$350,000 Fire Destroys Greenvillage Plant

On July 7, 1965 around 6:15 p.m. lightning struck the Blue Ridge Pre-built Homes Inc., just south of Greenvillage along Route 11. By the firemen arrived the fire had control of the building making it impossible to save any of the contents. At the height of the blaze 150-200 firemen from six companies were involved in battling the fire. A shortage of water hampered the firefighting effort, tankers were used to haul water, the hydrants were used in Greenvillage and lines were laid across the fields to the Conococheague Creek at Sycamore Grove.

The building was a sprawling one story frame and concrete block construction. The facility burnt to the ground along with one nearly completed pre-built home and two others under construction. Four completed homes nearby were damaged. Officials listed damages at $350,000.

By 9:15 the fire was partially under control and some firemen remained on the scene all night. Several firemen were injured but only one was transported to Chambersburg Hospital. The West End Fire and Rescue Company answered the alarm.

With the amount of tankers called from other companies I would have thought the Vigilant's tank truck would have taken in the box, but there is no mention of it in the articles. There is a gentleman out there that reads these and was on the call along with a few others in the past week that may know if he wants to comment or elaborate on the incident.

Fannettsburg Mobile Home Destroyed

On July 6, 1992 at 11:02 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a mobile home fire at 10930 Beech Avenue, Fannettsburg. When firefighters arrived the mobile home was well involved. Approximately 30 firefighters from four companies had the blaze under control in 15-20 minutes. The home and its contents were completely destroyed; a damage estimate was not available. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company assisted at the scene.

Mountaindale House Extensively Damaged

On July 5, 1970 at 3:51 p.m. the Shippensburg Civil Defense room alerted firemen to a house fire at Shippensburg R.D. 4, in the area of Mountaindale above Mainsville. Defective wiring in a television set sparked a fire that caused heavy damage to an occupied home. When firemen arrived they found the house fully charged with smoke. The fire was contained to the double living room with heat and smoke damage to the rest of the house. Firemen remained on the scene until after 5:00 p.m. A damage estimate was not available. The West End Fire and Rescue and Vigilant Hose companies answered the alarm.

State Theatre Damaged By Fire

On July 4, 1954 at 11:15 p.m. a passerby noticed smoke coming from the State theatre on South Earl Street and quickly turned in the fire alarm. When firemen from both companies arrived they found heavy fire in the rear of the building. Two firemen were injured battling the blaze, Harry Baughman, burns to the right hand and Herbert Bobletz, overcome by smoke were treated on the scene by the community ambulance and went back to fighting the fire. The fire was caused by temporary wiring for a soft drink cooler and quickly spread to the rear of the building igniting the drapes around the stage. Damages were estimated at $50,000. Hargelroad’s apartments to the north of the building suffered smoke damage. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Okay, I was away at scout camp with my son and his troop keeping me from posting yesterday so after considering if I should post the answer to the question about long gone fire companies from years ago in Cumberland County, for those that care I will. I was a little disappointed since four of the answers appeared on this site last September.

Lambs Gap Fire Company
United Fire, Carlisle

From Newville
Washington
Hope
Resolution
Independent

Centerville Fire Company

From Shippensburg
Shippensburg Fire Company
Alert
Niagra Hook and Ladder
Keystone Hook and Ladder

The others can be found in the comment section on the date the question was asked.

Some of the Newville companies could have been the same with a name change. I know the Hope was a name change but without digging out my old records and finishing the research in the Valley Times Star I am not sure which one. I do know that at one time Newville had three active companies all at the same time in the 1800's. Also the Niagra in Shippensburg never had a rig and didn't last long. There could be more these are just the ones I uncovered and remember off the top of my head.

What Happens When A Town Loses Its Hero?

Today’s post is taken from an article that appeared in The International Fire Chief magazine, December 1977. The article was written by the late James Yvorra and the late Jackson H. Gerhart. It is posted here in its entirety and because of that the post is longer than usual.

CHIEF JAMES CUTCHALL: AN UNTIMELY DEATH

Chief James Cutchall responded to the July 2, 1977 fire alarm as he had a hundred times before, arriving on the scene first to direct incoming fire apparatus from the Fayetteville, Pennsylvania Volunteer Fire Department.

Within minutes, the 33-year-old Chief lay mortally wounded from a sniper’s bullet, shot even as he radioed the Franklin County Communications Center with an initial report of a working fire and injured civilian.

