Fire Damages National Distributing Co.

On November 30, 1997 at 1:00 p.m. Franklin County 911 alerted units to a building fire at 39 N. Third Street, Chambersburg, National Distributing Co. Inc. An accidental fire caused heavy damage to a first floor garage area and smoke damage to the second and third floors of the three-story brick building. A damage estimate was not available. The Chambersburg Fire Department, Franklin’s and West End Fire and Rescue Company operated at the scene, the local papers did not give a listing of responding companies so some may have been missed.

On November 30, 2004 Jackson Gerhart a retired fireman from the Washington D.C. fire department and a Shippensburg volunteer was severely injured when he apparently fell from the rear of an engine and struck his head while attempting to lay a supply line on a house fire. Jack was flown to York hospital in serious condition. The alarm was turned in at 1006 hours for 541 E. Washington Street and gutted a second floor bedroom causing $10,000 in damages. This has been a post the last three years and will continue to be posted as long as this blog is active.

1998 Incidents

The only major incidents to occur on this date were in 1960 and 1923 with those posted the past two years once again it leaves me looking for a post. Eventually I will get back to entering in the database so I will have Cumberland and Franklin fire company histories and detailed accounts of Shippensburg fire apparatus, but until then this is what you get.

On November 29, 1998 at 1:32 p.m. WEFR, Vigilant’s and CV EMS responded to a motorcycle accident at the intersection of Prince and Fort Streets. At 6:58 p.m. the Vigilant’s answered a call for a natural cover fire at 239 Walnut Dale Road.

Building Fire Brings Firefighters From Two Counties

On November 28, 2000 at 4:27 p.m. firefighters were sent to Route 233, southwest Madison Township, Perry County at Bishop Lumber for a building fire. A large fire ripped through a 100 by 30 foot building used for storage causing $75,000 in damage. A cause of the fire is not known. Four firefighters were injured battling the blaze. The Landisburg, Shermans Dale, New Bloomfield, Ickesburg, Newville, North Middleton, Bloserville, Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze. The articles were sketchy on the Shippensburg companies that responded.

Cracked Flue Causes Fire

On November 27, 1982 at 2:30 p.m. a 51 box was alerted for a house fire on the Ridge Road, Hopewell Township. A cracked flue started a fire that caused $3,000 damage to an occupied 2-½-story frame house. Most of the fire damage was contained to the voids. Firefighters from six companies had the blaze under control in 30 minutes and remained on the scene for three hours. The Newburg, South Newton, Newville, Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies operated at the scene.

Fireman Overcome At Earl Street Fire

On November 26, 1931 at 2:00 p.m. Shippensburg firemen were alerted to a building fire on North Earl Street. A blaze that began in a furnace room caused $1,000 damage to a 2-story frame structure occupied by a restaurant and residence. One fireman Paul Snoke, was overcome by smoke and carried to an adjoining roof. Firemen administered first aid to him and after sometime were able to revive him at the scene. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Barn Destroyed In Metal Twp.

On November 25, 2004 (Thanksgiving Day) at 12:16 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a barn fire at 1747 Creek Road, Metal Township box 21-01. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed the barn and milking equipment. Firefighter from 10 companies battled the blaze for nearly three hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Metal Twp., Fannett-Metal, St. Thomas, Pleasant Hall, Mercersburg, McConnellsburg, Shade Gap, Hustontown, West End Fire and Rescue and Cumberland Valley Hose companies operated at the scene. The Vigilant Hose Company transferred to Pleasant Hall during the incident.

Vigilant’s Extinguish Rural Fire Friday PM

On this day the only major incident to occur was in 2006, so I had to dig something else up. This incident occurred in 1950 and is reprinted here exactly as it appeared in The News Chronicle.

The Vigilant’s extinguished a chimney fire at the home of Raymond Rebuck Jr., Newburg R. R., Friday evening (November 24, 1950). Firemen said that a tin roof prevented the fire from causing real damage before they arrived on the scene. The fire broke out early Friday evening before the rains and winds started.

Train Starts House Fire

On November 23, 1922 at 2:30 p.m. firemen responded to a house fire at 109 South Earl Street. A spark from a passing train started a fire that destroyed a roof. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm and extinguished the blaze with chemical lines.

Our Fire Apparatus

The previous two years I posted incidents that occurred in 1972 and 2006, with no more to report on this date the following article appeared in The Shippensburg News on Saturday November 21, 1874.

