GARAGE FIRES

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 12 March 1927, Page 13

GARAGE FIRES

VARIOUS CAUSES. HINTS FOR PREVENTION. A recent- Isstiie <u trie- “Agents’ Magazine,” issued by the Home Insurance Company of New York, contains an article that is- of peculiar interest to motorists, particularly those who elect to store their automobiles in public garages. It has been estimated that there are about- 59,989 such garages in the United' States. The tire hazard presents a considerable problem. It is not generally realised that- every three hours there is a garage fire somewhere in the count ry. Bet ween 1918 and 1922 the fire loss' in this class of buildings, exclusive of contents, amounted to 19,677,593 dollars, many of the fires being caused by surrounding exposures, that- is, originating in adjacent- or contiguous properties. There is much that the motorist can do to prevent this tremendous loss, which directly affects him. The chief originating causes were electricity, defective wiring, etc. Another danger is the possibility of developing static electricity while engaged in filling a petrol tank. The remedy is simple. See to it that the attendant keeps the metal nozzle in continuous contact with the mouth of the tank thus preventing a spark jumping from the nozzle to the tank. Other common causes are shown to be indiscriminate use of matches, open lamps, small oil -stoves, other heating appliances, and unregulated smoking. Spontaneous combustion of polishing fluids has caused many fires, as has painting cars on the premises. All painting should be done outside the garage. Oily rags should be placed in metal containers. Loss has been occasioned by explosions. A great many of them were due to back-firing in the carburettor or ill the muffler. Another menace exists in many garages which have pits sunk in the floor for the convenience of mechanics. Petrol vapour being heavier than air, accumulations in the pits are ignited by a spark. A better arrangement is the use of racks or ramps above the garage floor, which enables the air to circulate freely. Rubbish, litter, and spare parts should not be allowed to clutter up the place. Good house-keeping is of as much advantage in a garage as in a home. Metal containers should be provided for all inflammable materials.