Wagon 7-1, Fayetteville’s first due engine, followed Chief Cutchall up the dirt road leading to the burning cabin and was greeted by a barrage of bullets which pierced the windshield and cab, wounding the driver, Deputy Chief Robert Monn, and 18-year-old firefighter Scott Riechenbach as they raced for cover.

One of the men on board wagon 7-1 shouted “the Chief’s down” and several firefighters ran through the continuing gunfire to drag Chief Cutchall to safety and began administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. A Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department ambulance rushed him to the hospital as the EMT-A’s continued resuscitation techniques. However, Chief Cutchall died at the hospital.

So unfolded the tragic, untimely death of a man described by one of his peers as “one of the most outstanding fire chiefs in the nation”. Close personal and professional friend Donald D. Flinn, General Manager of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, described Cutchall’s department programs as “model for the volunteer service”.

Crawford Wiestling, former chief of the neighboring Shippensburg West End Fire and Rescue Company, and the man who assumed command of the scene after Cutchall’s injury, explained, “he lived, breathed, slept and ate firefighting”.

Chief Wiestling perhaps described Cutchall best with these words: “He would refuse to sit still. He always wanted new ideas. Stagnation meant defeat to him. He would refuse to pause or say, ‘I’ve done my job’. He always used one saying in his speeches: ‘To be a volunteer firefighter and make an error is human, to be a volunteer firefighter and worry about those errors is compassion, to be a volunteer firefighter and do something about those errors is professionalism.’”

Under Cutchall’s four year reign as Chief, the Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department became the first volunteer company within the region to adopt documented training standards, initiate a “bunk-in” program to assure immediate nighttime response, develop extensive pre-planning procedures for its 25-square mile first due area, and use modern, diesel-powered apparatus painted high visibility lime yellow. A capital improvements program, including the addition of five pieces of apparatus and a $150,000 building renovation, also was completed.

Women have assumed an important role within the Department riding fire, rescue and ambulance vehicles as active members. Junior membership and scholarship programs begun by Cutchall have provided a training ground for future firefighters. Many of these programs were outlined by the Chief in an article appearing in the July 1976 issue of Fire Command entitled “Volunteers Surviving in the 70’s”.

In 1975, alarmed by the lack of adequate ambulance service in Fayetteville, the Chief purchased two ambulances and manned them with EMT-As trained in Pennsylvania and Maryland. The Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department ambulance service was the first in the State to be certified under recent State regulations governing training, manpower and equipment. Plans also were initiated by Cutchall to provide advanced life support to his community within the next year.

On July 6, 1977 the final tribute was paid to James C. Cutchall in a style never before experienced in central Pennsylvania. Firefighters and 80 pieces of apparatus from 60 fire companies in six states lined both sides of Lincoln Way in Chambersburg for the mile-long procession to Lincoln Cemetery where the Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and Halfway, Maryland aerial towers formed an arch draped in black. The casket, carried in the red velvet hose bed of Engine 7-1, was followed by more than 2,500 uniformed firefighters who, along with friends, slowly moved toward the cemetery in sweltering 100-degree heat.

Some of the mourners present included Don Flinn, IAFC, Chief Burton Johnson, District of Columbia Fire Department, Chief Robert Little, Director, Eastern Division, along with representatives of the University of Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute and members of the Pennsylvania State Legislature and Pennsylvania State Police.

Normally I would not use something that someone else wrote for my site but this is a rare case. The two men that wrote the article on Chief Cutchall were best of friends with him; they to were dedicated to the fire service and its betterment. In later years they both gave their lives in the line of duty also. This entry is a tribute to all three men.

Stove Explodes, Child Burnt

On July 1, 1930 at 4:40 p.m. and alarm of fire was sounded for 114 North Fayette Street. A gasoline stove in the outer kitchen exploded igniting the rear portion of the house. Firemen were on the scene quickly and extinguished the blaze in 15 minutes. The flames damaged a car parked in a shed next to the house also. Damages to the house and car were estimated at $1,200. A nine-year-old boy was burnt when the stove exploded. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Charles Myers Ends Run As Vigilant Chief

On June 30, 1987 Charles E. Myers, Chief of the Vigilant Hose Company served his last day as chief of the company. Charlie held the position for 19 ½ years. Charlie joined the Vigilant’s in 1962 and became assistant chief in mid 1965. He became chief on July 1, 1967 and held the position since then with the exception of 1976 when Gerald Holtry served for one year. The Vigilant’s new chief was Danny Byers.

