Cleversburg House Destroyed

On January 31, 1938 at 5:30 a.m. firemen raced to a house fire occupied by Wilbur Myers and situated near Cleversburg. A fire caused by an overheated stove destroyed an occupied 2-½-story house and its contents, the home was said to be one of the oldest in the vicinity. By the time firemen arrived the blaze had gained considerable headway. The closest water was in a well on the property and it was not sufficient to extinguish the blaze. Damages were estimated at $3,000. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Garage And Four Automobiles Destroyed

On January 30, 1934 at 10:00 p.m. firemen were sent to 316 East Burd Street for a building fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a four-car 2-story frame 26 by 35 foot garage and four automobiles. A partial roof collapse occurred over the second floor that contained a wood shop. One fireman Lester Angle of the Vigilant's was overcome by smoke. Firemen were hampered in battling the blaze by temperatures hovering just above zero. Damages were estimated in excess of $4,500. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Garage And Contents Destroyed

On January 29, 1991 at 12:57 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 499 Newville Road, Hopewell Township for a garage fire. A space heater sparked a fire in a garage while a mower was being filled with gas. The garage was destroyed along with a pick up truck. One civilian was injured. A damage estimate was not available. The Newburg-Hopewell, Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene.

Doylesburg House Destroyed

On January 28, 1986 at 7:35 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 22167 Main Street, Doylesburg for a chimney fire. A fire of undetermined origin caused heavy damage to an occupied 2-½-story frame house displacing a family of four. An attached clothing store suffered smoke and water damage. Approximately 70 to 75 firefighters from five companies battled the blaze for three hours. Water was shuttled from a pond about a quarter mile away to extinguish the fire. A damage estimate was not available. The Fannett-Metal, Pleasant Hall, Newburg-Hopewell, Shade Gap and Vigilant Hose companies answered the fire alarm.

Chambersburg Fire Damages Three Homes

On January 27, 1991 at 12:00 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 129, 131 and 135 Garfield Street, Chambersburg for a dwelling fire. A fire of undetermined origin that started in a first floor living room of 131 traveled the balloon frame construction into the attic and extended to other homes before being brought under control. Fire damaged the attic of 129 and 135 suffered fire damage to the first floor and outside. About 70 firefighters from five companies had the blaze under control in about 10 minutes and remained on the scene over an hour and a half. Damages were estimated at $35,000 to $40,000. The Chambersburg, Franklin, Fayetteville, New Franklin and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene.

Man Burned In Fort Street Blaze

On January 26, 1955 at 2:15 p.m. firemen responded to a house fire on East Fort Street extended. An oil stove exploded in an occupied 2-½-story frame house causing considerable damage and sent an elderly man to the hospital with burns. Two rooms on the first floor suffered fire damage and the second floor smoke damage. Firemen were forced to use two masks to enter the building because of smoke from smoldering feather pillows and mattress. Firemen had the blaze extinguished in 20 minutes. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm. The Cumberland Valley community ambulance answered two calls for the day.

2 Alarm House Fire In Penn Twp.

On January 25, 2000 at 1:13 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 1150 Centerville Road, Penn Township for a house fire. Firefighters from eight companies battled a two-alarm house fire. No other information was available. The Penn Twp., South Newton Twp., Mt. Holly, Newville, South Middleton, Empire, Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies operated at the scene. At 8:09 a.m. the Vigilant’s and WEFR responded to an auto accident at 1650 Ritner Highway and at 10:39 a.m. the Vigilant’s and WEFR responded to an auto accident on I-81 at milepost 31.

Afternoon Fire Destroys Cabin

On January 24, 1991 at 2:54 p.m. firefighters responded to a cabin fire on the Lindsey Lot Road, about a mile from camp legion. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a frame cabin and its contents. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, Fayetteville and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Metcalfe Machine Shops Destroyed In Large Fire

On January 23, 1895 at 10:00 p.m. fire station bells rang out alerting the citizens to a fire at the Metcalfe machine shop on Fayette Street extended. A fire that started in the area of the boiler destroyed the foundry, machine shop and blacksmith shop. The woodwork shop was badly damaged by fire. By the time the two hose companies reached the scene the fire had gained considerable headway. A plug was taken at Orange and Fayette Streets sum 700 feet away and another at Koser’s (I have no idea where this is) about the same distance away. The two companies attached their hoses together to reach the scene. This only left them enough hose to play two streams of water on the fire. Several attempts were made to enter the office and save the records but the smoke was too dense and the heat to great to allow it. Damages were estimated in excess of $26,000. Firemen were on the scene over two hours. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

The Metcalfe Works were built in 1889 on the site of the Dykeman mill, known as the Cobweb Mill that burned about six years previous (that post has already been made).

