CENTRAL FIRE STATION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 228, 28 September 1935, Page 8

CENTRAL FIRE STATION

AMBULANCE MEN ENTERTAINED BRIGADE’S EQUIPMENT EXPLAINED. EFFIECiENCY OF AV ANG A NTT UNITS. At the kind invitation of Superintendent AL N. Ross the members of the Wanganui Division of St. John Ambulance spent a most interesting evening at the Central Fire Station on Tuesday night. Deputy Superintendent Brown and Foreman Smith explained in detail the workings of the large Dennis motors, the various hydrants, branches and equipment which go to complete these fire-fighting machines. The Deputy-Superintendent then explained the “(Duplex Fire Alarm. ’’ ami described the methods of receiving calls and explained the complete working of the system. Incidentally, in giving an alarm at a street box’it is necessary to press the knob only once. The gas mask was then adjusted and explained. The wearer is capable of going into smoke or gases of any kind with perfect safety. There are several ways of saving people from a burning building, but the most simple of all is the “jumping sheet.’’ A large canvas sheet with handles attached is held out by the firemen and into this entrapped victims are enabled to leap. The gem of th.* evening was the surprise “alarm.” Before any ol those who were present knew what was happening there was a ringing of the alarm bells. Caps and coats wore thrown down, helmets, tunics, belts and axes were put on. firemen jumped into their places and. like a flash, th' 1 big machines dashed out of the building and down the street. It was very thrilling and much appreciated by those who had the ph’asurc ot witnessing this spectacle. Only .10 second!: elapsed between the. time the alarm was given and the time the machines cleared the station. The red beam light with which the large machines are equipped throws a beam of 7,*yds, At the conclusion of the evening s demonstration the members of the V ire Brigade were entertained at supper by the Wanganui Division of £t. John Ambulance. Mr. W. Bourne, thanking Superin tendent .Ross for the evening s plea sure, spoke of the line feeling existing between the two organisations, aim said that for sonic years the two bti gades had met in many friendly game! of cards. The speaker went on to sa t > that the ambulance men were apprecia live of the high state of efficiency ot the Fire Brigade. He also paid a tii Rule to their line team work and tin wonderful harmony which existed be (ween officers and men. Superintcn deni, Ross suitablv riqdied.