Mainsville Area House Burns

On October 31, 1950 in the morning hour’s firemen were alerted to a house fire, one mile south of Mainsville. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed an occupied 2-½-story frame house and all its contents. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Fire Truck Driver Shot By Deranged Man

The previous two years I posted incidents that occurred in 1954 and 1928, with no more to report on this date the following was taken from numerous articles to appear in The Public Opinion on October 31, 1939, November 1,2,3,4 and 6, 1939 and The News Chronicle November 3 and 7, 1939.

Fire Truck Driver Shot By Deranged Man

On Tuesday October 31, 1939 Elmer Heller of West Liberty Street, Chambersburg threatened to kill his father in is home, leaving the home he then threatened to shoot a taxi cab driver before arriving at the Good Will firehouse. Upon entering the station he confronted engine driver Russell Kyle, 49 before shooting him in the upper thigh with a .38-55 caliber rifle. Upon hearing the shot three men upstairs playing cards came to the aid of the apparatus driver, disarming the man and holding him down until police arrived. The man was said to be acting strange and mentally disturbed for the last five days. Driver Kyle was taken to Chambersburg Hospital by the Good Will ambulance and Heller was transported to the county jail. At the jail he said he resented taunts he believed he was subjected to at the firehouse.

On November 1 at 8:45 a.m. Heller was removed from his cell and taken to Chambersburg Hospital after jail turnkey Bert Gerbig found Heller laying in his bed almost completely enveloped in flames from a burning mattress. His condition was said to be serious. Later in the day Heller was transferred to the Harrisburg State Hospital by the Good Will ambulance.

On November 2 at approximately 1:30 p.m. Heller died from his injuries in the State Hospital. In Chambersburg Hospital surgeons had to amputate the left leg of apparatus driver Kyle to prevent the spread of infection. At 7:30 p.m. Kyle died from his injuries in the hospital. A member of the company since 1907 Kyle served in World War I and became the regular driver shortly after returning from France. Kyle drove the horse drawn hose wagon before moving to the steamer and then in 1921 he began driving the motorized engine and ambulance. Mr. Kyle was survived by his widow, four daughters and a grandchild.

An inquest was held on November 6 to hear the facts surrounding the incident. It was mentioned then that Heller had been a member of the company but that no one knew of any problems between him and Kyle.

Borough Garage Damaged In Accidental Fire

On October 29, 1992 at 11:59 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire at 223 E. King Street. Sparks from a welder’s torch started a fire that caused extensive damage to a 2-½-story frame garage. The first floor was gutted with extension to the second floor. Destroyed in the building were a motorcycle, truck and auto parts. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 30 minutes and remained on the scene one and a half hours. Damages were estimated at $16,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Early Morning Fire Destroys Barn

On October 27, 1930 at 3:30 a.m. firemen responded to a barn fire near Cherry Grove School about three miles south of town. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a large barn and its contents. The owner was able to free the livestock before firemen arrived but a large amount of hay, straw, fodder and machinery were destroyed. Damages were estimated at $3,000. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company extinguished the blaze.

Fire Damages Stable At The Sherman House

On October 26, 1910 at 10:30 p.m. the firehall bells rang out an alarm of fire for the James A. Sharp’s Livery stable adjacent the Sherman House. A fire of undetermined origin started in a corncrib next to the stable and extended to the roof of the stable by the time firemen arrived. Firemen had the blaze under control in a few minutes. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Civilian Injured In Apartment Fire

On October 25, 1950 at 6:15 a.m. fireman responded to a building fire on East King Street at the Viener apartment building. An oil stove exploded in a three-room apartment destroying the kitchen. One civilian was treated for smoke inhalation. A damage estimate was not available. The blaze was extinguished with a chemical line. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Family Of 7 Homeless After Fire

On October 24, 2003 at 8:31 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a house fire at 6490 Rock Hill Road, Quincy Township. An accidental fire caused heavy damage to a 2-1/2-story frame house displacing a family of seven. Firefighter from 12 companies operated at the scene for four and a half hours. A damage estimate was not available. Firefighters from New Franklin, Mont Alto, Waynesboro, Blue Ridge Summit, Fayetteville, Marion, Greencastle, Franklins, Letterkenny, Vigilant Hose and additional tankers from Adams and Washington counties answered the alarm. All three Shippensburg fire companies along with other units responded to Box 15-1, 127 Meadow Drive, Roxbury Ridge apartments at 4:32 p.m. for a smoldering fire in a second floor bedroom.