Our Fire Apparatus

OUR FIRE APPARATUS-The authorities this week had the fire apparatus entirely overhauled, and placed in complete repair. The fire engines have been thoroughly cleaned, and the pumps and suctions placed in the best possible working condition, by J. P. Matthews, a proficient in hydraulic mechanism. Both engines, since repaired, have been tried, and throw water in the most admirable and satisfactory manner. The hose belonging to both engines have been cleaned and well oiled, and are accordingly in the best possible condition. Should a fire occur, no blame can now be attached to the authorities for not having the apparatus in proper order for its extinguishment.

Greene Twp. House Burns

On November 21, 2006 at 7:22 p.m. Franklin County 911 alerted firefighters to a house fire at 5732 Elser Drive, Greene Township. An electrical problem sparked a fire that gutted a bedroom and displaced a family of five. Firefighter from six companies had the blaze under control in 10 minutes and remained on the scene for one and a half hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue, Pleasant Hall, Letterkenny and Franklin fire companies operated at the scene.

Firemen Called

What the heck while I am on a roll using 1939’s minor incidents as space fillers on days when I am out of major incidents I might as well use it again today. The only major incident to occur on this date was in 1951. This incident is reprinted entirely as it appeared in The News Chronicle on Tuesday November 21, 1939.

Firemen of the Vigilant Hose Company answered two calls to a chimney fire at 201-03 High Street between 11 and 11:30 Monday morning (November 20, 1939). There was no damage to the building, which is a double wide house occupied by Had Marpoe and C. W. Willhide.

Furnace Malfunction Causes PennTwp. House Fire

On November 19, 1998 at 6:08 p.m. firefighters responded to 80 Farm Road, Penn Township for a house fire. A furnace malfunction started a fire in an occupied 2-½-story brick farmhouse. The basement and first floor suffered heavy fire damage. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 20 minutes and were on the scene for three hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Penn Twp., South Newton Twp., Newville, West Pennsboro, South Middelton and Cumberland Valley Hose companies battled the blaze. Earlier in the day the Vigilant’s answered an auto fire on the Interstate and later in the evening the Vigilant’s answered a wild fire in South Newton Twp.

Select Frohn Assistant Fire Chief In Boro

The only major incidents to occur on this day were in 1980 and 2006, with those posted the previous two years this article was ran in the Tuesday November 22, 1949 edition of The News Chronicle and is for the Vigilant’s meeting that occurred on this date November 18, 1949.

Select Frohn Assistant Fire Chief In Boro

Vigilant’s Select Slate Of Nominees for Fire Company Posts

Elect in December

John Frohm was the unanimous choice of the Vigilant Hose Company Friday night to serve as assistant borough chief for the next two years.

The Vigilant members selected Frohm and a list of nominees for company office at a meeting held Friday evening in the municipal building. The company will hold its election at the Dec. 2 meeting.

List Nominees
The candidates for office nominated Friday evening are as follows:

President-M. Garfield Barbour, J. William Barbour; vice president, Arthur Commerer, Glenn Bitner; secretary, Charles Mour, Charles Cover; assistant secretary, Charles Helm, Galen Rhone; treasurer, Elmer Flemming; financial secretary, Charles Mastalski; chaplain, the Rev. Paul Horn.

Rural fire chief, M. Garfield Barbour, Glenn Bitner; assistant rural fire chief, Charles Mour; assistant borough fire chief, John Frohm; chief engineer, Walter Dubbs, Glenn Bitner.

Trustee, Sam Garrett, Charles Helm; delegates to the Cumberland County Firemen’s association, Harold Holtry, Harold Funston; alternates, Tom Murray, Charles Cover; delegate to state association, Charles Helm; alternate, Charles Mastalski; chief director, Galen Rhone, Sam Garrett; assistant chief director, Charles Helm, Tom Murray; representatives to the Shippensburg Relief association, M. Garfield Barbour, Lester Angle.

Alternate Selections
Mr. Frohm has served as borough fire chief for the last two years under the borough plan whereby the Vigilant’s and the CV Hose Company alternate every two years in selecting the borough chief. The CV has named Ted Hockersmith as the new borough fire chief for the next two years.

The members voted to purchase a $5 Christmas TB bond, and okayed buying 12 firemen’s coats from D. Edwin Hamilton store.

Amish Store Burns In Lurgan Twp.

