House Destroyed, Occupant Dies

On April 30, 1923 at 11:45 p.m. firemen were alerted to a house fire near the Middle Spring Road at the southern end of Newcomertown. An overheated stove caused a fire that destroyed a small 2-story log house killing the occupant. The occupant awoke to choking smoke and crawled from the second floor to the first. Unable to escape the blaze he crawled back to the second floor and jumped from a window. He was taken to the hospital with burns and other injuries and died a short time later. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Citizen's Fire Co., Lemoyne

The only major incidents to occur on this date were in 1859 and 1975, they were posted the last two years. Last year on days when I had nothing from Shippensburg to post I started to post a brief history and photographs from Cumberland County fire departments. The idea was to start with the lowest numbers and work my way through the county before starting Franklin County departments. In the past I posted the three New Cumberland Fire companies so brings me to Cumberland County Co. 11, Lemoyne.

Citizen's Fire Co. No. 1 Lemoyne

On June 19, 1905, a meeting was held in the Witman Building at Third and Rossmoyne Streets for the purpose of organizing a fire company for the Borough of Lemoyne. The temporary chairman was William C. Bowman. Meetings were held once a week. Speakers were obtained from surrounding companies, and election of permanent officers took place.

On July 6, 1906, the Borough Council officially recognized the new company. The first by-laws and a constitution were drawn up and approved on July 17, 1906. The first hose was purchased on July 31 of the same year, at 70 cents per foot. Five-hundred feet hose and one nozzle was purchased.

The first hose carriage was purchased in 1907 and placed in the stable of Dr. John Bowman. The fire apparatus was moved frequently from garage to stable. The company purchased a tract of land on Hummel Avenue and a temporary wooden structure was built for $36.00. The second hose cart was received in 1910, and the former one was dismantled.

In 1911 a the land with the temporary fire station was sold for $1,300 and another lot bought on Herman Avenue, now occupied by the fire house. The contract for the construction of the permanent fire house was awarded to W.E. Bushey for $3,375 on March 17, 1914. On September 5 of that year the fire apparatus was moved to the new building. The first photograph shows this building as it was originally built and before modifications were made.

On November 19, 1919 the residents of Lemoyne voted to loan the company $7,000 to purchase their first motor driven fire truck. In 1923 a fire alarm system was installed, with individual corner boxes. In 1938 a new Hahn pumper was purchased and the first motorized pumper was sent out to be remodeled.

In 1939 a hose tower was constructed in the rear of the building. This can be seen in the three recent photographs of the present building. In 1940 the apparatus was turned over to the borough. In 1951 an emergency unit was purchased (second photo, second from the right) bringing the fleet to three rigs. A new building an addition was constructed to on the west side of the present building in 1952 and 53. The second photograph shows the new addition well (note the difference in the brick on the two story portion of the building). In 1954 a Peter Pirsch engine was purchased (second photo, far right) and in 1955 another emergency unit was purchased, which was used as a police patrol wagon (second photo, second from the left). This brought the companies fleet to five all of which are pictured on photo #2.

Over the years the company purchased and sold additional fire apparatus. In 1976 the fire station was again remodeled, the last three photograph show the building as it appears today and after the remodeling.

In 1997 talks were started with the Wormleysburg Fire Company to form a new organization. On January 1, 1998 a new organization was formed between the two companies and is known as the West Shore Bureau of Fire. The company now operates with the number 13 and the apparatus is ran from two stations. The old Citizens building now houses an engine, squad, air and utility truck. In the recent past I have read articles in the local new papers stating that the company is interested in constructing a new building.

Information for this article was obtained from a 1975 and 1979 CCVFA convention book. Remember clicking on the photographs will make them get larger.