Hopewell Township Home Destroyed

On October 23, 1980 at 4:30 p.m. Cumberland County communications dispatched units to a house fire on the Three Square Hollow Road, Hopewell Township. An overheated wood stove caused a fire that destroyed an occupied 1-½ story frame house. It took firefighters 10 minutes to control the blaze and they remained on the scene until 7:30 p.m. Damages were estimated at $5,000. The Newburg-Hopewell, Newville and Vigilant Hose companies extinguished the fire.

Wood Stove Causes House Fire

On October 21, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. firefighters responded to a house fire on Route 233, Southwest Madison Township, Landisburg, Perry County. A faulty wood stove sparked a fire that destroyed a double wide modular home. About 40 firefighters from eight companies had the blaze under control in 40 minutes. A damage estimate was not available. The Blain, New Bloomfield, Ickesburg, Upper Frankford, Newville, North Middleton Twp. and Cumberland Valley Hose companies operated at the scene.

Two Killed, One Pinned In Auto Accident

On October 20, 2003 at 1:01 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to Interstate 81 North bound just south of Exit 29 in Southampton Cumberland for an auto accident with entrapment. For unknown reasons a car crossed the median and collided with a tractor-trailer, the car was torn apart and despite wearing seat belts both occupants were ejected from the car and killed. The tractor-trailer jackknifed and came to rest on top of another car trapping the driver and his cat. Crews remained on the scene until after 4 p.m. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene.

East Penn Street House Destroyed

On October 19, 1875 at 11:15 p.m. the town citizens were aroused by the cry of “fire”. It was soon learned that the location was on North Prince Street in Shippensburg Township for a house fire. A fire of undetermined origin (believed accidental) completely destroyed a large brick house and everything inside. The house was to be rather large with wings and gables and located on a commanding elevation. Firefighters had trouble battling the blaze because of a lack of water. Damages were estimated at $12,000. The Vigilant and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.

Garage Destroyed On East King Street

On October 18, 1939 in the afternoon hours firemen were set to the rear of the Viener building, East King Street for a fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a frame shed and garage. The garage was empty at the time and the shed contained some rubbish. Damages were estimated at a few hundred dollars. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company extinguished the fire. It is hard to believe the Vigilant Hose Company would not have responded to the incident but the article only mentioned the C.V.’s.

Vigilant's Elect Two Women Members

On October 17, 1977 at the Vigilant Hose Company’s regular monthly meeting two females were accepted into the company for the first time. Dolores Myers was accepted as an active member and Doris Wik, honorary. Two more women applied for membership at the same meeting.

Fire Prevention Past...

I am out of major incidents for the day, the last two years I posted calls from 2006 and 2000. This photograph appeared in The News Chronicle on October 14, 1975. Don't forget to click the photo to make it larger.

Late Night Fire Destroys Cabin

On October 14, 2004 at 11:58 p.m. firefighters responded to a cabin fire at 1900 Stillhouse Hollow Road, Greene Township. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a 2-story frame-hunting cabin. Firefighter from five companies battled the blaze and remained on the scene until 2:30 a.m. A damage estimate was not available. The West End Fire and Rescue, Cumberland Valley Hose, Fayetteville, Franklin’s and Letterkenny fire companies operated at the scene.

Arson Fire Destroys Home

On October 13, 1979 at 3:21 p.m. firefighters were sent to 1343 Mainsville Road for a house fire with reported entrapment. An arson fire destroyed an occupied mobile home with several additions built on displacing a family of six. The male occupant in a dispute with his wife went through the home destroying items and knocking things over, while doing so he knocked over the wood stove starting the blaze. He left the mobile home and was found later in the fields to the rear of the residence. A family dog perished in the blaze. Damages were estimated at $25,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue and Fayetteville fire companies battled the blaze.

Borough House Damaged By Fire

On October 12, 1982 at 8:48 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 218 West King Street for a house fire. A fire believed to have been caused by a defective flue caused heavy damage to an occupied 2-½-story frame dwelling. Most of the fire was confined to the east wall on the first and second floors and the floor in the second floor. The second floor also sustained heavy heat damage. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 30 minutes and remained on the scene two and a half hours. Damages were estimated at $10,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze.

