FIRE BRIGADE YEAR

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 196, 16 May 1936, Page 21

FIRE BRIGADE YEAR

Reports of Superintendent and Board Chairman DECREASE IN YEAR’S CALLS A report on the operations of the Wellington Fire Brigade for (lie year ended March 31 last was submitted to the Fire Board yesterday by Mr. C. A. Woolley, the superintendent. “The number of calls attended was 635, a decrease of 228 as compared with the corresponding period of tbe previous year, says the report. Actual fires numbered 411, false alarms 224, and of this number 130 (27 through exchange telephone, 16 through Kirkby street fire alarms and the remaining 87 through the telephone street tire alarm system) wore maliciously given. The year under review had been noteworthy for a most exceptional freedom from serious fires, there being nothing under that heading to record. No fatalities through fire occurred during the year, and only four cases of minor injuries caused through burns were recorded. New Plant and Equipment.

“A specially-designed salvage van. built to brigade specifications, has been placed in commission at headquarters station, and will support the first turnout appliance at all city tires. Additional salvage equipment, including 20 new waterproof sheets, has been commissioned. Ten new half-hour sets of self-contained breathing apparatus And 12 respirator half-masks were added to the inventory of tbe brigade’s smoke equipment, and are proving a valuable asset in file work of the'brigade. A supply of respirators and breathing apparatus is now carried on all brigade appliances. All motor appliances have been regularly serviced and kept in first-class running order. The No. 1 Dennis pump was overhauled and repainted in the brigade workshops. and all brass work on this appliance has been cliromium-plated. “The work of servicing private fire equipmnt is steadily increasing in volume. Throughout the year 1083

chemical extinguishers and 136 lengths of hose received the brigade’s attention. Suggestions and advice have been well received, where it was offered by brigade officers to owners and occupants of business and other premises for more adequate protection, or the better distribution of that already installed. The latter point is well demonstrated by brigade records, which show that during the year, 27 tires involving property were successfully extinguished by the use of private fire equipment, without recourse to the brigade’s services. "The discipline and efficiency of the service had been well maintained, and the officers and staff continued to take a keen interest in the performance of their duties. This has been evidenced by the fact that throughout the year, several members were successful iu gaining examination diplomas, both in the Institute of Fire Engineers, Great Britain, and the New Zealand Fire Brigade Officers’ and .Members’ Institute.

••’l'lie new headquarters station in Clyde Quay is now in course of erection, and should be ready for occupation early next year, 'i'lie congestion of recent years will thus be relieved, in that suflicieut aceommoda(ion will be available for the satisfactory housing of married and single members of the staff, plant and equipment. A new’ heating system lias been installed at Constable Street station, and is working very satisfactorily. Considerable repairs have been effected at. this station, with a view of preventing water seepage through the walls and roof, and although some improvement has been made, further attention is still necessary. The outside walls and roof of the Thorndon station will require to be painted during the coming year, in order to maintain a presentable appearance until such times as consideration can be given to the matter of replacing this station.” 'rhe report was received. Chairman's Report. In the course of his report for the past year, the chairman of the board, .Mr. N. W. Nelson, said that the expenditure for the year ended March 31 was £29,324. £lOO less than that of tbe previous twelve months. The estimated expenditure for the current 'year (1936-7) was £32,324. The total premiums collected by the insurance companies contributing to the funds of the board amounted to £164,899 3/3, and the companies’ contribution to the board’s funds was £14,500 (8.7932 per cent.).