire in Newville’s area, that post will be left for another year.

The following add appeared in today's paper in 1972, what do you know a show of unity in the 70's.

Barn Destroyed In Arson Fire

On September 7, 2006 at 2:44 a.m. Franklin County 911 sent the 7-3 box to 4645 Olde Scotland Road, Greene Township for a barn fire. An arson fire destroyed a 30-by-40 foot shed just 10 days after an arson fire destroyed the vacant house. Firefighters from 10 companies operated at the scene for two and a half hours. Water had to be shuttled by tankers due to the lack of water in the area. Damages were estimated at $5,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue, Fayetteville, Franklin, South Newton Twp., Friendships of Chambersburg, Mont Alto, Marion and Buchanan Valley fire companies operated at the scene.

Another Stable Burns In Town

On September 6, 1872 about 10:30 p.m. the towns’ people were aroused by the cry of “fire”. It was soon learned that the fire was to the rear of West King Street in the stables belonging to George Stewart and owned by William McLean (if you know anything about the town’s history you are aware these were two prominent citizens). The blaze quickly extended across the alley to another stable. Both stables and their contents were completely destroyed. Thanks to a northwest wind the sparks were blown away from the homes along King Street preventing further damage. A cause and damage estimate was not available although at the time it was thought that the fire was intentionally set. The Vigilant Fire and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.

WEFR’s First Pick Up Truck

Last tear on this date I posted an incident that occurred in 1965 if there had been any others for this date I have not logged them yet.

WEFR’s first pick up truck’s make and year are unknown to me. For you auto people out there I am sure one of you will know the make by the grill if so help a guy out. In May 1965 the company agreed to accept an exchange with H & H Chevrolet of Shippensburg for a pick up truck. It is believed the trade involved the 1947 Ford Rescue truck. The truck was said to be in good condition with the exception of the engine and clutch. They were to be replaced at no charge by H & H. In June 1965 it was mentioned that the motor was to be changed as soon as possible in the company minutes. The truck was never mentioned again in the newspapers or the minutes. This is the only photograph I have ever seen of this vehicle. It would have been taken in 1969 or 70 since it is beside the present fire station while it was under construction.

Mobile Home Leveled

On September 4, 1991 at 12:20 p.m. firefighters were sent to 195 Thompson Hollow Road for a mobile home fire. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed an occupied mobile home. The owner discovered the blaze when he returned from an appointment at 10:30 a.m. but he did not report the blaze because the home was too far-gone. A passing motorist noticed the fire and turned in the alarm. A damage estimate was not available. One person was displaced. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Apartment Fire On King Street

On September 3, 1938 at 5:45 a.m. Shippensburg firemen were sent to a building fire at 19 West King Street. A fire of unknown origin started in the living room of an apartment above the Fickes Grill and had gained considerable headway before being noticed by passing motorist. John Wynkoop a C. V. fireman entered the building and lead Mrs. Fickes and her son through the smoke filled apartment to safety. Damages were estimated at $1,000. It took firemen 30 minutes to control the fire. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the fire alarm.

Morning Fire at Ice and Cold Storage

On September 2, 1979 at 1:43 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to a building fire on N. Seneca Street at the Ice and Cold storage. Fire of undetermined origin burnt the outside wall and extended inside to the ceiling. Firefighters were on the scene two hours. Damage estimates were not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose ands West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze.

Early Morning Fire Destroys Barn

On September 1, 2006 at 12:21 a.m. a Co. 15 box was alerted for a barn fire at 90 Mount Rock Road, Southampton Franklin. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a barn and its contents. When firefighters arrived the barn was well involved with multiple exposures. The first lines pulled were to protect the homes in the area. Additional alarms were soon summoned bringing 15 companies to the scene, most bringing tank trucks. Water was shuttled from a plug at Cressler’s Market. The fire was brought under control in one hour and companies remained on the scene until 3:45 a.m. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue, Newburg-Hopewell, South Newton Twp., Fayetteville, Franklin, Pleasant Hall, Penn Twp., Friendships of Newville, Bloserville, Marion, Mont Alto, Fannett-Metal and Buchanan Valley fire companies operated at the scene.