On November 17, 2002 at 10:11 p.m. firefighters were sent to 6352 McClays Mill Road for a building fire. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a 2-story block and frame Amish store (Rachel’s Country Store). When the first units arrived the building was well involved and a defensive attack was made along with protecting the exposures. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries battling the blaze. A house suffered melted siding from the radiant heat. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue, Newburg, Pleasant Hall, South Newton, Fannett-Metal, Letterkenny and Franklin County Air Wagon answered the alarm.

Afternoon Blaze Destroys Borough Shed

On November 16, 1972 at 4:40 p.m. firemen were dispatched to a shed fire at 38 N. Earl Street. An arson fire destroyed a one-story frame shed and its contents. Three juveniles admitted to setting the fire. Firefighters were on the scene 45 minutes. WEFR fireman Budd Montague was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze. Later in the evening WEFR firemen answered a house fire in Stringtown and the Cumberland Valley ambulance made two runs during the day.

Called To Chimney Fire

Today I had the same problem as I had three days ago, the only major incident on this date occurred in 2004. Like Thursday this article is reprinted entirely as it appeared in The News Chronicle.

Vigilant firemen were called to a chimney fire at the Paul Flora home, 28 South Washington Street at 7:15 o’clock Wednesday evening (November 15, 1939). There was slight damage to the house. The house is owned by Mrs. George McCalb of Queen Street.

Barn Burns In Borough

On November 14, 1866 time and exact location unknown, fire destroyed Robert B. McClure’s barn. An arson fire destroyed a barn and its contents. Two young boys were arrested the same day for the crime. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Fire and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.

Garage Burns In Newburg

On November 13, 1990 at 5:19 p.m. firefighters responded to a garage fire at 103 N. High Street, Newburg. A spark from a burn barrel started a fire that heavily damaged a shed and one car garage. Damages were estimated at $6,000. Firefighters from Newburg, Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene.

Called Twice To Fire

With only one major incident occurring on this day (1893) I was grasping at straws for a post, and here is the one I pulled.

The Vigilant Hose Company made two runs Sunday morning (November 12, 1939) to Lees Cross Roads to put out a chimney fire at the home of Jay Stine. The first alarm was sounded at 8:30. At 10:45 the chimney began burning again and firemen returned. The house is owned by Jerry Myers.

The following incident was reprinted here exactly as it appeared in The Shippensburg News on Tuesday November 14, 1939.

Barn Destroyed On Ritner Highway

On November 11, 1944 at 4:30 p.m. firemen responded to the Ritner Highway for a barn fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a barn, wagon shed, hog pen and chicken coop. Lost in the fire were three horses, 14 hogs, one steer, one bull, one heifer, grain and machinery. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company battled the blaze.

House Burns In Stoughstown

On November 10, 1949 at 1:40 p.m. firemen raced to Stoughstown on the Ritner Highway for a house fire. An oil stove exploded causing a fire that destroyed an occupied 2-½-story frame house. Some of the families’ possessions were saved but the house was a total loss. Damages were estimated at $5,000. The Vigilant Hose Company, Letterkenny and Friendship’s of Newville battled the blaze. Earlier in the morning both Shippensburg fire companies responded to 117 South Penn Street for a fire that was quickly extinguished.

Candy Store Burns On Railroad Street

On November 9, 1886 at 1:30 a.m. an alarm of fire was reported for South Railroad Street and Stumbaugh’s Alley at A. L. Ebersole’s candy factory and store. A blaze believed to be accidental destroyed a one-story frame 30 X 20 foot building. Firemen were on the scene quickly and the Cumberland Valley took the plug just opposite the burning building and the Vigilant’s attached to a plug at the intersection of Main and Railroad Streets. The building was already heavily involved by the time water was flowing so most of the attention was directed to the Shippensburg News building across the alley that had already caught fire numerous times. Once that building was safe both streams were directed towards the burning candy store. Damages were estimated at $1,900. The Vigilant Fire and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

It was noted that this was the first opportunity to test the efficiency of the newly installed water works in town. All agreed that the test proved satisfactory. The fire was out within one half hour after the fire companies arrived. The article went on to say that the streams thrown were large, and shot from the nozzles with great force, showing a powerful pressure, and sufficient for the highest building in town. Upon seeing the flames turn to steam the spectators felt inclined to break out in applause.

