FIRE PROTECTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24144, 10 December 1941, Page 8

FIRE PROTECTION

PLAN FOE EMERGENCIES SURVEY OF BUILDINGS * DUTIES OF OCCUPIERS Prompt action is being taken by the chairman of the Central Committee of the Emergency Precautions Service, Mr. J. A. C. Allum, to give effect to the new provisions of the Emergency Reserve Corps Regulations for the compulsory fire protection of buildings. Under the regulations the chairman is empowered to give such "orders and directions as he deems necessary for the protection of buildings from fire arising from war or any other emergency, and in particular to require owners to provide fire-fighting equipment, occupiers and their employees in tho buildings to serve during emergency a& fire patrols and fire fighters, and to undertake training for that service.

"These are far-reaching requirements," said Mr. Allum. "and involve a very heavy task to bo undertaken at short notice, without guiding precedent. and under conditions approaching those of emergency. This matter is being taken in hand by the Fire Technical Group Committee which has been specialty augmented by the appointment or representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, Manufacturers Association, Employers' Association, and of business interests in Queen Street, Karangahape Road, Symonds Street and Newmarket. Technical Experts

"This committee will shortly be inviting organisations of architects, builders, surveyors and engineers to appoint a number of co-opted members to assist with the technical aspects. I have delegated the powers vested in me under the regulations to Mr. J. J. Kingston, chairman of the committee, and I am confident they can look to the business community for the fullest measure of co-operation in the -work. Mr. Allum said that the first duty of the committee would be to declare a high risk area and arrange .for a survey of about 20 buildings typical of the various grades of fire risks, prepare reports covering construction and contents, and indicate the nature of the equipment required. This data would be available as a guide to the individual surveys. The next step would be the serving on owners of the requisitions for fire equipment. Meanwhile, with the assistance, possibly, of warden personnel, arrangements would be made for the occupiers to organise their fire guard, or "spotter" units. Supply of Equipment Arrangements had been made for the Public Works Department to provide bucket-pumps, universal, tap connections, rubber hose and sand containers at cost price to the local authorities, which would retail them at a commission of 5 per cent, said Mr. Allum. The local bodies were being asked also to handle the sale of sand, wooden shovels and wooden rakes. The City Council was willing to act as purchasing authority for the other local bodies in the metropolitan area. " _ The committee will establish its headquarters at the Emergency Precautions Service office in the Huddart-Parker Building in Quay Street East.

MOTOR VEHICLES WANTED REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS An urgent appeal for volunteers to offer motor vehicles for emergency firefighting work was made last night by the chief warden, Mr. J. A. C. Allum. Mr. Allum stated that abput 50 additional vehicles, mostly of light types, were required. It was hoped that those offering their vehicles would undertake to drive them. _ . The emergency fire service required ten lOcwt. vehicles for towing fire hoses and similar work, 20 light vehicles capable of carrying loads of about or one ton, and 20 light motorcars or motor-cycles for despatch work, stated the chief warden. Under emergency regulations the local controller was empowered to impress vehicles, but the Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board recognised that more efficiency would be gained if voluntary assistance was given. Vehicle owners prepared to offer assistance will report to the superintendent of the Auckland Fire Brigade, Mr. W. L. Wilson.

RAID PROTECTION THE PROVISION OF SHELTERS A decision to ask the City Council to call a conference representative of all local bodies in the metropolitan area for the purpose of discussing the provision of snelters for protection in the case of bombardment or air raids was made at a meeting of the Auckland Harbour Board yesterday. Mr. E. V. Sutherland, who moved the resolution, said that one plan which he had in mind was an excavation under Victoria Street East and Albert Park which could be used after the war as a motor parking area. Another scheme was an excavation in the vicinity of Grey's Avenue on the route of the proposed underground railway route to the north.

It was stated that the question was under consideration by the City Council at the present time. The resolution was carried.