AIR-RAID EMERGENCY

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 47, 25 February 1937, Page 9

AIR-RAID EMERGENCY

FIRE-FIGHTING SYSTEM

(British Official Wireless.)

KUGBY, February 23.

The suggested emergency fire brigade organisation against air attack includes the use of high-power pumping engines and trailer-pumps, together with hose and other equipment. It will also be necessary to prepare in advance for the establishment of emergency . fire stations and a system of patrol units and fire posts to keep all streets under frequent observation and to be in a position to attack incipient fires without delay. For these purposes a large number of auxiliary personnel will be required to .be trained in peace-time with a view to wholetime or part-time service with fire brigades in an emergency. The Government is considering representations from local authorities as to the incidence of the cost of any necessary fire precautions and emergency fire brigades. Pending a decision on this question, the Government is undertaking to provide in kind approved types of appliances with hose and equipment up to a proportion of local authorities' requirements under approved local emergency schemes. Grants will be made towards the cost of the initial training and equipment of auxiliary personnel. Appropriate pro-, vision will be made in' the forthcoming estimates. Local management will remain, but there is in preparation a system of regional organisation which will tend to bring about co-operation between local authorities. A BILL FORESHADOWED. It is. estimated that some 200,000 men between 25 and 50 will be required as auxiliary firemen or reservists in connection with the scheme. The organisation of the scheme is the subject of a memorandum which has been addressed by the Home Office to all local authorities. The circular foreshadows a Bill in the present- session of Parliament to deal with the subject of fire brigade organisation generally, and states that it is hoped that schemes for war-time co-operation of fire brigades on a regional basis will be submitted to local authorities for their consideration as soon as the necessary work can be completed.

Declaring that the Home Secretary thinks the need for such measures is realised by local fire brigade authorities, the circular adds: "It is not related to any belief that war is imminent, but arises from the fact that measures-to guard against risk of incendiary attack form an important, if not the .most important, part of the defensive organisation for safeguarding the civil population against the effects of attacks by hostile aircraft."