Scotland House Damaged In Afternoon Blaze

On August 17, 1998 at 4:38 p.m. Franklin County 911 dispatched a 7 box to 4017 Main Street in Scotland for a house fire. Firefighters arrived to find smoke showing and a working kitchen fire. Firefighters from five companies had the fire under control in 10 minutes and remained on the scene over one and a half hours. Damages were estimated at $10,000. The West End Fire and Rescue and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene. Earlier in the day the West Enders answered a working barn fire, but that post will be saved for another year.

Button Engine Arrives In Town

On August 16, 1860 the first new piece of fire apparatus ever operated in the borough of Shippensburg arrived by rail. The second-class button hand engine was described as handsome in appearance. A trial of the new engine was scheduled to take place in a couple of days. The engine was assigned to the Vigilant Fire Company. A more detailed history of this rig will appear at a later date.

WEFR’s 1947 Ford Rescue Truck

No major incidents occurred on this date in history involving the Shippensburg Fire Department.

Sometime between 1959 and 1960 the West End Fire and Rescue Company purchased a 1947 Ford rescue truck from the Barren Hill Fire Department in Pennsylvania (WEFR had the rig by June 1960 at the latest). The exact date and amount paid for the rig are unknown. The unit was already painted red when the company purchased it and only a few minor changes were made to the lettering. This would become the company’s second rescue replacing the first rig the department ever had. The unit was designated C-109 by Franklin County. In August 1963 the rescue was removed from service being replaced with the 1954 GMC featured on this site earlier. Having trouble selling the rig it was taken to Naugle Motors in September 1964 for them to try and sell. As of March 1965 the rig was still not sold and a minimum price was set at $300.00 at the company meeting. I am not 100% percent of this but using company minutes and the local newspaper it is believed that in April or May 1965 the company traded the unit to H & H Chevrolet for a pick up truck. From this point the whereabouts of this rig are unknown.

Presently I have a gentleman from the Barren Hill area with ties to the fire service trying to help me fill in the gaps and gather additional information on this rig and the 1950 Ford Maxim engine that may have come from Barron Hill. Thanks George.

C.V. Hose To Motorize Chemical Wagon

On August 14, 1923 at a special meeting of the Cumberland Valley Hose Company it was decided to have the 1910 American LaFrance combination chemical wagon mounted on a one-ton Ford. The Ford was purchased from the J. L. Miller dealership and H. B. McPherson of Chambersburg will perform the work. The cost of the work was to amount to $1,000. This would become the C.V.’s second motorized rig. In the article it mentioned that man or horsepower previously pulled the wagon but I never found any mention of Shippensburg Fire apparatus ever being pulled by a horse.

Frey’s Farm Dairy And Other Businesses Destroyed

On August 13, 2000 at 9:53 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a structure fire at the Frey’s Farm Dairy building at 1844 Falling Spring Road, Guilford Township, Franklin County, box 17-7. When crews first arrived they found the center of the building to be well involved. The multi story building housed a milking parlor, J&H Industries, Swartz’s Auto Repair, a storage facility and Hoffeditz’s Ceramic shop. Firefighters made numerous attempts at an interior attack but were driven back each time. Approximately 75 firefighters from 12 companies battled the blaze and had it contained by 12:03 a.m. Firefighters remained on the scene until 3:35 a.m. One firefighter was transported to Chambersburg Hospital with heat exhaustion. Damages were in excess of $250,000. A cause was not listed. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene.

Besides the fire the Vigilant’s and West End answered an auto accident on I-81, the Cumberland Valley handled an AFA in Penn Twp. and all three companies answered an AFA in Shippensburg Twp. on this day.

Today's photograph was taken on this day in 1979. The incident was in the 100 block of East Orange Street for a car leaking fuel. From left to right Glen Bitner (dark pants, light shirt), Chief Charlie Myers (In the blue), Elizabeth Myers, Kenny Nehf, and Bradley Myers.

Lower Mifflin Barn Burns

On August 12, 2001 at 1:29 a.m. firefighters responded to a barn fire at 101 Meadows Road, Lower Mifflin Township. When firefighter arrived the 30-by-60 foot metal building was well involved. The main barn and equipment shed was only about 20 yards away from the burning structure but firefighters were able to save both buildings. One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion. Firefighters from seven companies had the blaze contained in 15 minutes and remained on the scene until 3:23 a.m. It was believed the fire was started by an electrical problem. Damages were estimated at $60,000. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company assisted at the scene.

That same morning the Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered an auto accident at Rt. 641 and Quigley Roads.

Busy Day For Shippensburg Firefighter’s

On August 11, 2006 at 6:06 a.m., Franklin County 911 alerted units to a house fire at 3464 Troon Drive, Greene Township. Spontaneous combustion in mulch piled along the exterior of a townhouse caused a fire that burnt up the outside wall and extended into the attic before being stopped by firefighters. Approximately 50 firefighters from five companies were able to contain the blaze quickly. The West End Fire and Rescue and C.V. Hose companies assisted at the scene.