Barn Destroyed, Cattle Killed

On January 22, 1961 at 3:00 a.m. firemen responded to a barn fire at Orrstown R. D. 1, Southampton Township Franklin County. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a 35 by 100 foot barn and its contents killing 14 head of cattle and a pony. Firemen from two companies battled the fire in 2-degree weather. The building was well involved upon the Vigilant's arrival but firemen managed to save the exposures and some machinery. Damages were estimated in excess of $12,000. The Vigilant Hose Company and a tanker from Letterkenny answered the alarm.

Late Night Fire Damages House

On January 21, 1988 at 11:55 p.m. firefighters responded to 25 Horsekiller Road, South Newton Township for a house fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a living room and rear porch of an occupied 1-½ story dwelling. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 10 minutes. A damage estimate was not available. The South Newton, Penn Twp., Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies operated at the scene.

Other incidents during the day included an auto accident on Rt.696, Hopewell Twp. answered by Co.'s 15,51, an out accident on Rt. 696, Southampton Cumberland answered by Co.'s 15,52, and a debris removal on the 200 block of East King Street answered by Co. 52.

House Destroyed In Morning Fire

On January 20, 1984 at 8:33 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to 1003 Kessler Drive, Southampton Township Franklin for a house fire. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed an occupied 1-½-story wood frame modular house and its contents, displacing a family of four. Approximately 40 firefighters from seven fire companies battled the blaze for almost three hours in 10-degree weather. Firefighters had trouble obtaining water after finding frozen hydrants. Vigilant Assistant Chief Brad Myers suffered second degree burns in the fire. Damages were estimated at $50,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue, Pleasant Hall, Fayetteville, Newburg-Hopewell and South Newton Twp. fire companies answered the alarm.

Booz Road Home Damaged By Fire

On January 19, 1999 at 7:52 a.m. firefighters responded to 199 Booz Road, Hopewell Township for a house fire. A faulty installed wood stove sparked a blaze that damaged an occupied 2-½-story frame house. The fire started in a first floor wall and extended upwards to the attic before being stopped by firefighters from six area companies. The remainder of the house suffered extensive heat and smoke damage. The Newburg, Pleasant Hall, Fayetteville, Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene. At 9:06 a.m. the C.V.’s, WEFR and other companies that were standing by in Shippensburg responded to a smoke investigation at 208 East King Street. At 10:31 a.m. the C.V.’s, Vigilant’s and other companies responded to an AFA at 15 N. Spring Street and then at 4:07 p.m. the C.V.’s responded to an AFA at 1750 Pine Road, Penn Township.

Hustontown House Burns

On January 18, 2003 at 4:30 a.m. firefighters responded to a house fire at Clear Ridge Road, Hustontown. A fire that started in a faulty chimney in the basement completely destroyed an occupied 1-½ story dwelling displacing a family of three. Firefighters from nine companies had the blaze under control in one hour. A damage estimate was not available. The Hustontown, McConnelsburg, Three Springs, Orbisonia, Robertsdale, Wood and Broad Top, Metal Twp., Fannett-Metal Twp. and Cumberland Valley Hose Company air wagon operated at the scene.

40 Animals Die In Barn Fire

On January 17, 1979 at 11:00 p.m. firefighters responded to a barn fire on the Sporting Hill Road, Nyesville. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a barn, killing 40 head of cattle. A silo, farm machinery and silage was also lost in the blaze. Firefighters from six companies battled the blaze. Water had to be shuttled by tankers to extinguish the blaze. Pleasant Hall Captain George Jones was treated and released from Chambersburg Hospital with minor injuries. A damage estimate was not available. The Pleasant Hall, West End Fire and Rescue, Vigilant Hose, Marion, Franklin and Letterkenny fire companies operated at the scene.

Rural House Burns Down

On January 16, 1939 at 10:15 a.m. firemen raced to the foot of the Blue Mountain, North of Newburg for a house fire. A fire believed to have started from an overheated stove completely destroyed an occupied 2-½-story frame house and its contents. By the time firemen from Shippensburg reached the scene over the snow-covered roads the home was already on the ground. Damages were estimated at $2,000. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Today's post is number 800 for this site, lets try for 800 more.

Multiple Buildings Destroyed On Ritner Highway

On January 15, 1949 in the evening hours, firemen responded to the Governor Ritner Highway, Newville R. R. for a building fire. A fire of undetermined origin that began in a smoke house destroyed the building along with a hog pen and wood shed. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company battled the blaze.

