125-Year Old Conestoga Wagon And Other Equipment Lost In Fire

On October 21, 1980 at 5:50 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to Newburg R. D. 1 for a barn fire. A fire that started in the haymow destroyed a 40 X 70 foot barn. Lost in the fire were a 125-year-old Conestoga wagon, elevator, hay wagon, two calves and other machinery. Firefighters were able to save the silo, three outbuildings and the house. Almost 100 firefighters from four companies battled the blaze. Damages were estimated at $67,000. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Okay, I thought about this one for some time and today is when I make the request. Very few people leave comments on this site and I can't force you to comment but what I can do is change the way you comment if need be. This is not the whacker fest central pa fire I have a mangina site. This is my Shippensburg Fire site. I hate anonymous postings, I am not referring to you that leave a name or close to it, I know who you are and you are not hiding anything. I mean the ones that are just plain anonymous, if you want to comment have balls, be proud, don't hide behind a skirt, if that is what you want to do then stay at the central whacker fest site with the rest of the firefighters on the net only. Yes I have been ragging for some time and it shows here, but that is also the way I feel. Four years, three months and 28 days until I get released from the mental institution I call work.

Storage Barn Destroyed In Greene Twp.

On October 20, 2003 at 12:54 p.m. Franklin County 911 alerted units to 5642 Lincoln Way East, Greene Township for a barn fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a two-story 60-by-30 foot barn used for storage. Firefighters from six companies operated at the scene for three hours. One-firefighter suffered minor injuries. Damages were estimated at $40,000. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene. Earlier in the morning Shippensburg firefighters responded to the Walnut Bottom Road for an auto accident with entrapment and later in the day firefighters answered another mva to I-81 in Southampton Cumberland that killed two men.

The above photograph is of the West End Fire and Rescue Company circa 2002.

Barn Leveled In Upper Strasburg

On October 19, 1977 at 9:47 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to Upper Strasburg, Letterkenny Township for a barn fire. A fire of undetermined origin leveled a barn. Firefighters battled the blaze for over three hours. One firefighter suffered minor burns and was treated at the scene. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue Companies assisted at the scene.

Stove Overheats Causing Fire

On October 18, 1950 in the morning hour’s firemen were sent to Shippensburg R. R. 2, Huckleberry Land for a house fire. An oil stove overheated and exploded causing a fire that destroyed an occupied frame dwelling. Firemen were unable to save the home and concentrated their efforts on the exposures. Damages were estimated at $2,000. Three people were displaced. The Vigilant Hose Company battled the blaze.

Washington House Destroyed By Fire

On October 17, 1998 at 4:13 a.m. firefighters were alerted to a building fire at 204 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg the Washington House Restaurant & Bar. An early morning arson fire destroyed the top two floors of the 128-year-old four-story building. A restaurant and bar occupied the first floor. The second floor had two apartments and 13 hotel rooms all vacant at the time. The third and fourth floors were closed off. Almost 150 firefighters from four counties battled the multiple alarm fire before bringing it under control at 6:21 a.m. Units remained on the scene until after 4:00 p.m. Three firefighters were treated for minor injuries. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene. Later in the day Shippensburg firefighter’s answered an auto accident in Hopewell Twp. and tires on fire on West Orange Street.

New Cumberland County Rigs...

Nothing important happened on this date in the Shippensburg area. With that being said, when I started the site I mentioned that it would not just be Shippensburg Fire but include Cumberland and Franklin Counties also. So for today I thought I would put up a couple new rigs in Cumberland County. I wanted to include the new Engine 45 (Friensdhip/Empire), Engine 123 (Upper Allen) and Chief 52's but I just never got around to photographing them yet.

The top photograph is from Monroe Twp. Co. 25, they recently placed into service a 2009 Dodge Charger, this car is very sharp looking and even more impressive with it's light package. The other rig Upper Frankford Twp. Co. 48's new rescue engine. The rig is a 2008 KME Predator, 6 man cab rescue engine. It is equipped with a 1750 GPM pump, 980 gallons of water a 20 gallon foam tank and a 9000 watt light tower. This past Saturday the company housed the rig.

Let me know what you think of doing this from time to time when there is no Shippensburg history to post.

Vigilant Hose Dedicates E-One Engine

On October 15, 2006 the Vigilant Hose Company dedicated their 2005 E-One Cyclone II engine to Richard L. Sanders and Robert Van Scyoc. Rick and Bobby have served their community combined for over 80 years. The company ordered the engine from Guardian Fire Equipment in April 2005, and received the rig in November. The engine has a 2000 gallon-per minute pump, 20-gallon class A foam system and a 20- gallon class B foam system. The engine officially went in service on April 1, 2006.

There was supposed to be a photograph with today's post but when I finally got around to it this morning I realized I only had one of this engine and I did not ask the person that took it permission to use it. I really need to get to Shipp. and shoot some apparatus. Maybe the Wagon master can help me out with that someday soon.

House Damaged In Accidental Fire

On October 14, 1982 at 5:47 a.m. firefighters were alerted to a house fire on U.S. 11 three miles south of Stoughstown. A fire caused by a faulty flue caused $4,000 damage to a 2-½-story frame occupied dwelling. The blaze started in a first floor wall around the chimney and extended to a second floor bedroom. Firefighters had the fire under control in 20 minutes and remained on the scene until after 7:00 a.m. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene.

