FIRE MENACE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 233, 1 October 1929, Page 8

FIRE MENACE

RISK AND PREVENTION ROTARY CLUB ADDRESS Almost all fires were due to some preventable causes said Rotarian W. R. Mummery in the course of an interesting address on ‘‘Fire Risks and Fire Protection,” delivered at the Rotary Club’s luncheon yesterday. Outbreaks he said were the result of carelessness, ignorance or criminal intention. Causes of fires had been classified in eight groups, continued the speaker. These were: (1) direct ignition by flame or glowing material, (2) Spontaneous heating or combustion, (3) spontaneous ignition, (4) explosion, (5) Electric sparks or flashes of lightning, (6) focussed sun rays, or insolation, (1) chemical reactions and (8) friction. Reports on fires in unoccupied premises showed that the greatest number occurred between 6 p.m. and midnight. Dealing with the sources of fires, the speaker went on to say that flax, stored in warm positions, such as under a roof, or close to hot steam pipes, would char with prolonged heating. Paper and wood would char,at temperatures not much higher than 212 degrees fahrenheit, or even lower, if subjected to the heat for a prolonged period. The spontaneous ignition of inflammable vapours was a likely source of fires, where the users of the liquids of low flash point were ignorant of any risk. The hazard of static electricity might be grouped under explosion or electric spark and was of particular importance in connection with the petroleum industry. . It was not until 1924 that safeguards were provided in Great Britain against static electricity during tho filling of tank lorries with motor spirit. The production of an electrical change by means of friction between solid surfaces had, of course, long been known, but it had not been so generally realised that -liquids flowing through pipes might also generate current. The risk of explosive and inflammable dust was present in many industries. There was the possibility of a small flame, such as a match, igniting sugar, starch and cereal dust, especially wheat, flour and malt dust, there was the possibility of leather dust, sawdust, rice meal dust, seed dust and others igniting from a source, however, of considerable size; and there was the possibility of the ignition of casein dust, bone meal and lamp black. Dust clouds of these last-named were much more difficult to ignite, and, when ignited, did not propagate flame so ilyThe subject of self-protection from fire was one which received insufficient attention, continued the speaker. He would suggest that all fire-stations bear the device in a' conspicuous situation, “Prevention is better than cure.” But this might not meet with the approval of those people who rather enjoyed a good lira at someone else’s expense. Dealing only with the most adequate types of appliances for fire-fighting, the most important of all rapid varieties was the automatic sprinkler system. The second type, the foam extinguisher, had come greatly into prominence owing to their suitability for dealing with oil fires. The third type was familiar as the usual kind carried on motorcars. It was economical and very suitable for private housbs as the liquid was harmless, except perhaps for the most delicate fabrics.

Scientific research was being devoted to the prevention of fire by the use of non-inflammable building materials, furnishings and fittings The scope of the enquiry might seem audacious, but in these days of new inventions the word “impossible” must be used with care.

The speaker referred to the fact that, on a population basis, New Zealand had more fires and a heavier fire loss than any other country from which figures were obtainable. This in no way reflected on the splendid work of the fire brigades, of whose efficiency, courage and skill there was every reason to be proud.