Fire Destroys House And Numerous Out Buildings On Ridge Road

On May 31, 1922 at 9:00 a.m. firemen were summoned to the Ridge Road for a woodshed fire. The fire was discovered in a woodshed and help was quickly summoned from Shippensburg. Firemen arrived quickly and pumped two wells dry in an attempt to save the property. Despite their best efforts the house, woodshed, corn cribs, wagon shed and all other out buildings on the property were destroyed. The firemen were able to save the barn. A damage estimate was not available. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company answered the alarm.

The photograph in today's post is of the Cumberland Valley Hose Company showing off their new uniforms in front of their station on May 31, 1915. I would like to be able to keep the photograph and caption together when they differ from the days post but if I put the picture any place but the top it will not do anything when you click on it.

Fabricating Business Destroyed In Accidental Fire

On May 30, 1995 at 8:50 a.m. firefighters responded to 8933 Rowe Run Road, Southampton Franklin for a building fire. Sparks from a grinder ignited flammable liquids used to clean parts at a fabricating business. When firefighters arrived 70% of the 50-by-225-foot building was involved in fire. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 30 minutes. Damages were estimated at $75,000. The West End Fire and Rescue and Vigilant Hose companies answered the alarm.

Make History Today Boys...

I was not going to post today because nothing major occurred on this day in history in the years I have typed in the data base, but with the amount of people viewing the site each day (49 completely different people looked at the site yesterday) I didn't want to miss a day. I didn't have the chance to prepare a rig or anything else for the entry so I thought I would put this one up.

The photograph is from Barren Hill and would have been taken in the 1950's. The unit on the far left is a 1947 Ford rescue truck. West End Fire and Rescue purchased the rig sometime in 1959 or 1960 the exact date unknown. It was in the company's possession in June of 1960.

The rig right beside the rescue (second from left) is a Ford pumper. Some think WEFR purchased their 1950 Ford Maxim engine from Barren Hill. I even found photographs of the Barren Hill engine at WEFR but like all history their is a twist making me doubt it. WEFR purchased the rig in August 1965 and took possession of it in September of that year. Barren Hill celebrated their 50Th anniversary that year and the rig is in the photo with their fleet. It could still be the same engine. But upon further investigation of the photographs the Barren Hill rig had a steamer intake on the curb side, WEFR's also had a 2 1/2 inch discharge above it. On the pump panel side their is many things different between the WEFR rig and the builders photo for Barren Hill. Now is gets more confusing the pump panel on this photograph does not match the builders photo but more closely resembles the WEFR pump panel. Both rigs appear to be the same year, I am no expert on ages of rigs but the fenders, lights and everything else is the same.

Did Barren Hill have two of these rigs? Could the pump panel have been altered? Is this the same rig WEFR owned? All of these are good questions and ones I have no answer for. WEFR's minutes do not state where they purchased the rig from, it would make sense that they would purchased another rig from Barren Hill since they already had an association with the company. I plan to get a hold of someone from Barren Hill to see what their minutes say, maybe that will give us a definite answer, but in the past I have not had much luck with departments returning my messages or calls.

South Penn Street Homes Destroyed

On May 28, 1923 at 3:30 p.m., South Penn Street extended (the paper refers to this area as Wrightsville, I had never heard of the area being called that way before). When firemen arrived one house was well involved. With no hydrants in the area the firemen were of little use and the flames quickly spread to a neighboring home. Both homes were destroyed along with the contents of one. Most of the belongings in the exposure building were removed before the flames consumed it. Children playing with matches may have caused the fire. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Newburg Barn Burns

On May 27 1967 sometime in the afternoon hours, KGD-556 alerted fore companies for a barn fire on Star Route 2, Newburg. Defective electrical wiring sparked a blaze that destroyed the barn and its contents. One calf was lost in the blaze. Firemen from two companies fought the fire for about four hours. A damage estimate was not available. Four years earlier the house burnt down on the same property. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at scene.

Community Ambulance Completes First Year Of Service

On Thursday May 26, 1932 the Cumberland Valley Hose Company Community Ambulance completed exactly one year of service to Shippensburg and the surrounding community. In the year the ambulance made 85 trips and massed over 4,000 miles.

This photograph appeared in The News Chronicle on May 26, 1967. Pictured are the officers of the Vigilant Ladies Auxiliary. Seated from left to right are Dolores Myers, president; Blanche Mastalski, vice president; Nancy Holtry, treasurer. Standing left to right is Evelyn Helm and Catherine Sanders, trustees and Nancy Thompson, secretary.