Dymond’s Septic Service Hit By Fire

On January 14, 1985 at 5:52 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to Dymond’s Septic Service, Ritchey Road for a building fire. Wood stacked to close to a wood-burning stove sparked a fire that extended to the loft and roof of a one-story building. Firefighters from five companies operated on the scene for almost two hours. Damages were estimated at $10,000. The Fayetteville, Franklin, New Franklin, Mont Alto and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene.

WEFR And Vigilant Clock

I had no incidents to post to today, the only major calls to occur on this day were in 1952 and 1981 and they were posted the last two years. The plan was to play catch up and post a video of the December 29, 1985 barn fire I posted last month. I tried editing it in windows movie maker but after trying for two hours and not knowing what I was doing I gave up. This video was taken in the late 1950's by Ralph Hopkins (I think 1956). It was shot on (I guess) 8 mm film and converted to VHS a number of years ago. I used my Nikon D90 and recorded it off the TV screen. I would have liked to edited the beginning and the end but like I said I have no clue on movie maker. The video shows WEFR members cleaning the companies first rescue and ambulance at the late Bob Jones house.

On December 11 I made a post about the Vigilant's installing a neon clock on their fire station. At the time I said I had no photos of the clock. Danny Byers left a comment stating that Rick Sanders said I should check the photo of the 1931 Seagrave setting in front of the fire station that the clock is in the photo. I can not say for shore that this is the clock in the post but the photo was taken in the 1930's so there is a good chance it is. I do not know when the clock was changed but the next photo I have of the front of the station is 1950 and there was a different clock up at that time.

On Monday I mentioned that I was posting photographs from the Oak Flat Road fire on my photography site. I continued to post photographs of the fire on that site on Tuesday and today also along with two short videos. I know what I will be posting on this site next year on January 10TH.

Building Destroyed In Lurgan Twp.

On January 12, 2000 at 9:30 p.m. firefighters responded to a building fire at 10952 Tanyard Hill Road, Lurgan Township. A fire of undetermined origin caused extensive damage to a large garage used as a body shop. Firefighters from five companies had the blaze under control by 9:58 p.m. and remained on the scene until 11:34 p.m. A damage estimate was not available. The Pleasant Hall, Newburg, Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene.

Pinola Grain Elevator Burns

On January 11, 1946 at 1215 p.m. firemen responded to the Pinola Grain Elevator for a building fire. An electrical short in a piece of equipment caused a blaze that completely destroyed a large frame building and its contents. Lost in the fire were a hammer mill, feed mixer, corn sheller, and grain cleaner, hardware and other items. Firemen were delayed in getting to the scene by several slow moving freight trains. In order to get water to the scene firemen laid 2,000 feet of 2-½ inch hose from a small creek to supply two 1-½ inch lines. Damages were estimated at $10,000. The Vigilant Hose Company and Franklin’s answered the alarm.

UPDATE-I assume that most of you that look at this site do not frequent my photography site, so I thought I would let you know what was posted today if you would like to see them. Yesterday I stopped by the house fire in West Pennsboro Twp. and shot a few photos. I got there a good 20 minutes into the incident but still found fire for a short time. I will be posting additional photos this week along with some video. The link for my other site can be found on the right.

Thornwood Road Garage Burns

On January 10, 2003 at 5:38 p.m. Franklin County 911 alerted firefighters to a garage fire at 10889 Thornwood Road. A plasma cutter used to remove a fuel line from an automobile sparked a fire damaged a 50 X 75 foot garage, several autos and a pick up truck were destroyed. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 16 minutes. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue, South Newton, Newburg, Pleasant Hall, Franklin, Letterkenny and Fayetteville fire companies answered the alarm.

Fire Hits Grant St. Station Again, Fire Truck Crashes

On January 9, 1994 at 2:00 p.m. Grant Street Station restaurant, 251 Grant Street Chambersburg. A fire of undetermined origin caused heavy fire damage to the brick and wood building. Approximately 50 to 75 firefighters from six fire companies had the two-alarm fire under control in 30 minutes and remained on the scene for three hours. Damages were estimated at $100,000. Firefighters from Chambersburg, Franklin, Fayetteville, New Franklin, Marion and St. Thomas responded to the fire. An engine and Squad from West End Fire and Rescue transferred to Chambersburg while an engine from the Vigilant’s transferred to Fayetteville during the call. The same building was the scene of a two-alarm arson fire in 1983. A tank truck from St. Thomas Fire Company was involved in an auto accident en route to the scene. Two civilians were injured in the accident. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene of the accident.

