FIRE-FIGHTERS' NEW TASK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 270, 13 November 1937, Page 13

FIRE-FIGHTERS' NEW TASK.

BRIGADE WITH A BISTORT.

COPENHAGEN.

Formed 250 years ago to protect the city from bombardment, Copenhagen's fire department now is studying defence against air raids, Us chief announced here in connection with the anniversary celebration. Originally conceived in 1659, when the Swedes were causing terror in the city with their ultra-modern artillery, which hurled red-hot cannon balls into the wooden buildings of Copenhagen, the fire department was not formally organised until 1687. Two of its heaviest days were in 1728 when 1430 houses and Ave churches were burned, and in 1795, when the city was again almost wiped out by a fire that destroyed 947 houses. In 1801 and 1807, when Lord Nelson's fleet lay off in the sound and bombarded the city, the fire department again had defence duties.

Since then its service has been more peaceful. It has the most modern equipment, with a radio network to direct the firefighters, and a new Danish "foam-tender" for smothering electrical or oil fires with a blanket of chemical foam.

Asbestos uniforms and smoke masks help to protect the personnel in their i work.