Newburg Woodcraft Destroyed By Fire

On May 25, 2004 at 5:28 p.m. box 15-5 was alerted for a building struck by lightning on 8915 Rowe Run Road, Southampton, Franklin County. When the first unit arrived five minutes later fire had control of the second floor and a defense attack was ordered. The building contained the Newburg Woodcrafters building and made furniture, it was formerly the Pinola Chicken Hatchery. Firefighters from six companies had the fire in the 50 by 100 foot building under control by 7:59 p.m. Units remained on the scene until 9:30 p.m. Damages were estimated at $350,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene.

At 10:36 p.m. units returned for a rekindle and were available in 15 minutes. On May 26 units again responded for a rekindle at 5:45 a.m., units remained on the scene for over three hours.

300 Chickens And Livestock Perish In Greenvillage Fire

On May 24 1941 at 2:10 a.m. firemen were alerted to a barn fire on the Molly Pitcher Highway at the southern edge of Greenvillage. By the time members of the Franklin's had arrived the barn was well involved and a nearby chicken house and hog pen were on fire. Firemen pumped water from a cistern on the scene to protect other building on the property. Lost in the fire were 30 hogs, 300 chickens a cow, calf and a valuable stallion along with other belongings. Because of the high winds spreading sparks through out Greenvillage the Vigilant Hose Company’s rural pumper was requested for assistance. Damages were estimated at $8,000.

Trindel’s IGA Foodliner Burns

On May 23, 1971 at 9:34 p.m. the local Civil Defense room alerted the Shippensburg Fire Department to a building fire at Trindel’s IGA Foodliner on the corner of East Orange Street and Hollar Avenue. When firemen arrived flames were coming through the roof on the Hollar Avenue side. Firefighters had the blaze under control within an hour and declared out at 12:30 a.m. Borough Fire Chief Ed Thrush said the storage area suffered heavy fire damage and the main store suffered extensive damage from heat and smoke. Firemen found the blaze difficult to fight because of the dense smoke and the false ceilings installed when the building was remodeled. The chief said the fire was “very suspicious in origin”. Damages were estimated at $150,000. One firefighter was injured and treated at Chambersburg Hospital and released.

At 2:40 a.m. Chief Thrush was making a routine check on the fire when he discovered it had rekindled. With the help of the fire policemen still on the scene they used a hose that was left connected to a hydrant on Hollar Avenue to extinguish the fire. Later in the afternoon the three fire companies again returned to the scene for a rekindle. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze.

Barn Burns Down In North End Of Town

On May 22, 1859 at about 9 p.m. the cry of fire could be heard over Shippensburg. Firemen from the Vigilant’s pulling the “Hibernia” engine and the Cumberland boys pulling the “Cumberland Valley” engine raced to the scene on the north end of town. By the time the firemen arrived the barn was well off and efforts were made to save the exposures. A small stable was also destroyed. A damage estimate was not available. A suspect was later arrested for firing the barn. The Vigilant Fire and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.

Eight Buildings Destroyed In Cove Alley

On May 21, 1935 at 6:30 p.m. the Newville Fire Company was alerted for a fire on Cove Alley in the borough of Newville. The blaze started in the frame stable of Wilbur Getter and spread to the stables on both sides. The fire spread so rapidly that the Friendship’s were unable to gain control of it and quickly summoned help from Shippensburg and Carlisle.

By the time firemen from five companies could get control of the blaze at 7:30 p.m. seven stables were burnt to the ground, some located on Liberty Alley (this was in the area of the fountain and Big Spring Avenue). Damages were estimated at $3,800. This was Newville’s worst fire since August 1913 when eleven stables were destroyed along Church Alley. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene. While en route the Cumberland Valley engine suffered mechanical difficulties but quick repairs got the rig back on the road in time to help at the fire.

Barn And Two Out Buildings Destroyed In Lurgan Township

On May 20, 2002 at 7:15 p.m. Franklin County 911 alerted a 51 box for a barn fire at 7753 Brethren Church Road, Lurgan Township. When crews arrived they found a barn and two attached wagon sheds well involved. Along with the buildings a car, tractor, motorcycle, lumber and other items were lost. Approximately 50 firefighters from nine companies battled the blaze and remained on the scene until 1:30 a.m. One civilian was injured. Firefighters shuttled water from a nearby stream. A damage estimate or cause was unavailable. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Cumberland County Firemen Organize

On May 19, 1927 sixty Cumberland county firemen representing 12 companies attended an organizational meeting of the Cumberland County Firemen’s Association held in Carlisle. Officers were elected.

