Chimneys Must Be Kept Clean, Says Fire Board

Northern Advocate, 17 August 1949, Page 3

Chimneys Must Be Kept Clean , Says Fire Board

“THERE should not be any of these chimney fires—they cause a lot of trouble to the firemen,” said the chairman of the Whangarei Fire Board (Mr R. V. Thompson) at a board meeting last night. He was commenting on the report of the brigade superintendent (Mr S. V. Fulljames), which mentioned a chimney fire.

The question of imposition of fines on those whose chimneys caught tire was discussed. “It doesn't seem fair to me that the employers of our firemen should have to release them because someone allows his chimney to catch fire,” said the chairman. “We've got to study the employers, and something must be done to prevent these fires. People must know that they've got to keep their chimneys clean.” “A householder must keep his chimney clean according to the by-law, and we have only had two chimney fires this winter,” commented Mr H. W. James. “However.” he added, “that doesn't exonerate the two people concerned.” £4OOO FIRE LOSS The strength of the brigade Was 28 men, the superintendent reported During the past quarter the brigade was called on 10 occasions. Fire caused no damage in four instances. There was one false alarm. During the year ending March 31, 37 calls were received, 19 fires involving buildings or contents. Insurances on property where fires occurred, amounted to £12,165 for buildings, and £10.239 for contents. Loss of property covered by insurance amounted to £2501 for buildings and £1194 for centeots. The loss of property not covered by insurance totalled £IOO for buildings and £223 for contents. The total property loss was: Buildings £2601, contents £1417, a total of

£4OIB. During general business Mr James said the panic bolts in the Druids’ Hal) were the most dangerous things he had ever seen. If anyone leaned on one of the doors on which a bolt was fixed he would fall head over heels outside. The bolts on the Town Hall doors seemed to be much safer. “You have got to use commonsense with fiiose doors,” commented the chairman. 1 The superintendent said the bolts in the Town Hall were of a bad type. The type at the Druids’ Hall being easy to operate, had met with general approval. “Too easy,” murmured Mr James. He thought they were all right for a theatre, but not for a dance or similar type of hall. They were definitely dangerous. A smaller “trigger” would be much more desirable. SUPERINTENDENT RETIRING Mr Eyles’ motion that the superintendent Mr James, acid himself inspect these panic bolts and arrange for any alterations deemed necessary was carried. On the motion of Mr V. G. Hill it was decided to advertise throughout the four main centres for a superintendent. to succeed Mr S. V. Fulljames. who an February 14 next, retires after 5(1 years' brigade service.