SAFETY OF FIRE BRIGADES

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14603, 2 March 1921, Page 4

SAFETY OF FIRE BRIGADES

The Fire Brigades’ Conference at its meeting yesterday, after discussing the recent fatality connected with the Hamilton brigade, carried a resolution "calling upon the Government to take adequate steps to prevent similar occurrences.*’ From the mover’s remarks the steps recommended arc presumably in the direction of fixing a maximum speed for fire .engines and to pass legislation giving all brigades the right of the road on tlie way to an outbreak. It was, we think, prior to the unfortunate accident, the general belief that tire brigades already were conceded the right of the road, and few there arc who would deny to give it even were it not a right. The seriousness of an outbreak of fire is recognised everywhere, and the necessity for the brigade to be early on the scene is admitted, while there is a universal desire to assist rather - than to hamper their movement. What is thus admitted to be right can readily be conceded by legislation, though it is questionable whether ,it would have much effect in preventing the recurrence of an accident, for unless the approach of the engine is apparent to those on the crown of the highway, they cannot be expected to move. We are sure the driver of the lorry on the occasion under review would not have hesitated to make way had he known the engine was approaching, and he would not have heard any better had ‘there been an Act on the Statute Book conferring upon brigades the “right of the road.” As regards speeding, this is already in the discretion of the various brigades; they have merely to decide upon a safe speed and to decline -to exceed it, and the thing is done. It would, however, be unwise to place a legal limit upon the speed of engines when proceeding to a fire, for the necessity might arise for' the brigade to travel at the possible in order to prevent a holocaust, .and, providing that this did not involve undue risk to the brigadesmen, it would be criminal to delay them. With the comments concerning the return journey we are tin roughly agreed; there is no necessity te exceed the recognised speed limits on such occasions, and the brigades can claim no special favours in that direction. Wo are not unsympathetic with the natural desire of the fire brigade men to obtain better guarantees of safety; our remarks are merely intended t - show the inadequacy of the suggestions put forward to secure the attainment of the desired end.