EMERGENCY FIRE EQUIPMENT

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23478, 5 November 1941, Page 6

EMERGENCY FIRE EQUIPMENT

WARNING OF NEED FOR PREPAREDNESS CONTROLLER’S ADVICE TO OCCUPIERS With the emergency fire protection system in efficient operation in Christchurch a number of enemy aeroplanes could drop incendiary bombs on the city without the total destruction of a single building; without such protection a single aeroplane might possibly destroy the whole city. That is the warning given by the District Fire Controller (Mr A. Morrison) in recommendations that have been drawn,,up for the guidance of, property owners and the occupiers of buildings. One aeroplane, he points out, can carry 2000 incendiary bombs, so that the number of fires that might be started in a raid could not possibly be dealt with by the Fire Brigade or by the Emergency Fire Service. The importance of each building being equipped to deal with outbreaks on the premises should therefore need no emphasis. The removal of all inflammable material stored between ceilings and roofs, the provision of extra manholes and ladders to give ready access to these spaces, where incendiary bombs may easily lodge, and the acquisition of fire fighting equipment are steps that all owners and occupiers of premises should take as preliminary precautions, says Mr Morrison. Even where buildings are of fire-resisting materials a few pounds spent on fire fighting equipment, for the protection of the contents, are recommended as a sound investment. “There are two accepted methods of dealing with incendiary bombs and the resultant fires,” he continues. “One is by the use of sand equipment and the other by the use of water in the form of a spray. Water can be used in two ways—by the high pressure water supply and by the use of bucket or stirrup pumps. Extinguishers of Little Use "All types o£ hand chemical extinguishers are considered unsuitable for dealing with incendiary bombs, but some are useful for extinguishing small fires caused by the action of the bomb. “It is recommended that in all top floors of buildings lengths of half-inch rubber hose with dual purpose nozzles (spray and jet) be connected to the high pressure water supply. Each length should not exceed 60 feet and where possible one length should be placed conveniently close to the staircase, all other points to be so situated that lengths when fully extended should slightly overlap each other and cover every part of the floor. At least one or two bucket pumps should be provided on the top floor of every building, to be used in positions where the hose lines may not reach and also in case the high pressure water supply fails. In addition it is recommended, where possible, to provide tanks and buckets for the storage of water for bucket pumps. Sets of sand equipment should he provided on each and every floor.” Mr Morrison also recommends that .members of staffs .should enrol in the Emergency Precautions Services so that they will be provided .with the necessary badge of authority to permit them to pass cordons and allow them to proceed to their respective buildings in times of emergency. These selected persons should receive instruction in the use of equipment and the correct method of dealing with incendiary bombs. Officers and men of the Christchurch Fire Brigade are prepared to give the necessary instruction and demonstrations to owners, occupiers, and staffs on any working afternoon at the Central Fire Station.