Compulsory Scheme For Firebomb Fighting

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 17, 21 January 1941, Page 2

Compulsory Scheme For Firebomb Fighting

(British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Jau. 18. Mr. Herbert Morrison, announcing the Government’s new compulsory scheme for lirebomo lighting to-da\, explained that be was taking power to impose compulsory part-time service iu all branches of the civil defence force i for men and women between the ages ot 16 and 60. For the time being thesfc powers would be used only in connection with the lire prevention service for countering lire bombs. Also for the time being the power would apply to men only within age limits which the Minister would determine. The amount of compulsory service required is not to exceed 48 hours per month and the order will apply in all areas where lire raids are likely to be great. The scheme includes residential as well as industrial and commercial premises and for industrial and commercial premises all occupiers of lactory and office buildings in the area to which the order applies will be required to make satisfactory arrangements for fire prevention and iu particular ensure that enough people are available for each with an allotted task. There will be a general obligation upon men of all grades, including the management, to take a turn of duty iu firebomb fighting outside their normal working hours. For this service they are not entitled to remuneration. If arrangements, either on a voluntary or compulsory basis, are not made by the occupier the appropriate authority it empowered to step in and make them, charging the occupier with any expenses involved. Compulsory service at the place of work takes precedence over compulsory service at the place of residence, but those already doing 48 hours' civil defence service monthly in a residential area will not be liable to be called upon for duty at their place of work. For residential protection each local authority to whose area the order applies will be required to organise parties of firebomb fighters to cover all that part of its urea other than factory and com-

mercial premises. The Regional Commissioner will decide which local authority areas have not at that stage enough volunteers serving to operate the schemes. In 1 those areas which he considers insufficiently staffed he wrill direct the local authority to require men in certain age groups to register. The local authority wrill then give public notice that all men thus registered are called up for fire

prevention duties. Near Centenarian as Fire Fighter

The firebomb menace is already being |tackled with effective zeal. The latest champion is an old lady who, on her 09th birthday and alone in her house, mounted to the attic and with snnd and water kept the flames in check until the ceiling collapsed on her, when she decided to obtain additional help.