Criswell’s Warehouse Burned To The Ground

On May 18, 1869 a few minutes past one o’clock in the afternoon an alarm of fire was sounded in Shippensburg. Firemen soon found the fire to be in the rear of Criswell’s warehouse on Railroad Street. Flames spread rapidly in the two-story frame building causing its complete destruction. The building was only 18-months old built after fire destroyed the previous building on the site. Firemen concentrated their efforts on protecting two nearby dwellings and a stable. A damage estimate was not available. Charles Railing of the Cumberland Valley Fire Company suffered a broken arm after it got caught under a brake on the engine while he was trying to attach a hose. The Vigilant Fire and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.

Pinola Road Buildings Burn

On May 17, 1979 in the evening hours firemen from four companies were alerted to a fire on the Pinola Road, Shippensburg R.D. 3. Firefighters arrived to find a workshop and chick shed well involved. A damage estimate and cause were not available. The West End Fire and Rescue, Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Hunting Cabin Destroyed In Early Morning Fire

On May 16, 1962 at 3:30 a.m. the Vigilant Hose Company was sent t the Locust Inn on Shippensburg R.R. 2 for a cabin fire after a neighbor spotted flames coming from the building and called the Shippensburg radio room. When firemen arrived the building was well involved and had extended to the mountain. Efforts were made to stop the spread of fire and protect a nearby garage. The cause was undetermined and a dollar loss was not available. The Vigilant’s returned to quarters about 4:45 a.m.

KGD-556 Begins Broadcasting

On Sunday May 15, 1955 the Cumberland County civil defense radio network was placed into service. The aerial was placed on the municipal building (Vigilant fire station) the day before. Three 60-watt stations cover Cumberland County, the one in Shippensburg and one in the county jail at Carlisle and the West Shore police headquarters. Seventy trucks, ambulances and cars belonging to Cumberland County fire fighting units were equipped with 30 watt sending and receiving radios. In Shippensburg two fire trucks and both ambulances of the Cumberland Valley Hose were equipped and the ladder truck of the Vigilant Hose was equipped with radios. Other units covered by Shippensburg’s station included two pieces from the Newville Fire Company and one from Centerville.

The Shippensburg station was to be manned 24 hours a day by members of the Shippensburg police force. The FCC certified patrolmen as operators of the local station.

The Fight For Motorization

May 14, 1919 after trying in previous years to go motorized in late May the Vigilant Hose Company announced that they want a motorized fire engine and have established a committee. The company planned to launch a fund drive to purchase a rig. At the June Council session a delegation from the Vigilant’s made a request for motorized fire apparatus. With no progress the Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies both presented their cases for motorization at the August council session. Over the next several months American LaFrance visited Shippensburg and the local News Papers took up the cause of getting the firemen motorized equipment. By October Council set dates to visit Dillsburg, York and Carlisle for the purpose of inspecting their fire apparatus. No further action was taken by Council until there March 1920 session when they introduced an ordinance to purchase an American LaFrance rotary gear pumper and a Ford chemical wagon. In Councils May 1920 session the ordinance was finally passed to purchase two pieces of motorized fire apparatus for the borough companies. In July Council voted as to where to place the apparatus with the ALF pumper going to the C.V.’s and the Ford chemical going to the Vigilant’s. This started another riff between the Vigilant’s and Council, which will be covered, in a different post. On September 11, 1920 the American LaFrance combination chemical and hose car mounted on a Ford 1-ton chassis arrived in Shippensburg. On November 8, 1920 the American LaFrance “Junior” pumper arrived in Shippensburg finally giving the two companies a motorized piece of equipment.

There has been major incidents to occur on this day but this is an entry that needed to made someplace and the best place seemed like the beginning.

Wash House Destroyed, House Saved

On May 13, 1946 at 7:30 a.m. firemen were sent to the Ritner Highway, one mile north of town for a wash house fire. A hot fire in the fireplace used to heat water started the fire. The wash house was destroyed and a corner of the house was scorched. Damages were estimated at $500. The Vigilant Hose Company battled the blaze.

Two-Alarm Fire Damages Chambersburg House

On May 12, 2006 at 10:49 p.m., a Company 1 box was alerted to a house for at 352 West Burkhart Avenue, Chambersburg. A two-alarm fire that started on the back porch and extended to the second floor caused extensive damage to both sides of a duplex. Approximately 30 firefighters from five companies battled the blaze. A cause and dollar loss was not reported. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene.