PLANT AND PLANS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 77, 27 September 1941, Page 10

PLANT AND PLANS

WAR FIRE FIGHTING

BRIGADE EXECUTIVES MEET

NEW EQUIPMENT

A series of definite recommendations was adopted at a conference of executive officers of New Zealand fire brigades, held in Wellington to consider what ie the organisation necessary in the Dominion to face any probable emergency and a greater fire danger than has previously threatened this country.

It ;■ was recognised that, because of its isolation, New Zealand is not likely to be subjected to frequent large-scale air raids ,or attack, but against that, it was stated, the standard-ol protection is much less, than in Britain, and the form of construction of - buildings in New Zealand cities renders thenmuch more vulnerable to incendiary bomb attack. Most blocks in the main towns have buildings highly dangerous from the fire point of view, and the only solution to that was .bought to fc; a fire-spotting system similar to that of Britain. It would not be necessary for this to be continuous, but it was considered that arrangements must be made to train units which would function immediately an emergency occurred.

EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDED

Equipment was discussed by the conference, which, because ot difficulties over supply of materials, approved, instead of the standard stirrup pump, a four-gallon bucket pump fitted with a 30-foot length of hose and a two-way nozzle of special design. Pending an adequate supply oi bucket pumps, the conference decided to recommend the issue of the standard hose which is part of this equipment, I with a connection so designed that it! can be attached to any tap. These can be manufactured in New Zealand, ft will not be possible at present to sup- ' ply bucket or stirrup pumps to dwellings, but the tap connection, hose, and special nozzle N can -be made available. TRAILER UNITS AND BUCKET*" PUMPS. It is estimated that 25,000 bucket pumps will be needed for business premises in the principal centres. It was reported that the manufacture of the 120 trailer pumps required for emergency service in both islands was 'nearly completed) 100 having now been made available; Wellington area receives 30 of these powerful units on loan from th§ Government. With equipment, the trailer pump costs £650. Representations have been made to the Government that it is essential to! retain a percentage of experienced firemen in the main areas in order to maintain an efficient service. Already 480 out of the 3000 firemen in permanent or voluntary ■ services have joined the armed forces.

New Zealand fire loss recoi'ds show that only' on a very few occasions have there been fires involving losses exceeding £100,000, but the conference considered, the whole conception of fire fighting had to be altered in. tlie face of the possibility of simultaneous outbreaks of a number of serious fires.