Newburg House Burns

On January 8, 1932 at 9:00 p.m. a call was made to Shippensburg for firemen to respond to a house fire on North High Street, Newburg. A fire of undetermined origin that started in the basement of an occupied seven-room 2-story frame house destroyed the building and almost all its contents. Neighbors forming a bucket brigade were able to protect the surrounding buildings until the fire department arrived. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Fire Strikes Newville Row Homes

On January 7, 1985 at 2:35 p.m. Cumberland County 911 alerted units to a house fire at 21,23,25 Corporation Street, Newville. A kerosene stove in 25 Corporation St. sparked a fire in an occupied three-story frame row. The residence at 25 was heavily damaged, 23 suffered fire damage to one wall and the attic along with smoke and water damage and 21 suffered smoke and water damage. Firefighters from nine companies had the blaze under control by 5:30 p.m. and were on the scene five hours. Damages were estimated at $50,000. The Newville, Union and Friendship of Carlisle, Upper Frankford, West Pennsboro, South Newton, Penn Twp., Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies operated on the scene.

Fire Damages Home

On January 6, 1999 at 7:47 a.m. firefighters responded to a house fire at 19 Creekview Road, Lower Mifflin Township. A crack in the chimney sparked a fire that destroyed two-second floor rooms and the attic of an occupied 2-½ brick and frame residence. The remainder of the home suffered heavy heat, smoke and water damage. The fire displaced six people. It took approximately 35 firefighters from eight companies 40 minutes to control the 2-alarm fire. Firefighters remained on the scene until 11:00 a.m. Damages were estimated at $50,000. The Newville, Upper Frankford, West Pennsboro, Penn Twp., Newburg, Union, Landisburg and Cumberland Valley Hose companies operated at the scene.

Firefighter Injured In Garfield Street Fire

On January 5, 1989 at 8:30 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 311 East Garfield Street for a building fire. An overheated chimney started a fire in a 2-½-story frame storage barn. The fire was contained to the west wall and roof by firefighters. Vigilant firefighter Greg Coy was injured when a cable operated elevator he was standing fell from the second to the first floor. Damages were estimated at $7,000. Firefighters from Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies operating under chief Edward Goodhart were on the scene two hours.

60,000 Chickens Killed In Fire

On January 4, 2002 at 12:30 a.m. firefighters were sent to Eggs Newburg, 301Three Square Hollow Road for a building fire. A short in an exhaust fan motor sparked a fire that destroyed a 400-foot long building killing 60,000 chickens. Firefighters were able to save an identical building located beside it. Over 50 firefighters from eight companies battled the blaze for over six hours. Damages were estimated in excess of $1 million dollars. The Newburg, Upper Frankford, Newville, Pleasant Hall, Empire Hook and Ladder, Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene. Firefighters were called back numerous times to extinguish small rekindles.

Fire Alarms For 1989

In the previous two years I posted working incidents from 1972 and 1981 if any others occurred on this date I have not gotten to them yet. The following incidents occurred on this date January 3, 1989.

2:57 p.m.-Furnace malfunction at 444 S. Fayette Street, Shippensburg Township; Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies responded.

11:11 p.m.-Vehicle accident on Interstate 81, South Newton Township; Vigilant Hose, West End Fire and Rescue, Penn Twp., Cumberland Valley Hose and Newville ambulances responded.

Chimney Fire With Extension

On January 2, 1982 at 6:45 a.m. companies were dispatched to 148 West Orange Street for a chimney fire with extension. A blaze that started in the chimney spread to a wall and the roof causing $5,000 to $10,000 damage before being extinguished by firefighters. According to Chief Goodhart the attic and an exterior wall were extensively damaged along with a common wall in the second floor of the occupied 2-½-story frame dwelling. Firefighters were on the scene until 9:10 a.m. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze.

Ragged Edge Road Home Struck By Fire

On January 1, 1990 at 10:30 p.m. Franklin County communications alerted firefighters to a house fire on the 300 block Ragged Edge Road, Greene Township. A fire caused by a faulty fireplace caused extensive damage to the first floor of a 2-½ story occupied dwelling. Both floors of the home suffered light smoke damage. Firefighters from four companies were on the scene 3 ½ hours under the direction of Chief Bob Albrecht. Damages were estimated at $6,000 to $8,000. The Fayetteville, New Franklin, Franklin County Air 10 and West End Fire and Rescue companies extinguished the fire.