Earlier in the day at 3:42 a.m. the Cumberland Valley Hose Company’s air wagon assisted on a house fire at 63 H Street Carlisle. Later that day at 3:59 p.m. the Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies responded to a kitchen fire at 138 Meadow Drive, Roxbury Ridge Apartments. The fire started on the stove and traveled into the cabinets and across the ceiling before being extinguished by firefighters.

If you are counting today's entry give me 300 post on the SFD site. Within the next two month both sites will celebrate their first anniversary.

Orrstown Garage Destroyed

On August 10, 1937 at 10:00 p.m. the rural pumper responded to the north end of Orrstown for a garage fire. By the time the engine arrived the garage had already burnt down destroying a 1927 Pontiac. The pumper connected to a hydrant about 100 feet away from the fire and prevented it from spreading further. The water system was installed in Orrstown just a few years earlier. Damages were estimated at $400. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Today's photograph is of the Cumberland Valley Hose Company No. 2, Shippensburg, Pa, circa 1969.

Chicken House Destroyed In Evening Fire

On August 9, 1971 at 9:45 p.m. firemen were sent to Orrstown for a chicken house fire. A glow could be seen by local firefighters as they left the borough. The accidental fire destroyed a frame chicken house and caused minimal damage to two other buildings before being controlled by firemen from three companies. Damages were estimated at several thousand dollars. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm. Earlier in the day the Vigilant’s responded to a field fire at the Rosenberry farm after a passing freight train started a fire that burnt 5 acres.

Roxbury Barn Destroyed

On August 8, 1932 at 9:30 p.m. firemen were alerted for a barn fire in Roxbury. The fire of undetermined origin destroyed the barn, a car, hay, straw, 25 chickens and tools. Other nearby buildings started to burn but was saved by firemen. Damages were estimated at $800. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Burning Lamp Causes Fire On Penn Street

On August 7, 1910 between the hours of 10 and 11:00 p.m. most of the towns people had retired for the night when the Vigilant’s bell tolled for an alarm of fire. It was soon realized that the alarm was for the Harry Diller residence in Hollar’s row, North Penn Street. Mr. Diller was preparing for bed when a lamp flared up, grabbing the lamp Harry attempted to toss if from a window without realizing the screen was still intact. The lamp struck the screen and bounced back breaking when it hit the floor and spreading flames though out the room. Realizing he could not control the fire he sounded the alarm. Neighbors from across the street quickly came to his aid; attaching a garden hose a stream was played through the window. When the water struck the screen it formed a spray extinguishing the fire. Firemen were soon on the scene attaching to a plug and stretching a line but there water was not needed. The carpet was ruined along with several pieces of furniture causing an estimated $35.00 in damages. Mr. Dillers arm and hand were badly burned. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Man Rescued, Two Dogs Die In House Fire

On August 6, 1998 at 9:07 p.m. a 911 call was received for a house fire at 506 S. Fayette Street. By 9:09 the first firefighters arrived on the scene to find smoke showing from a 1-½ story brick occupied house. Quick entry was made into the dwelling and an occupant was found lying on the kitchen floor and removed from the building by 9:11 p.m. The living room had been consumed by flames and almost burnt itself out due to the lack of oxygen. A faulty air conditioner wire sparked the blaze that caused an estimated $40,000. The mail occupant was transferred to Lehigh Valley Hospital in critical condition, his two dogs perished in the fire. Approximately 35 to 40 firefighters from four companies operated at the scene. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Today's photograph is the West End Fire and Rescue Company No. 3, Shippensburg, Pa. circa 1973.

Rhinehart’s Apartments Damaged In Suspicious Fire

On August 5, 1968 at 12:05 a.m. Shippensburg firemen were sent to a building fire at Rhinehart’s Apartment, 33 West King Street by the local Civil Defense Room. The fire started in the living room of a second floor, rear apartment. Firemen were able to contain the blaze to the apartment of origin but thick smoke filled the other six apartments and water seeped in the G. E. Rhinehart Sons appliance store on the first floor. Borough Fire Chief Dan Orris called in Cumberland County Fire Marshall William Sweet to assist with the investigation. A 27 year old man was arrested later that morning and charges with arson. Damages were estimated at $5,000 and firemen remained on the scene until 2:20 a.m. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Greene Township House Burns

On August 4, 1987 at 11:01 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to 71 Rocky Mountain Road, Greene Township Franklin County for a house fire. When firefighters arrived the first floor was heavily involved in the two-story frame residence. A lack of water and low manpower hampered firefighting efforts. Firefighters from nine companies operated at the scene. Three firefighters were injured, one was treated at the scene and two were transported to Chambersburg Hospital. Damages were estimated at $60,000. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene.

