“BRIGADE HAS TAKEN RISKS IN THE PAST.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19201, 15 October 1930, Page 5

“BRIGADE HAS TAKEN RISKS IN THE PAST.”

BOARD SEEKS OPINION AS TO ITS LIABILITY

The question as to whether or not fire boards can be held liable for damage done to property by brigades in going to fires outside the fire area was discussed at the meeting of the Christchurch Fire Board last night. The chairman, Mr J. R. Cameron, stated that the board by* agreement had at different times protected private and public property*, outside the Christchurch fire area. lie asked whether by so doing they could be charged with breaking the law. In reply the. secretary, Mr C. J. Tre leaven, said that in the event of property being damaged by the brigade the board could be held responsible.

The chairman: But if a house or a public institution is burning down what damage can the brigade do? The secretary: It is adjacent pro perty that matters. Mr T Charters stated that under agreement any liability suffered by the board should be passed on to the persons whose property was being protected.

It was decided to obtain legal opinion on the matter. A letter upon the subject under consideration was received from the Masterton Fire Board. It was decided to reply that in the past the Christchurch Board had protected private and public institutions outside the fire area, taking the risk of liability for any damage.