Firemen’s Good Work

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31248, 21 December 1966, Page 20

Firemen’s Good Work

Christchurch citizens, fortunately, seldom see their fire brigade fighting a fire as large as that which gutted the Para Rubber Company’s premises yesterday afternoon. Thousands watched the firemen at work dealing with a blaze that was most awkward to reach. Some may not have appreciated the difficulties the firemen faced and overcame with remarkable swiftness and with very little damage to adjoining property. The brigade showed that it is well equipped, well trained, and well commanded. Fire prevention, of course, is just as important as firefighting; and Christchurch also has reason for satisfaction with the brigade’s promotion of measures to prevent fires and its vigilant watch over buildings for fire hazards. Sueh constant vigilance often means that small fires are more easily prevented from becoming big ones. Although the firemen were not able to prevent a big outbreak yesterday they are to be congratulated on preventing a much heavier toll of property and possibly of life.