Mutual Aid To Lewistown

On October 13, 2001 at an unknown time Shippensburg firefighters were requested to assist on a building fire at Mann Edge Tools, Lewistown, Mifflin County. Lewistown firefighters were initially dispatched to the fire at 6:45 a.m. Firefighters from more than 65 fire companies battled a blaze in a warehouse containing about 200,000 fiberglass axe handles for more than 12 hours. Seven or eight firefighters suffered various minor injuries battling the blaze. The Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Defective Wiring Sparks Apartment Building Fire

On October 12, 1932 at 9:00 a.m. firemen were sent to East King Street, exact location unknown for a building fire. A fire caused by a defective wire broke out in the third floor common hall and extended into the ceilings and floor above. A fourth floor tenant was awakened by a crackling sound and jumped out of bed to find fire coming out of the floor. The fire was contained to the voids causing heavy smoke and water damage to the four-story taxpayer. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Today's photograph is of the Cumberland Valley Hose Company's ambulance fleet, circa 1989.

Franklin County Public Safety Training Center Dedicated

On October 11, 2003 the new burn building at the Franklin County Public Safety Training Center was dedicated. It had been six years since ground was broken on the five-acre site donated by the Franklin County Career and Technology Center, Loop Road. The center cost $1.2 million, $600,000 coming from a state grant, $100,000 seed money coming from the estate of the late Tony Gargaro and $250,000 when county commissioners challenged each of the 15 townships and seven boroughs to contribute $1 per resident towards the center and the county would match that total.

Firefighters Respond To Borough Fire

On October 10, 1979 at 5:30 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 116 East Orange Street for a house fire. A crack in a flue started a fire that did $8,000 damage to an occupied 2-½-story frame house. The fire was confined to the wall around the chimney on the first and second floors. The residents were alerted to the fire when the smoke detectors activated. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm and remained on the scene for one hour.

Today is the one-year anniversary of the Shippensburg Fire Department blog spot site. I would like to thank everyone that has visited the site and a special thanks to the devoted following and those of you that offer your comments. This is post number 360, I guess I missed a few days.

Faulty Chimney Sparks House Fire

On October 9, 1991 at 3:38 a.m. firefighter were sent to 7876 Park Road, Letterkenny Township for a house fire. A fire caused by a faulty chimney did heavy damage to an occupied 2-½-story frame dwelling. About 30 firefighter’s from six companies had the blaze under control in 45 minutes and remained on the scene for three and a half hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Amberson Cabin Burns Down

On October 8, 1987 at 5:30 a.m. companies were dispatched to a cabin fire on Rt. 641, Amberson. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a two-story log-hunting cabin. Firefighters from five companies had the blaze under control in 15 minutes and remained on the scene for three hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene.

Horse Killed In Barn Fire

On October 7, 1913 at 8:00 p.m. bells on top of the two firehouse rung out an alarm of fire. Firemen raced to the W. L. Karper Livery barn to the rear of the Smith Hotel. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a large stable killing a horse. Firemen had the blaze darkened down in about an hour and began shutting down some of their hose lines. Damages were estimated at $1,700. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose Companies answered the alarm.

Three Square Hollow Cabin Burns

On October 6, 1974 in the evening hours a 51 box was alerted to the top of Three Square Hollow for a cabin fire. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a cabin. Firefighters from five companies were on the scene two and a half hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene. During the day all three Shippensburg Fire companies responded to an auto fire on North Queen Street and the Cumberland Valley Hose answered an auto accident at King and Earl Streets.

Home and Two Out Buildings Destroyed

On October 5, 1927 at 9:30 a.m. local firemen were sent to a house fire near Cleversburg. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed an occupied 2-½-story frame dwelling. A large wash house and pump house was also destroyed. Firemen were able to keep the blaze from spreading to the barn. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies battled the blaze.

WEFR Dedicates New Fire Station

On October 4, 1970 the West End Fire and Rescue Company dedicated their new firehouse on Lurgan Avenue. The event featured guest speakers, the SASHS and town bands along with refreshments. The building was dedicated in memory of W. Mervin Fogelsanger, who died February 17, 1969 while assisting firemen at the scene of a large blaze on East King Street. The Company broke ground for the building October 4, 1969 and moved into the building in June 1970.

Left to right in the above photograph are G. Crawford Wiestling, Fire Chief; D. Elmer Hawbaker, state senator; William Duncan, President and R. Harry Bittle, state representative.

2-Alarm Blaze Damages House

On October 3, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 145 Highland Street, Hamilton Township Franklin County for a dwelling fire. Peanut oil heating on a kitchen stove caused a two-alarm fire that displaced the residents. The blaze gutted the kitchen, two back bedrooms and the attic before being controlled in about 10 minutes by firefighters from nine companies. A damage estimate was not available. Residents attempted to extinguish the fire with a garden hose for about 15 minutes before dialing 911. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Chambersburg Apartment Blaze Leaves 13 Homeless

On October 2, 1999 at 8:51 p.m. Franklin County 911 alerted a Company 1 box to 230 North Main Street Chambersburg for a building fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed two apartments and left 13 people displaced. The fire began in a first floor common area of the six-unit apartment building. A damage estimate was not available. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene. In the early morning hours all three Shippensburg companies also answered two automatic fire alarms at 101 Brookside Avenue.