WARNING DEVICES

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30288, 14 November 1963, Page 16

WARNING DEVICES

Suggestions To Fire Board

A suggestion by a bus driver that fire engines switch their lights on in the day time as an extra recognised warning, was received by the Christchurch Metropolitan Fire Board last evening.

. It was also suggested that the fire engines have a flashing red light mounted on top, and that the latest siren device in the United States be investigated. The three suggestions will be forwarded to the New Zealand Fire Service Council. The bus driver, Mr E. T. Dewar, of Hornby, said that he had noticed a fire engine about half a mile away on the Main South road because its lights had apparently been left on. It was daylight. He pulled his bus into the side of the road before reaching a congested shopping area, thus allowing the fire engine a free passage. “I did not hear the engine’s siren until it was about 100 yards away, and it occurred to me that switching the lights on could be an additional warning signal," Mr Dewar said. The Chief Fire Officer (Mr L. R. Osmond) said it was most gratifying to learn of co-operation between bus drivers and the fire brigade. The question of leaving lights on as a standard practice would have to be a matter for the traffic and transport authorities. The chairman (Mr W. R. Campbell) said the suggestion could be referred to the New Zealand Urban Fire Authorities’ Association. The court action resulting in the board having to pay damages after a collision had been referred to the association. Mr T. H. Boyle said that a red.flashing light, such as on ambulances and police vehicles, would give added safety to firemen at night and be an additional warning device by day. Mr Osmond said that inquiries had been made into this aspect. It would appear that it would need the approval of the Transport Department. Mr Osmond said that in the United States the latest device was a small siren with an amplifier worked on a directional beam. The sound could be turned in whatever direction the siren needed most to be heard. In addition, verbal warnings of the direction the engine was going to turn, and so on, were given over the amplifier.