Chicken House Burns, 45 Chickens Die

On April 27, 1930 in the morning hours firemen were sent to South Queen Street for a chicken house fire. An overheated brooder stove sparked a fire that destroyed a frame chicken house killing 45 chickens. Damages were estimated at $125. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Shed Destroyed On Neil Road

On April 26, 1989 at 4:51 p.m. firefighters responded to a shed fire at 141 Neil Road, Southampton Cumberland. By the time firefighters arrived the small frame shed was well involved. A damage estimate or cause was not reported. The Vigilant Hose, West End Fire and Rescue and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm. At 11:20 a.m. the Vigilant's responded to a car fire at Rt. 11 and the Cramer Road, at 11:54 a.m. WEFR and other companies responded to a reported building fire at Foust Auctions in Orrstown also at 11:54 a.m. WEFR answered a transfer to Fayetteville's quarters. At 9:53 p.m. WEFR transferred to Chambersburg and then at 11:04 p.m. WEFR transferred again to Fayetteville's station to end a busy day.

Fire Destroys House Near Pinola

On April 25, 1935 at 4:00 p.m. firemen were alerted to a house fire between Orrstown and Pinola. An overheated chimney sparked a blaze that destroyed an occupied house. Only the stone walls remained when firemen cleared the scene. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

St. Thomas Twp. Barn Burns

On April 24, 2001 at 4:00 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to a barn fire on Apple Way, St. Thomas Township. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a stone barn and its contents. Strong winds and a lack of water hampered firefighting efforts. Approximately 100 firefighters from 13 companies battled the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. The St. Thomas, Chambersburg, Waynesboro, Greencastle, Franklin's, Mont Alto, Fayetteville, Marion, Mercersburg, Fannett-Metal, McConnellsburg, West End Fire and Rescue and Vigilant Hose companies operated at the scene.

House Destroyed Near Walnut Dale Speedway

On April 23, 1962 at 11:30 a.m. firemen were sent to Shippensburg R.D. 2 across from the Walnut Dale Speedway for a house fire. When firemen arrived the relatively new frame house was well involved in flames and had spread to the mountain behind the house. A family of 10 was displaced by the blaze. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Fire Damages Mobile Home

On April 22, 1989 at 10:35 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to a mobile home fire at 6613B Roxbury Road. A carelessly discarded cigarette in the trash caused a fire that destroyed an occupied mobile home. When firefighters arrived the home was heavily involved in fire. About 25 firefighters from four companies had the blaze under control in about five minutes. WEFR firefighter Alan Beisler suffered a thigh injury and was treated and released from Chambersburg Hospital. The West End Fire and Rescue, Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and Pleasant Hall fire companies answered the alarm. At 4:26 a.m. WEFR transferred to Fayetteville, at 4:38 a.m. WEFR, Co 11 and EMS 53 answered an auto accident at Cumberland Highway and Roxbury Road. At 12:48 p.m. the Vigilant's and Walnut Bottom responded to a brush fire at mile post 36, Interstate 81 and then at 4:10 p.m. the Vigilant's, WEFR and Walnut Bottom responded to a mountain fire on the Thompson Hollow Road to end a busy day.

East Orange Street House Burns

On April 21, 1932 in the evening hours firemen were alerted to a house fire on East Orange Street. On overheated flue from a kitchen stove caught fire causing the pipe on the second floor to fall off setting fire to the upstairs room. Efficient work by firemen limited damage. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies battled the blaze.

Apartment Damaged At College Park Apts.

On April 20, 1972 at 5:44 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to building “B” building College Park Apartments, Shippensburg R.D. 1 for an apartment fire. A malfunctioning motor in an exhaust fan over a stove sparked a blaze that caused heavy damage to the kitchen and heat and smoke damage to the rest of the apartment. Four people were displaced and firefighters rescued a dog from the blaze and performed CPR on it before transporting it to a local veterinarian. Damages were estimated at $4,500. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Greencastle Buys Motor Apparatus

Sorry I am running a little late today, but I still got a post in. The only major incidents to occur on this date were in 1941 and 1958, they were posted the last two years. The following article is reprinted as it appeared in the April 25, 1917 edition of The Shippensburg News.

