FIRE BRIGADE HAMPERED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 31 March 1930, Page 4

FIRE BRIGADE HAMPERED

THOUGHTLESS MOTORISTS "Time is the essence of the contract" with the Fire Brigade when a call is received to a fire. No one would intentionally hinder the brigade's call to duty; but unfortunately thoughtless motorists often cause a good deal of anxiety to brigadesmen. A case in point was in connection with a call to Waimea road last evening. Captain Bennett, who was on the motor engine, told a "Mail" representative to-day that progress was hindered by motorists attempting to race the brigade. At least three cars passed the fire engine, which was travelling at a good rate, whilst others were also crowding about. Another point which Captain Bennett mentioned was that motorists draw up their ears near the scene of a fire, covering water plugs and generally hindering the brigade in its work. The main purpose of the siren is to give a warning to clear the way. He states that lie feels sure that once the matter is pointed out the public will do its utmost to see that the brigade is not ■ hampered in its work. j At the fire ■in Scotland street on , Sunday morning the good intentions of ] some early arrivals to save some of the contents of the dwellinghouse had just the opposite effect. The front door, was broken open, which caused a big draught to be set up and fanned the flames to such an extent that the house vas destroyed. As a matter of fact, the | brigade had the fire under control at the time, but unfortunately their ef- j forts were frustrated. It is a natural thing for early arrivals at a fire to endeavour to save property; but it would be wise not to do anything without authority from.the brigade, providing, | of course, any member of that body is | present at the time.