As wildfires burned nearly 3,000 acres of Michaux State Forest this past week, Shippensburg area residents rallied to support both first-responders and one another.

The Thompson Hollow and Hammonds Rocks fires, which began Wednesday and Thursday respectively, prompted evacuations in Southampton Township and drew hundreds of emergency responders from across South Central Pennsylvania and beyond. 

The fires, fueled by dry conditions and high winds, taxed local fire companies beyond the scale of normal operations — and the community responded in kind.

“We’re appreciative that in times of need, we know that the community is going to pull together,” Vigilant Hose Chief Bryon Coy said. “Between the food, the non-perishable items, the water, the Gatorade — I know that it’s been impactful for all the stations in the area.”

In the days since the start of the fires, a wave of support has flooded into local fire stations. Over a thousand cases of bottled water were dropped off by residents, businesses and local organizations, along with fresh food, energy drinks, snacks and supplies. 

Within hours of a Facebook post advising residents where to drop off donations, local fire companies were overwhelmed by the quantity of donations that they had to ask for a temporary pause to sort and distribute them.

“We’ve kind of exceeded our storage area here,” Coy said. “We are looking to store some of these items even at some of our township facilities.”

West End Fire & Rescue chief James White noted that the duration of the fire required a much greater volume of supplies than a typical house fire call. To him, the community certainly answered the call. “They did a great job supporting us,” White said.

Many businesses also stepped up to provide support to the firefighting effort. White noted that Orrstown Bank and other local businesses made large donations. 

One such business was Taco Trap House, a food truck, which went up to the fire to feed first-responders for free. 

White and Coy said that the magnitude of the fire reflected the fire’s uniquely high visibility. Unlike a house fire or small brush fire, the Thompson Hollow and Hammonds Rocks fires were visible across the Cumberland Valley, and saw a good deal of media attention.

Support was not limited to donations of food and money. Volunteers from other fire departments and retired firefighters came out to help by staffing stations, answering phones, cleaning rigs and supporting things behind the scenes.

Across Shippensburg and its surrounding areas, community members also found ways to support one another. 

Saving Acres Farm made a post on Friday offering their pastures for emergency livestock sheltering. Others offered similar support for their neighbors. 

Although rain on Friday night helped slow the fires’ spread, officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said it did not extinguish the fires. As of Saturday afternoon, the Thompson Hollow fire had burned approximately 470 acres and the Hammonds Rocks fire had burned around 470.

Some of that acreage was due to intentional controlled burns, a tactic in which firefighters burn an area in order to create firebreaks and contain the spread.

By Saturday, the Cumberland County Department of Public Safety reported that 80% of evacuated residents were allowed to return home. No homes were lost, and no injuries were reported. 

While the immediate emergency appears to be winding down, fire officials stressed that their need for community support will not end.

“We understand that the donations will drop off, we understand that the attention and the cameras will go away,” Coy said. “What we hope though is that people remember that in times of need, this is what we're here for.”

While donations of food and bottled water are greatly appreciated, monetary donations are also important. Shippensburg’s fire companies are all volunteer, yet running the department is not free.

White explained that fire fighting equipment can be expensive to purchase and maintain. A full set of gear for one person alone costs around $6,000. Replacing hoses and air packs can cost tens of thousands, while an engine or truck may cost millions.

Coy and White stressed that in addition to donations of food and money, the most meaningful and lasting way to support local fire companies is to volunteer. 

“If I had it my way, they would join,” White said. “You can't put a price tag on a volunteer.”

Both West End and Vigilant Hose are open to new members. Volunteers are needed not only for firefighting but also for administrative support, fundraising and other roles.

“Everybody has a place here at West End,” White said. “We always find a spot for someone.”

Coy echoed that sentiment, noting that Vigilant Hose Company has a long tradition of welcoming student volunteers from Shippensburg University and the surrounding area. The station offers live-in opportunities for volunteers, including students.

“Don't be afraid to stop by and say hello,” Coy said. “We're here 24/7.”

For those interested, White and Coy say to reach out through the companies’ websites, social media, or stopping by the stations in person.

Despite the challenges, local firefighters take pride in the strength and size of their volunteer forces. 

“We believe that we are prepared to handle and mitigate almost any time of incident within the realm of the volunteer fire service,” White said. 

Coy encouraged the community to remember their volunteer fire companies, even when the smoke can't be seen across the valley. 

“Don't just look at us as a group that when you need to call 911 will show up,” Coy said. “Remember us in all those other moments.”

“As the smoke continues to clear over South Mountain, Shippensburg firefighters hope that the spirit of solidarity and generosity will endure.

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