Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Engine - Truck - Rescue - TROT
Historic Incidents
Through out a fire companies history there are always a few calls which stand out. Never forgotten and handed down from generation to generation.
Brantsville Train Wreck April 28. 1963
A train wreck involving tank cars resulted in a BLEVE.
Two tank cars were of major concern to arriving units. A tank car of Chlorine gas and one filled with propane. Burning cars on the proximity of these tank cars were the focus of the incident
Firefighters had been cooling the propane tank car via sweeping hose steams and master streams. Upon arrival county and sate agent offices ordered all streams to be "Tied down" and the area evacuated The resulting mushroom cloud could be seen for miles. Several firefighters received radiant burns, the county official was severely injured. Hundreds of feet of 2 1/2 hose and other equipment was left unusable. Pieces of the tank car which failed are said to still be in the mountain in the area of Indian Peg Road.
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The Grantham Aircraft Engine Works
This building once stood in the area of what is now Messiah College. Actually run up to seven alarms. Large amount of burning Magnesium and other exotic metals hampered suppression efforts.
Arch Street School July 29 1972
Fire broke out around noon. First arriving units found the bell tower and part of the roof well involved. Take note of Lower Allen Townships brand new ladder truck in front of the building
Thomas Printing January 12 1903
Updegraf's Bowling Alley
North Market Street and Railroad Crossing
March 31, 1956
Three young lives were lost in this tragedy
Harry D Shearer Age 2
Michael Shearer Age 4
Joann Shearer Age 8
The resulting public out cry lead to the first purchase of breathing apparatus in the Borough
Rakestraw's Ice Cream August 21, 1991
One of Mechanicsburg's best known landmarks, Rakestraws Ice Cream Factory was intentionally sent a blaze by an disgruntled employee
This was the last borough fire to reach 4th alarm status with units from just about every municipality in eastern Cumberland County lending assistance.
The employee who started the fire was found guilty of arson an jailed for his crime.
After a tremendous rebuilding effort the Ice Cream Shop reopened and is once again visited by thousands each year.
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