Booz Road Mobile Home Burns

On March 31, 2004 at 8:49 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 135 Booz Road, Hopewell Township for a mobile home fire. A fire of undetermined origin gutted a bedroom in an occupied mobile home. The remainder of the home sustained heat and smoke damage. A damage estimate was not available. Firefighters operated at the scene for two hours. The Newburg-Hopewell, Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene.

Livestock And Machinery Lost In Blaze

On March 29, 1977 at 1:20 a.m. firemen were sent to Shippensburg R. D. 4, McCulloch Road for a barn fire. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a barn and its contents. Lost in the blaze were 12 heifers and a cow, two wagons, a tractor, milking equipment, feed and machinery. Firefighters from four companies battled the blaze for over six hours. Three portable pumps were set up in a stream about a half mile from the scene and five tankers were used to shuttle water from there to the fire. Damages were estimated at $150,000 to $175,000. The Vigilant Hose, West End Fire and Rescue, South Newton Township and Newburg-Hopewell fire companies battled the blaze. Later in the day at 5:18 p.m. the Vigilant's responded back to the scene for a rekindle.

Woodstove Causes House Fire

On March 28, 1981 at 6:05 p.m. firefighters were sent to the Ridge Road, North Newton Township for a house fire. An improperly installed wood stove caused a fire that damaged a room on the first and second floors of an occupied 2-½-story frame house. The rest of the home suffered smoke damage. Approximately 60 firefighters from five companies battled the blaze and were on the scene 1-¾ hours. Damages were estimated at $15,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, Newville, South Newton Township and Newburg-Hopewell fire companies operated at the scene.

Greene Twp. Garage Burns

On March 27, 1988 at 7:32 p.m. firefighters responded to a garage fire at 2570 Hafer Road, Greene Township. A fire of undetermined origin caused extensive damage to a frame garage. Firefighters from four companies battled the blaze for 1-½ hours. Damages were estimated at $2,700. The Fayetteville, New Franklin, Franklin and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene. At 12:25 a.m. WEFR responded to an auto accident on the Letterkenny Road, Greene Township.

Chambersburg House Burns

On March 26, 1996 at 2:20 p.m. Franklin County communications center alerted units to a house fire at 313 E. King Street, Chambersburg. A fire of undetermined origin gutted a second floor bedroom and caused heat and smoke damage to the rest of the second floor of an occupied 2-½-story frame dwelling. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 12 minutes. A damage estimate was not available. The Chambersburg, Franklin and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene (others may have responded but the article did not list them).

Mainsville Barn Burns

On March 25, 1972 at 11:31 p.m. KGD-556 sent firefighters to a barn fire northeast of Mainsville, Southampton Franklin. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a barn and all its contents. Lost in the blaze were a bull, a steer, two wagons, a grain elevator, 4,000 bails of hay, straw, a pick up truck and other machinery. When firefighters arrived the building was well involved, firemen managed to protect all the exposure buildings. Firefighters from four companies battled the blaze until 4:30 a.m. Two WEFR firefighters, Greg Kauffman and Dietrich Gilbert were treated by the C.V. ambulance and later taken to Dr. Freeman's office for burns they received while battling the blaze. Damages were estimated at $15,000. The WEFR Ladies Auxiliary served hot soup and sandwiches to the 75 firefighters on the scene. WEFR Chief Crawford Wiestling estimated that 50,000 gallons of water was used to extinguish the fire. The West End Fire and Rescue, Vigilant Hose, Fayetteville and Pleasant Hall fire companies battled the blaze. Later in the day the Shippensburg Fire Department answered an AFA at Jordon's store and the Cumberland Valley community ambulance made one run for the day.

Three Square Hollow House Burns

On March 24, 1958 at 12:30 a.m. firemen responded to Newburg R. R. 1, Three Square Hollow for a house fire. An accidental fire believe to have started in the kitchen around the chimney gutted the interior of an occupied 2-½-story house. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Shippensburg Gas Company Damaged In Blaze

On March 23, 1903 at 1:00 p.m. firemen raced to a building fire at the Shippensburg Gas Company on Orange Street. An accidental fire caused heavy damage to the loft and roof of the brick structure. Firemen took plugs at opposite ends of the building and had the blaze under control in 25 minutes. Damages were estimated at $1,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

WEFR Gets New KME Engine

On March 22, 2006 members of the West End Fire and Rescue Company traveled to the KME plant for the final inspection of their new engine and to accept delivery. The new Rescue/Engine was taken to Shippensburg where it stayed for a few days before leaving to have the equipment mounted.

Newville House Burns

On March 21, 1995 at 11:02 a.m. Cumberland County 911 dispatched firefighter to a house fire at 64 Broad Street, Newville. A fire that started in electrical wiring in an enclosed rear porch caused heavy damage to the second floor of an occupied 2-½-story frame house. The remainder of the home suffered heat, smoke and water damage. The siding on the exposure house at 62 suffered heat damage. Approximately 50 firefighters from five companies battled the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. The Newville, West Pennsboro, Upper Frankford, Cumberland-Goodwill and Cumberland Valley Hose companies operated at the scene.

Four Companies Battle Shed Fire

On March 20, 2003 at 10:25 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to the 2200 block Lindsay Lot Road, Southampton Franklin for a shed fire. An accidental fire destroyed a 14 by 14 foot frame shed and its contents. Firefighters from four companies operated at the scene. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue and Fayetteville fire companies battled the blaze.

100 Firefighters Battle Blaze At Lumber Company

On March 18, 1990 at 8:30 a.m. Franklin County communications alerted units to a fire at the Grove Brothers Lumber Inc., 1970 Frank Road Hamilton Township. Spontaneous combustion caused a fire that destroyed about 200 logs along with a large pile of bark. The fire started in a 40-foot high, 300-foot wide pile of bark and was fanned by winds. About 100 firefighters from 12 companies battled the blaze for more than 11 hours. Water was obtained from four different sources to battle to fire. Damages were estimated at $50,000. The Franklin's, Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mont Alto, Fayetteville, Marion, Mercersburg, Fannett-Metal, Letterkenny, New Franklin, St. Thomas and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene.

Prince Street House Destroyed

On March 17, 1860 at 3:00 a.m. the cry of fire was heard in town, firemen soon learned the location was a house on Prince Street. An arson fire consumed an unoccupied frame dwelling. Firemen could do little with the fire due to a lack of water. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Fire and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.

House Leveled, Family Homeless

On March 16, 1954 at 1:15 p.m. firemen responded to Newburg R. D. 1, three miles north of Newburg for a house fire. An overheated stovepipe sparked a fire that leveled an occupied six-room house destroying everything inside. A damage estimate was not available and a family of six were left homeless. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm and were able to protect exposures but the house was almost leveled upon their arrival.

Vagrants Start Stable Fire

On March 15, 1912 at 11:00 p.m. fire house bells began tolling for a building fire at 210 West King Street. Vagrants accidentally started a fire that destroyed a frame stable and its contents. A neighboring stable suffered minor damage to the outside before firemen could control the blaze. Damages were estimated at $525. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Barn On Garfield Street Destroyed

On March 14, 1972 at 10:53 p.m. firefighters responded to 336 East Garfield Street for a building fire. An arson fire destroyed a large frame barn and its contents. Lost in the fire were a boat and car. The building was well involved and threatening nearby homes when firemen arrived. Damages were estimated at $11,500. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm and were on the scene over two hours. The Cumberland Valley community ambulance also made one run for the day.

Strong Winds Whip Barn Fire Near Big Pond

On March 13, 1959 at 4:30 p.m. firemen responded to a barn fire on Shippensburg R. R. 2, near Big Pond. A fire of undetermined origin and fanned by strong winds leveled a barn and destroyed its contents. When firemen arrived the barn had already collapsed. Damages were estimated at $2,000. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm. Also during the day the Vigilant's and C.V.'s responded to the Church of God on East King Street to extinguish a fire after an oil heater tipped over.

Old African American School Damaged In Afternoon Fire

On March 12, 1998 at 1:15 p.m. firefighters were sent to 116 East Burd Street for a building fire. Faulty electrical wiring caused a fire in a 1-½ story frame house used by the church youth groups. In the 19Th century the building was used as a school for African American children. Fire damaged the rear portion of the building with the rest of the home suffering heat, smoke and water damage. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 15 minutes. Damages were estimated at $61,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm. Firefighters from co.'s 51, 52, 53, 54, 49, 48, 46, 47 and 11 also responded to a working barn fire at 645 Three Square Hollow Road at 2:58 p.m. and the Vigilant's responded to a structure fire at 19600 Amberson Road at 6:13 p.m.

Moores Building Supply Burns In Chambersburg

On March 11, 1989 at 2:27 a.m. Franklin County communications center alerted firefighters to a building fire at the Moore’s Building Supply, 1090 S. Main Street, Chambersburg. An arson fire destroyed the newly constructed showroom and warehouse. First arriving firefighters encountered heavy fire in the rear of the building with the sprinklers not working. Over 100 firefighters manning some 35 pieces of equipment worked for almost two hours before controlling the three-alarm fire. Damages were estimated at $3 million dollars. The Chambersburg, Franklin's, Mont Alto, Fayetteville, Waynesboro, Greencastle, Marion, New Franklin, Pleasant Hall, St. Thomas, West End Fire and Rescue, Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, Newburg-Hopewell, Carlisle and Letterkenny fire companies operated at the scene under the direction of Chambersburg fire chief William Sheppard. WEFR and C.V.'s both transferred to Chambersburg before being called to the scene of the blaze. Firefighters returned numerous times to extinguish flare ups. The video below last about 30 seconds and is from News 25 Hagerstown, YES IT IS A VIDEO, it may not look it but black on black is black. Turn up your volume also, it is the news..

Later in the day at 8:41 a.m. co.'s 51 and 15 answered an auto accident at the intersection of the Newburg Rd. and Ridge Rd. At 10:25 a.m. co.'s 51, 52, 15, 53 and 47 responded to a reported cabin fire that ended up being a controlled burn on the Three Square Hollow Rd. in Hopewell Twp. At 4:12 p.m. co.'s 15 and 11 answered a vehicle fire on the Roxbury Rd. in Lurgan Twp. Then at 7:18 p.m. WEFR transferred to the Chambersburg fire department and at 7:29 p.m. co.'s 13, 15, 52, 11 and 53 responded to smoke in the structure at the Pleasant Hall Manor trailer park, Letterkenny Twp. to finish a busy day.

Arson Fire Destroys Barn

On March 10, 1984 at 7:27 p.m. firefighters responded to a barn fire on the West Creek Road, Lurgan Township. An arson fire destroyed a barn and its contents along with 12 dairy heifers, the barn was well involved upon arrival of firefighters. Firefighters from six companies battled the blaze in 10-degree weather for almost 3 ½ hours. Water was obtained from a nearby creek to battle the blaze according to Rusty Anderson, Newburg fire chief. A damage estimate was not available. The West End Fire and Rescue, Newburg-Hopewell, Letterkenny, South Newton, Upper Frankford Twp. and Vigilant Hose companies operated at the scene.

Fire Destroys Lurgan Twp. House

On March 9, 1996 at 9:57 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to a house fire at 6537 Roxbury Road, Lurgan Township. A faulty chimney was to blame for a fire that destroyed a 1-½ story frame house full of antiques. Firefighters from six companies worked for 2 ½ hours to control the blaze. Damages were estimated at $125,000. The Pleasant Hall, Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue, Newburg-Hopewell and Franklin fire companies operated at the scene.

Thrush & Stough Carriage Factory Damaged By Fire

On March 8, 1917 at 4:15 a.m. fire station bells alerted firemen to a fire at the Thrush and Stough Carriage Factory, North Washington Street. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed the main building along with the office although firemen were able to save the surrounding buildings . Firemen had the fire under control by 8:00 a.m. Damages were estimated at $5,500. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

South Fayette Street Duplex Burns

On March 7, 1984 at 1:23 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 218 & 220 South Fayette Street for a house fire. Hot ashes placed on the enclosed back porch of 218 sparked a blaze that destroyed the porch and first floor kitchen of an occupied 2 1/2 story brick dwelling. Other parts of the home suffered heat and smoke damage, 220 suffered light smoke damage. Firefighters had the fire under control in 15 minutes and were on the scene 1-½ hours. Damages were estimated at $5,000 to $10,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

House Fire Causes $75,000 In Damage

On March 5, 2002 at 3:19 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to 2698 Williamsburg Circle, Greene Township for a house fire. A fire that started in an enclosed rear porch caused heavy damage to an occupied 2-½-story frame house, displacing a family of four. When firefighters arrived the rear porch was well involved and the fire had extended into the roof. Firefighters from five companies were on the scene over three and a half hours. Firefighters rescued a dog and cat from the home. Damages were estimated at $75,000. The Fayetteville, Franklin, New Franklin, Mont Alto and West End Fire and Rescue and the Franklin county air unit operated at the scene.

Hopewell Twp. House Burns

On March 4, 1954 at 4:00 p.m. firemen were sent to Enola Road, Hopewell Township for a house fire. A fire that started in the chimney and fanned by high winds spread to the roof of an occupied 2-½-story frame house. Before firemen were able to control the blaze the second floor and attic were destroyed. The Vigilant's were on the scene in 20 minutes and found an ample supply of water in the well for battling the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company extinguished the fire. Note that the front of the house was reserved for a tanker in the day.

Four Firefighters Injured Battling House Fire

On March 3, 1996 at 10:00 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to a building fire at 140 High Road, Southampton Cumberland. An electrical short in a light fixture caused a fire that did heavy damage to a two-story frame workshop. Four firefighters were injured battling the blaze two from South Newton Twp. when a second floor deck collapsed under them. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, West End Fire and Rescue, Cumberland Valley Hose and South Newton Twp. fire companies answered the alarm.

South Penn Street House Destroyed

On March 2, 1933 in the morning hours, firemen were sent to South Penn Street, just south of the tracks for a house fire. An overheated stove sparked a blaze that destroyed a two-room frame dwelling and all its contents. An automobile parked close by was also destroyed. Firemen laid 750 feet of hose from the plug at Garfield and Penn Streets to battle the blaze. Damages were estimated at $700 in the fire that displaced one occupant. The Vigilant Hose Company rural pumper battled the blaze.

Woolen Mill Heavily Damaged By Fire

On March 1, 1980 at 5:07 a.m. firefighters responded to a building fire on North Washington Street at the Shippensburg Woolen Mill. Heat tape wrapped around water pipes in the building caused a fire that did heavy damage to a 120 by 45 foot 2-½-story frame building. Over 100 firefighters battled the two-alarm fire that caused $100,000 in damage in the bitter cold. One firefighter, Larry Kerns was treated at Chambersburg Hospital for heat and smoke exhaustion. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue, Newburg-Hopewell, Fayetteville and Goodwill (Carlisle) fire companies battled the blaze.