Borough House Damaged In Morning Blaze

On November 8, 1967 in the morning hours firemen responded to a house fire at 309-311 East King Street. A malfunctioning oil space heater caused a fire that gutted one side of an occupied 2-½-story brick duplex. The blaze began in the first floor of 311 and gutted the inside, 309 suffered smoke damage throughout. It took firefighters an hour to control the blaze. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm. Shippensburg firemen answered two other alarms for the day and the C.V.’s ambulance answered two calls also.

Firemen Get $138,000

Only one major incident (1963) occurred on this date and that was posted the first two years ago. The following article is reprinted entirely as it appeared in The Shippensburg Chronicle on Thursday November 7, 1912.

Firemen Get $138,000

The distribution of $138,000 by the State Treasury to cities and boroughs for the relief of firemen injured or made sick while on duty has recently been made. This money comes from insurance taxes and over 500 warrants were issued.

Cumberland County—Camp Hill, $8.89; Carlisle, $254.03; Lemoyne, $13.59; Mechanicsburg, $99.93; Mount Holly, $5.07; New Cumberland, $36.05; Newville, $9.56; Shippensburg, $50.75; Shiremanstown, $2.43; Wormleysburg, $3.81.

Harrisburg received $1,710.81, the largest in this section.

Shippensburg Township House Destroyed

On November 6, 1984 at 10:53 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to a house fire on the Britton Road in Shippensburg Township. An arson fire destroyed a vacant 2-½-story frame house. The house was located almost next to Burd’s Run stream; LDH was laid from the hydrant at the corner of Britton Rd. and Queen Street. Firefighters were on the scene two and a half hours. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue and South Newton Twp. fire companies answered the alarm.

Electric Blanket Starts Fire

On November 5, 1997 at 3:41 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to a mobile home fire at 18 Lenwood Park, Southampton Township Franklin County. A short in an electric blanket started a fire that did heavy damage to an occupied mobile home. One firefighter Ryan Gochenauer suffered second-degree burns to the ears, neck and shoulder and was treated at Chambersburg Hospital. A damage estimate was not available. The West End Fire and Rescue, Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Cumberland Valley Fire Company Changes Name

The only major incidents to occur on this day were in 1978 and 1926; those were posted the last two years. The following article is reprinted in its entirety from the Friday November 12, 1886 edition of The Shippensburg News (event would have taken place on November 8). With this being the 150TH anniversary year of the Cumberland Valley Hose Company it seemed a fitting entry for today.

The Cumberland Valley Fire Company, at its last meeting, adopted a revised Constitution and By-Laws, and among other changes was that of the title of the company, which will be known hereafter as the “Cumberland Valley Hose Company.” The company, on Monday evening, at seven o’clock, assembled for the purpose of having a run and testing the fire plugs. The first run was to the plug at the terminal of Main Street on the south, a distance of four squares or more. They made several other tests of speed and made attachments in very good time. The Cumberland boys, with this little experience, never imagined that in a few hours they would be called upon to put in practice the knowledge they were then acquiring. The candy store was burned early Tuesday morning.

The candy store fire will be posted on Monday November 9.

House And Cars Destroyed In Fire

On November 3, 2003 at 8:55 a.m. Franklin County 911 alerted firefighters to a house fire at 7228 Lincoln Way East, Greene Township. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a house, two cars and a boat. One firefighter was injured and transported to Chambersburg Hospital. Firefighters from eight companies and 18 pieces of fire apparatus battled the two-alarm blaze for 45 minutes before bringing it under control. Damages were estimated at $150,000. The Fayetteville, Mont Alto, Marion, South Mountain, New Franklin, Franklin County Air 10, Franklin’s, Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene.

Later in the evening all three Shippensburg fire companies assisted numerous other companies on an odor investigation at Thompson Institute on Philadelphia Avenue.

Chambersburg Tidbits

The previous two years I posted incidents that occurred in 1973 and 1935, with no more to report on this date the following article appeared in The Shippensburg News on Saturday November 3, 1877.

Chambersburg Tidbits

--A new hose company in Chambersburg has adopted the name “Cumberland Valley,” and the hook and ladder truck is named “Vigilant.” We next expect to hear of some of these firemen pilfering the names of our young ladies.
--Chambersburg has five hose, one hook and ladder, and one steam engine company-seven in all.

Mobile Home Destroyed In Adams County

On November 1, 1990 at 10:26 p.m. firefighters responded to a mobile home fire at 263M Shippensburg Road, Adams County. A fire caused by heating tape on pipes destroyed an occupied mobile home. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Arendtsville and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.