Okay since Dale cheated yesterday and asked one of the few people in the county that probably knew thee answers I have a new question for today. Name just six fire companies that used to exist in Cumberland County that are long gone. I made a quick list while I was typing this and I came up with 14 and the number could climb to 17 with some of the obvious answers I expect and didn't even include on the list.

CD Group Plans For Radio Network

On June 29, 1954 the Cumberland county civil defense administration held a special meeting in the Carlisle courthouse to determine the amount and type of radio equipment needed for the new CD fire and emergency radio network.

Several months prior an application was filed for federal approval and support of the network. The federal government agreed to pay $55,618 (half) the cost of the two-way radio hookups for county and the fire trucks. The county commissioners paid one quarter of the cost. County CD coordinator Dale E. Murphy believed the radio network would be operational in three months.

Today I thought maybe we could play a trivia game. It will let me know who is out there and who knows there county. Plus you can learn something at the same time. Who can tell me what company had No. 21 before the Creekside had it? Also, what companies had the numbers 29, 44, 58, 61, 70 and 90. A couple of these are pretty easy, the other you had to be around awhile to know the answer.

Sprinklers Contain Fire At Peerless Plant

On June 28, 1936 in the morning as church services were about to begin the fire sirens signaled an alarm of fire. It was quickly realized that the alarm was for the Peerless plant on Lurgan Avenue. A severe storm tore through the area causing the roof of the building to be blown off the building causing bricks and debris to fall into the building in the area of the finishing department. The collapsing brick caused damage to the wiring system starting a fire that tripped the sprinkler system. The ensuing fire was controlled by the sprinklers and extinguished by local firemen. Damages were estimated at $12,000 to $15,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Cumberland Firehouse Burns, 2 Firefighters Die

On June 27, 1974 around 3:53 a.m. paid driver Dick Shughart alerted Cumberland county communications of a working fire in the firehouse at 121 East Louther Street, Carlisle. At the time of the fire Dick, his three children and firefighters James Miller, Ken Bishop, Harry Hershey and Gerald Royer were all staying at the firehouse. James assisted Dick in getting his three girls to safety. Before help from other companies could arrive firefighters were able to safely remove all the apparatus from the building. By this time help had arrived and firefighters were making an attack on the blaze. Upon reaching the second floor firefighter Mark Boyles located Harry Hershey on the bunk room floor and removed him to the exterior where he was loaded into an ambulance and taken to Carlisle Hospital. Harry Hershey, 24, was pronounced dead at the hospital at 5:03 a.m., his death was attributed to smoke inhalation.

Three other firefighters, Mark Boyles, Richard Shughart and Ken Bishop were also treated at the hospital for smoke inhalation. Gerald Royer, 45, was admitted to the intensive care unit for smoke inhalation and a heart condition. Gerald passed away in the hospital on July 11Th.

All five Carlisle borough fire companies answered the alarm and needed 40 to 45 minutes to contain the blaze. The first floor and rear half of the second floor was badly damaged by the fire. The rest of the building suffered smoke, heat and water damage. The cause of the fire was determined to be an electrical short above the ceiling in the first floor recreation room. Damages were listed at $125,000 to the 78-year-old building.

Many years ago Dr. George Rea gave me a few slides of the Cumberland firehouse the morning of the fire, and like yesterday I could not lay my hands on them in time for today's post. With the thousands of slides I have out, reorganizing right now it would be like looking for a needle in a hay stack. When I find them, I will post them.

Craig’s Barn Burns Near Orrstown

On June 26, 1981 at 9:38 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a barn fire at the Wayne Craig Sr. farm located at 2833 Orrstown Road. When firefighters arrived the 66 X 95 foot barn was well involved. Approximately 75 firefighters from three companies battled the blaze and remained on the scene until 2:04 a.m. One hog was lost in the fire and damages were estimated at $50,000. During the incident numerous minor accident occurred involving fire apparatus, Squad 15 sank in the run off causing it to lean into a tree, no damage was done to the rig. The Vigilant’s 1969 Seagrave went off the lane and traveled down an embankment in an attempt to avoid a pedestrian, the engine was not damaged but had to be pulled back onto the road. And last but not least the WEFR utility and the Vigilant special unit side swiped on the narrow lane causing mirror damage to the vehicles. The West End Fire and Rescue and Vigilant Hose companies operated at the scene.

