CITY FIRE BRIGADE

Southland Times, Issue 24755, 28 May 1942, Page 6

CITY FIRE BRIGADE

YEAR’S WORK REVIEWED

The number of calls received by the Invercargill Fire Brigade during the 12 months ended March 31, 1942, was 146, nine fewer than during the previous year, stated the superintendent, Mr J. Philp, in the course of a report on the work of the brigade for the year presented at a meeting of the Fire Board yesterday. Actual fires numbered 117. Of these 54 were property fires, an increase of four compared with the total in the previous year, 20 were gorse, grass or refuse fires, a decrease of 18, and 43 were chimney fires, a decrease of 12. False alarms numbered 29. No serious fire occurred during the year, the largest being in premises occupied by the New Zealand Express Company. No extensions to the alarm system were carried out during the year, but consideration would have to be given to this matter when the war was finished and the materials were procurable. The system was working satisfactorily and giving very little trouble.

During the year an Emergency Fire Service was organized. Three trailer pumps were manned and the personnel trained in all phases of the work. Truck squads had been trained and posted to the various sections. During the year permanent members of the staff were granted new award conditions, including increased leave. To keep the fire-fighting strength up to a reasonable standard the board agreed to increase the staff by seven firemen and one junior station officer.