Fire Police Unit Reorganized

On October 11, 1940 the Shippensburg Fire Police held a reorganization meeting in the Vigilant Hose Company rooms. Officers were elected and by-laws for the organization were drawn up. The organization was comprised of 10 men from each of the two fire companies. Meetings were to be held the first Monday of every month. Elmer Fleming, Sr. was elected president. A seven-man advisory board was also named consisting of the borough Burgess, chief of police, borough chief and assistant chief, presidents of each of the two companies and the Fire Police secretary/treasurer.

Mobile Home Burns Second Time

On October 10, 1983 at 8:32 p.m. firefighters were sent to 14 Wyrick Avenue, Shippensburg Township for a mobile home fire. Firefighter arrived to find a fire in the same mobile home they extinguished on October 8TH. This incident was determined to be arson just like the first. Firefighters operated at the scene for over 90 minutes. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Today marks the second anniversary of this blog, with today’s post I am starting the third round of fire alarms to occur on this day in history. With that being said it will become more difficult to find incidents to report on some days. I want to thank everyone that makes this a regular stop each day.

Auto Accident Kills Two

On October 9, 1996 at 12:37 p.m. a rescue local was sent to Rt. 174 near Exit 10 for an auto accident. Two vehicles were involved in a head on collision killing both drivers. The drivers of each vehicle had to be extricated by the fire department. Firefighters had the extrication completed in 30 minutes. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies worked the incident.

Mobile Home Destroyed

On October 8, 1983 at 1:48 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 14 Wyrick Avenue, Shippensburg Township for a mobile home fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed an unoccupied mobile home. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 15 minutes and remained on the scene for over one hour. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Multiple Buildings Destroyed In Upper Strasburg

On October 7, 1963 at 3:27 p.m. firemen were alerted to a building fire in Upper Strasburg. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a 12-room farmhouse leaving two families homeless. A barn and wagon shed were also destroyed. Lost in the barn were two head of cattle, two hogs, 6,000 bales of hay and farm equipment. It took firefighters from five companies three hours to control the blaze. Most firemen left the scene by 8 p.m. but the Pleasant Hall boys remained overnight. Damages were estimated at $45,000. Firemen from Pleasant Hall, Vigilant Hose, Franklins, Fayetteville and Letterkenny responded to the scene.

Fire Destroys Home, Injures Civilian

On October 6, 1985 at 10:54 p.m. firefighters responded to Hershey Road for a mobile home fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed an occupied 12 X 65 foot mobile home. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 13 minutes. One male occupant was treated for smoke inhalation. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue and South Newton Township Fire companies answered the alarm.

Seven Left Homeless In Fire

On October 5, 1944 at 4:00 a.m. firemen responded to the Roxbury Road near Mongul for a house fire. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed an occupied 2-story log and brick house. Because of a lack of water firemen were unable to save the house but were able to protect the barn and out buildings. Seven people were displaced. Damages were estimated at $5,000. The Vigilant Hose Company extinguished the blaze.

Newville Home Burns

On October 4, 1980 in the afternoon hours firefighters responded to 3 Cedar Street Newville for a house fire. Fire completely destroyed an occupied 2-½-story frame house. An improperly installed wood stove caused the fire. One firefighter was injured. Damages were estimated at $20,000. The Friendships (Newville), Upper Frankford, Penn Twp. and Cumberland Valley Hose companies operated at the scene. The Vigilant’s and C.V.’s also responded to an auto accident on Earl Street by the college at 6:25 p.m.

North Fayette Street Home Burns

On October 3, 1997 at 2:35 p.m., Cumberland County Headquarters alerted Task Force 4 to a house fire at 215 North Fayette Street. An electrical short in a garage caused heavy fire damage to the garage and attic of an occupied 1-½ story frame house and minor damage to the living area of the home. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

House Damaged In Blaze

On October 1, 1975 at 8:33 a.m. Pleasant Hall. A malfunctioning heating unit started a fire that caused $4,000 damage to an occupied 1-½ story frame dwelling. The home is owned by Ross Faust and rented to Richard White. The blaze started in the basement and spread thru the voids to the attic. The fire was confined to the walls and attic. Firefighters were on the scene one and a half hours. The Pleasant Hall, Franklins and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene. The Cumberland Valley Community ambulance answered two calls for the day.