I got to this fire late so I photographed instead of getting dirty. I have photographs of all three of the accidents but do you think I could locate them in time for this post. Once I find them I will scan them and put them up next year at this time.

For a short history lesson on fires outside the borough in the early days please check out the comments for Sunday June 22, 2008 post.

Penn Street Man Dies Of Smoke Inhalation

On June 25, 1942 at about 6 a.m. firemen responded to a fire on South Penn Street. When firemen arrived neighbors had removed an occupant to the outside of the house and threw a burning mattress and bedding out the second floor window. Firemen quickly extinguished the fire and members of the CV ambulance performed artificial respiration's for more than an hour on the man. The 42-year old male occupant died of smoke inhalation. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

North Queen Street Home Damaged In Blaze

On June 24, 1985 at 10:30 p.m. firefighters responded to a house fire at 112-114 N. Queen Street Shippensburg. When firefighter arrived they found fire in the voids between the second floor and attic. An electrical short in a closet caused the blaze that did $30,000 in damage. Firefighters had the fire under control in 15 minutes and remained on the scene until 12:30 a.m. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Cumberland Valley Hose Company No. 2, Shippensburg, Pa. circa 1952.

Suspicious Fire In Scotland

On June 23, 2006 at 3:49 p.m. 1662 State Street, Scotland. A fire of suspicious origin badly damaged an occupied 1-½ story dwelling displacing seven residents. The West End Fire and Rescue, Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted four other departments in extinguishing the blaze.

Fire Damages Reeder Brothers Dairy

On June 22, 1918 between 5 and 6 p.m. firemen responded to the area South of Shippensburg on the Angle-Geesaman farm occupied by Reeder Brothers Dairy. A spark from a chimney ignited the shingle roof and soon the interior of the stone building was ablaze. Shippensburg firemen responded quickly but could do little to save the building. All that was saved was some milk and bottles. Damages were estimated at $1,900. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm. It should be noted that during this time period the borough fire companies seldom left town for fires. Many working fires occurred in the rural areas that the Shippensburg Fire Department would now respond to.

Attic Fire Damages Southampton Cumberland Home

On June 21, 1981 at 7:52 p.m. neighbors noticed smoke coming from the roof of a house on Whitehouse Road, Southampton Cumberland and alerted 911. When firefighters arrived they found fire in the attic of the one story frame house. By the time firefighters from three companies were able to contain the blaze the attic was destroyed with smoke, water and overhaul damage to the living areas. Two firefighters were injured during the blaze, one suffered smoke inhalation and the other received a cut above his eye. A damage estimate was not available, and firefighters remained on the scene over two hours. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose air wagon answered the alarm.

Bus Accident Kills 7, Injures 20

On June 20, 1998 at 4:43 a.m. Squad 15 was alerted to assist on an auto accident involving a bus on the Pennsylvania Turnpike near milepost 185 westbound, three miles from the Willow Hill interchange.

Seven people were killed and 20 injured as a result of the accident, which happened when a Greyhound bus hit the back of a parked tractor-trailer. Emergency crews from Franklin, Cumberland, Fulton and Huntington counties responded to the scene. They included 17 ambulance crews and five fire companies.

The squad operated at the incident helping to extricate patients for approximately 2 ½ hours, returning to quarters at 8 a.m. The West End Fire and Rescue and Cumberland Valley Hose ambulance assisted at the scene.

Arson Fire Destroys Barn, Killing Livestock

On June 19, 1924 at 10:30 p.m. firemen were summoned to the Ridge Road, Southampton Cumberland for a barn fire. An arson fire destroyed a barn and its contents. Destroyed were a cow, some hogs, farm machinery and feed. Pa. State Troopers arrested a suspect at the scene. Damages were estimated at $5,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Council Accepts Keys To Cumberland Valley Firehouse

This is typed as it appeared in Shippensburg Borough Council’s Minutes.

Special Meeting at C.V. Engine House June 18th, 1859
Members present Ruby, Heck & Kelso On Motion William McClure asked Council to take the keys of Engine House. Said McClure has finished the same according to contract with Council. On Motion Judge Ruby took possession of the keys of the same.

On Motion Council adjourn. J.O.M. Butts Secy.

Vigilant’s Answer Barn Fire

On June 17, 1933 in the afternoon hours a large bank barn on the highway from Newville to Newburg was burnt to the ground. The cause of the fire was unknown. A hog pen and chicken house were also destroyed. Firemen secured water from a nearby stream but the buildings were to far gone to save. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.