Story & Photos by
JENNIFER HANN

On Thursday June 27th, the Franklin County area was hit by a thunderstorm that kept the Franklin County 911 telecommunicators very busy. At 1842 hrs.things began to really happen when a dispatch was made for Co. 3 Rescue Hose Company of Greencastle, PA. The center received a call reporting a barn fire at 1620 Buchanan Trail East, Antrim Township, Franklin County. The barn assignment on box 3-02 was dispatched alerting first due Co. 3 Greencastle, Co. 2 Waynesboro, Co. 5 Mont Alto, and Co. 3 EMS. Upon arrival of Engine 3-1, a 3'' supply line was laid from the main highway back the lane to the barn structure. At this time, only heavy gray and black smoke was showing on their side as they approached.

Hand lines were pulled and the crew found a fire on the other side of the building. This normal extinguishment was about to change within the next few minutes. The huge size barn, located at Shank Pallet Recycling, suddenly erupted into a huge fire ball, backing up all firefighters feeling the extreme heat. Chief 3 arrived and assumed command 3 while 1st Lt. 3 had been assigned as water supply officer.

The barn -- which contained a car, a boat, numerous amounts of hay and other items -- became now an exterior attack and to protect the two very near outbuildings. The heat was so hot that members of Co. 3 had to hose down thier own engine which was positioned in a safe area. The need for additional water became very evident. At 1901 hrs. 3 additional tankers were requested by water supply. Those tankers were Co.9 Mercersburg, Washington County tankers from Co. 9 Leitersburg and Co 13 Maugansville. Water was accessed from a hydrant located at a nearby buisness, Grove Mfg. and a very near cistern.

The fire and heavy smoke could now be seen for a few miles away. Additional requests for appartus was being requested by Command 3. Traffic was rerouted from Buchanan Trail East by fire police from Co. 3 as well as additional fire police from neighboring departments. At 1910 hrs., water supply requested engine 263 from Washington County Co. 26 Halfway and Engine 7-3 from Co. 7 Smithsburg. Several other requests for manpower brought Co. 8 Marion Eng. 8-1 and Squad 8 and from New Franklin Eng. 17-1.

The cause of the fire and amount of damage is unknown. The State Police Fire Maeshal was called to assist. Transfer assignments to Co. 3 were Engine 45 from Franklin Fire Co in Chambersburg and Engine 1-32 from Maugensville. Most of the units were on the scene until just after midnight. Engine tanker 3 remained on the scene until 0721 hrs. the next morning.