The council of Greencastle has given to the Lafrance Company the contract for a motor combination chemical apparatus. It will carry fire hose and has two 35-gallon chemical tanks. The price is $3,500 and early delivery is promised. There has been some objection on the part of some citizens to buying motor apparatus but council decided the need was imperative. This is the same make recently purchased by Newville and which gave entire satisfaction at the recent large conflagration in that town. Will Shippensburg purchase one.

If you have been reading this site you already know that Shippensburg did make a similar purchase, but it took a few more years to do so. When other communities were using steamers Shippensburg was using hand tubs and hose reels, when other towns many smaller went motorized Shippensburg firemen were still pulling their rigs by hands. Why didn't Shippensburg borough council take care of the fire service then? Why don't they take care of them now? Many places like Hampden and Lower Allen don't pay for their rigs or much of anything. The township I live in collects a fire tax and splits a quarter million between tow companies and Monroe is doing the same. I think it is time four municipalities step up and take care of the best volunteer fire service that can be found anyplace, the Shippensburg Fire Department. If you are a politician from the Shippensburg area I am sorry for you and these are my views and opinions only, they may not reflect the views of the SFD.

Fannett Twp. House Fire

On April 18, 1997 at 10:20 p.m. Franklin County 911 alerted units to a house fire at 24581 Back Road, Fannett Township. Firefighters arrived to find flames showing from the rear of a 2-1/2 story frame farmhouse. The fire was undetermined but said to be accidental. A damage estimate was not available or the extent of fire damage but it was reported that smoke and water damage was considerable. The Fannett-Metal, Newburg-Hopewell, Cumberland Valley Hose, Pleasant Hall, Metal Township and two other unnamed fire companies operated at the scene.

At 5:52 p.m. the three Shippensburg fire companies answered an auto accident at Burd and Earl Streets. At 6:23 p.m. the Vigilant and West End companies answered an auto accident on Rt. 174 in the area of Interstate Ford and at 6:50 p.m. the Vigilant's and Newburg responded to a grass fire at 13454 Mongel Road.

House Near Oakville Damaged By Fire

On April 17, 1935 at 2:20 a.m. the Calvin Cramer family awoke to find a fire in their farmhouse situated near Oakville. A strong wind fanned a stray spark in the stove that caused a chimney fire extending to the home. When the occupant awoke he attempted to call for help but the phone was located in the kitchen which was already ablaze. The occupant suffered burns to his hands when he picked up the receiver to call for help, he also suffered burns to the feet exiting the home. Neighbors awoke to exploding shell and assisted the occupants in removing furniture while Mr. Cramer drove to a nearby residence to summon help. The rural pumper received the alarm at about 3 a.m. and arrived in time to keep the blaze contained to the western portion of the house. The house suffered considerable fire damage and most of the contents were destroyed. Damages were estimated at $2,000. The news paper did not specify which rural pumper was summoned so this call could have been answered by the Vigilant or Newville. At 11:00 a.m. the Vigilant's extinguished a chimney fire at the Dan Suders residence, no damage was reported.

Fire Damages Lower Mifflin Home

On April 16, 2000 at 8:58 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to a house fire at 925 Center Road, Lower Mifflin Township. A fire of undetermined origin damaged a basement and part of the exterior of a one-story house. A damage estimate was not available. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 10 minutes. The Newville, Upper Frankford, West Pennsboro and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm. Earlier in the day at 11:51 a.m. the Vigilant's and C.V.'s assisted four other companies at a working house fire at 255 Mountain Road, South Newton Township. That incident was posted here in 2008.

Shippensburg R.R. 3 House Destroyed

On April 15, 1956 at 10:30 a.m. firemen responded to a house fire north of Shippensburg on R.R. 3. A stove exploded causing a fire that destroyed a one story frame house. By the time firemen arrived little could be done to save the structure. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm. The Cumberland Valley Community ambulance also made on trip for the day.

Milk house Burns On Kline School Road

On April 14, 1983 at 7 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to the Kline School Road for a barn fire. Firefighters arrived to find fire in the milk house with passerby's and occupants attempting to fight the blaze. The blaze was confined to the milk house destroying most of the equipment inside with limited damage to the structure. A damage estimate was not available. The blaze was electrical in nature. The paper did not report what units responded to the call so I can only assume it was the Vigilant Hose, West End Fire and Rescue and South Newton Twp. fire companies.

Science Experiment Gone Bad, House Burns

On April 13, 1999 at 2:27 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 139 Wildwood Lane, North Newton Township for a house fire. When firefighters arrived they found a mobile home heavily involved in fire. The blaze apparently began when the grandson was doing a science experiment that went wrong. Fanned by strong winds the blaze spread quickly. The fire was brought under control in 20 minutes. Firefighters from Newville, Upper Frankford, Penn Twp., West Pennsboro, Empire of Carlisle and the Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm. At 3:25 p.m. the Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted units from eight other companies on a mountain fire on the Cold Springs Road, Dickinson Twp. About 50 acres of state forest land was burned in the fire. At 4:07 p.m. the Cumberland Valley Hose Company assisted units from four other companies on a chimney fire on Mowhawk Road, just off Route 944 in Upper Frankford Twp.

Double House Damaged On Orange Street

On April 12, 1940 at 12:30 p.m. firemen were alerted to a house fire at 148-150 West Orange Street. A fire possible caused by a defective chimney or faulty wiring badly damaged the attic over the two address and damaged a second floor storage room. The remainder of the two houses suffered considerable water damage leaving both residences uninhabitable. Firemen were unable to attack the blaze from the outside because the tin roof was covered with slate keeping the flames to the inside. Both hose companies were forced to run there lines through the interior to fight the fire. (Keep in mind that air packs were few and far between at this time with the companies only having a few Chemox packs) Firemen from the Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies battled the blaze for over an hour before bringing it under control.

Two Stables Destroyed and Two Damaged In Evening Blaze

On April 11, 1871 at between 9 and 10 p.m. Shippensburg firemen were aroused by the cry of fire. The blaze was at the G.B. Cole's stable in the alley a short distance from South Railroad Street. When firemen arrived the blaze had already spread to another large stable. A strong wind was blowing from the west that spread sparks and burning embers over the adjoining houses. Because of the gallant effort of firemen and citizens a major conflagration was avoided although the two stables involved were destroyed along with their contents and two others were badly scorched. The Shippensburg News reported that the origin of the fire was the work of some atrocious villain (they mean it was set). The Vigilant Fire and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm. In the same issue the paper once again called for steam fire engines in Shippensburg citing the fact that the old hand engines were worn out and the steam engines could do the work of many men. They also called for no more wooden stables in the borough because of the large amount of stable fires in the 1800's. They asked that all stables be made of brick and the roofs to be covered with slate or tin.

Log House Destroyed

On April 10, 1965 at 6:30 a.m. firemen were sent to Shippensburg R. D. 2 for a house fire. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a one-story log house. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm. Later in the day at 1:15 p.m. the Vigilant's responded to a grass fire at Shippensburg R.D. 2. The Cumberland Valley community ambulance answered three calls for the day.

Shed Destroyed In Arson Fire

On April 8, 1984 at 9:42 p.m. firefighters responded to a shed fire on Ritner Highway, Shippensburg Township. An arson fire destroyed a 2-story 35 X 50 foot frame shed and its contents owned by Frank Hollar Jr. Firefighters were unable to save the building but managed to protect nearby exposures, water was shuttled from a nearby hydrant to a portable pond set up at the scene. Firefighters from five companies battled the blaze and were on the scene 3 ½ hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue, Newburg-Hopewell and South Newton Twp. fire companies answered the alarm.

Bedroom Gutted

On April 7, 1992 at 6:00 p.m. units were sent to 854 Siloam Road, Greene Township for a house fire. A fire of undetermined origin gutted a bedroom in an occupied 1-½ story frame dwelling. The remainder of the home-sustained moderate heat and smoke damage. Firefighters from five companies had the blaze under control in minutes. One civilian was injured. Damages were estimated at $20,000 to $25,000. The Franklin, Letterkenny, Marion, Pleasant Hall and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene. Earlier in the day at 3:30 p.m. the Vigilant's and WEFR responded to an auto accident on I-81 near exit 10, two people died in the accident.

Arson Fire Destroys Barn

On April 6, 1972 at 10:30 p.m. firefighter were sent to Limekiln Road, Letterkenny Township for a barn fire. An arson fire destroyed a barn and its contents. Firefighters from five companies battled the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. One adult and four juveniles were arrested for the crime along with two other fires. The West End Fire and Rescue, Pleasant Hall, Fayetteville, Letterkenny and Vigilant Hose companies operated at the scene. At 11:02 a.m. the Vigilant's and WEFR responded to a grass fire to the rear of the Thrush used car lot on R.R. 3, at 4:19 p.m. WEFR responded to a grass fire on the Nyesville Road between Pinola and Orrstown and at 11:33 a.m. Vigilant's and Newburg responded to a reported dwelling fire off the Ridge Road.

Today is the second and last part of the fatal auto accident on King Street last Friday on my other site, Brad Myers Photo Blog, check it out.

Microwood Damaged By Fire

On April 5, 1991 at 1:00 p.m. firefighters responded to Microwood Inc., Shippensburg Industrial Park for a building fire. An overheated pipe from the boiler started a fire that damaged the ceiling and roof of the building. Fire caused heavy damage to the ceiling and roof before being brought under control. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm. Later in the evening WEFR responded to an auto accident on Rt. 11 approximately three-tenths of a mile south of Route 997 in Greene Township.

Visit Brad Myers Photo Blog for photographs from Fridays fatal auto accident on King Street. As a matter of fact don't just visit it then visit it everyday for wildlife photographs from all over.

South Earl Street House Burns

On April 4, 1943 at 1:00 a.m. firemen responded to a house fire on South Earl Street. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed an occupied dwelling. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

House Burns In Greene Twp.

On April 3, 1993 at 11:58 a.m. Franklin County alerted units to a house fire at 4018 Frecon Road, Greene Township. An electrical short in the baseboard heat caused a fire that damaged a 2-½ story occupied house. A second floor bedroom was gutted and the remainder of the second floor sustained heat and smoke damage. Firefighters from five companies had the fire under control in five minutes and remained on the scene two hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Franklin, Fayetteville, Chambersburg, West End Fire and Rescue and Cumberland Valley Hose companies operated at the scene.

Southampton Cumberland House Burns

On April 2, 1992 at an unknown time firefighter were dispatched to a house fire at 195 Thorny Grove Lane, Southampton Cumberland. A fire of undetermined origin gutted a frame dwelling. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Dog Dies In Fire

On April 1, 1998 at 3:23 p.m. Cumberland County 911 alerted firefighters to a house fire at 81 E. Main Street, Newville. A short in a floor lamp in a second floor front bedroom caused a fire that did extensive damage to an occupied 2-½ story stone dwelling. The second floor suffered extensive fire damage and the first floor suffered sustained heat, smoke and water damage. A dog perished in the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. The Newville, Cumberland-Goodwill, Penn Twp., West Pennsboro Twp., Upper Frankford Twp. and Cumberland Valley Hose companies operated at the scene. Earlier in the day at 10 a.m. all three Shippensburg fire companies responded to a reported house fire at 295 Craig Street, Shippensburg.