Fire Ruins Couples Mobile Home

On August 3, 1994 in the evening hours lightning struck a mobile home at 640 Mickey Inn Lane, Lot 100, Greene Township. When the first firefighters arrived the center section of the home was in flames. The home and its contents were destroyed causing $25,000 in damages. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene.

I-81 Crash Leaves Two Dead

On August 2, 1982 at 4:30 a.m. a 52 box was alerted for an auto accident on Interstate 81 North bound three miles north of exit 10 in Southampton Township Cumberland County. First arriving units found a tractor-trailer head on into a concrete bridge pillar. The driver was found still in his seat approximately 30 yards from the truck on the highway. Upon further investigation the rider was found to still be in the cab deceased. The driver was transported to Washington County Hospital in serious condition where he died a few days later. Units operated on the scene until late morning when the rider was finally extricated and the highway reopened. The Vigilant Hose Company and Cumberland Valley ambulance operated on the scene along with two other companies.

Flames Damages J. W. Pierce Drug Store

On August 1, 1877 around 10:00 p.m. a dense volume of smoke was seen pushing from the ceiling under J. W. Pierce’s Drug Store in the Criswell Building on the corner of Main and Railroad Streets. Firemen were on the scene quickly with the Cumberland Valley boys taking the well at the Black Bear Hotel and the Vigilant’s taking the well at the Sherman House; two streams of water were soon flowing. Firemen had great difficulty in locating the fire, as the smoke was very dense and suffocating. Only after cutting a hole in the floor could water be played on the fire in the basement. After extinguishing the blaze it was determined that it was a small amount of rubbish burning in the basement causing minimal damage. For Criswell it was good news as in the last 10 years two of his warehouses were destroyed by flames in Shippensburg. The Vigilant Fire and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm. After the fire the local newspaper again began their campaign for a water supply in the borough of Shippensburg.

Today's photograph is of the Vigilant Hose Company No. 1 in 1928, this was taken shortly after the completion of the building. Note the newly planted grass in front of the building.

I would like to thank everyone for stopping by the site daily and an extra thanks to those that contribute by commenting and adding to the site. For the month of July the site had 1,607 visitors viewing 3,715 pages and staying an average of 1:55 each visit. These numbers are very good but I wouldn't mind if they went higher, if you know anyone that would like the site and may have never been to it please pass it along. Thanks again Brad.

Tractor-Trailer Carrying Toxic Chemicals Burns On I-81

On July 31, 1981 at 4:10 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to Penn Township, Interstate 81, Southbound, just south of the Huntsdale rest area for a tractor-trailer fire. The truck was carrying eight 4,000 pound steel containers of sodium hydrosulfite at the time. It was speculated that moisture in one of the containers along with the summer heat caused on of the containers to explode causing the fire. When the chemical is exposed to high temperatures and or light moisture is produces toxic sulfur dioxide gas. More than 125 firefighter from 18 companies battled the fire, most of those 18 companies supplied tank trucks to shuttle water. At 8:30 p.m. a forklift was used to try and remove the material from the trailer, but only some could be removed and a larger forklift was requested. Firefighters remained on the scene until 4:30 a.m., the interstate was reopened at 5:40 the next morning. Three firefighters suffered minor injuries. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Four Buildings Burn In Newburg

On July 30, 1936 at about 4 p.m. firemen were called to Newburg in the area of the Church of God for a stable fire. The fire of undetermined origin destroyed two stables, a garage and a woodshed. Firemen pumped water from a small stream about 750 feet away and were able to keep the blaze from spreading any further. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

It was allot of work but I was able to complete the labels last night on almost a years worth of post. If you are looking for something in particular it should now be easy to find, just click on the label of your choice and it will show you everything in that category. If anyone is out there and you are not scared to comment I would like to know if you like it.

Germantown Road Summer Kitchen Damaged

On July 29, 1962 at 1:00 a.m. the Vigilant Hose Company was dispatched to a summer kitchen fire at the Dallas Plasterer residence, on the Germantown Road, Shippensburg R. D. 3. At the time of the incident the Vigilant engine was on duty at the Shippensburg Fairgrounds, keeping watch on the horse show arena. As a result of being at the fair the Vigilant’s had their first woman respond on a fire alarm. Mrs. Glen Bitner (Irma) was at the fairgrounds with her husband; not wanting to leave her alone Glen took her along on the engine. Damage was confined to the roof of the building, a cause was not listed and damages were set at $1,200.

Later that morning the Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose, and West End Fire and Rescue responded to 4 North Penn Street to extinguish a burning roast.

I have made a change to the site starting today by adding labels to the post. At the bottom of each post you will see a date, company name, county or LODD, these automatically go to a list on the right side of the page. If you want to see all WEFR items for example you click on the WEFR in the label list and it will bring them all up. I presently have the last ten post done and hope to have all the post finished in the next day or two. This will make it easier for people to find what they are looking for. I will also be doing this to my photography site.