MORE FIRES IN 1937

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20388, 31 December 1937, Page 4

MORE FIRES IN 1937

NINE FALSE ALARMS NO BERIOUB OUTBREAKS HAMILTON BRIGADE'S YEAR A feature of the Hamilton Fire Brigade's activities during 1937 was the number of false alarms received. Of a total of 69 calls nine were false alarms, five being maliciously given, which is considered to be an abnormal figure for Hamilton. Such calls cause great inconvenience to the brigade, and the persons responsible display a lack of thought and consideration. In 1936 the brigade received 51 calls, being 18 less than for 1937. This year's fires comprised 25 property outbreaks, 15 chimney fires, 20 gorse and grass fires, and nine false alarms. The year was devoid of serious outbreaks and the only fire which involved any substantial loss occurred on August 13, when a great deal of damage was done to the stock of J. R. McKenzie, Limited, in Victoria Street. Most of the damage was caused by smoke and heat. But for this fire the loss of property m the district would have been -small. Many of the fires could have been prevented as they were attributed to carelessness or neglect. The loss from the outbreaks could also have been considerably reduced, had the brigade received early notification, so limiting the damage in the majority of cases. Fire Alarm Extensions Extensions to the firm alarm systems was made during the year. Messrs H. and J. Court, Ltd., installed an automatic fire alarm on their premises in Victoria Street. By this system any undue rise in temperature notifies the brigade. Two additional street fire alarm boxes were also added to the system, one in Pembroke Street, serving the Richmond area and another in Victoria Street. This brought the number of boxes to 50. In numerous cases the fire alarm system could have been used In preferance to the telephone, the former being the most efficient manner of calling the brigade. Thus It Is necessary that the public should know where the various fire alarms are situated.

On April 1 a new fire engine, fitted with a pump capable of delivering 400 gallons of water a minute, was placed in commission. The bodywork and the pump of the new’ machine were built in New Zealand. This brought the number of machines in use up to four. The breathing apparatus was augmented by the purchase of four masks and the equipment now for dealing with smoke consists of eight masks and two oxygen self-containing breathing apparatus. Btation Staff Increased Owing to the annual leave of permanent men being extended by the appointment of a deputy-superintend-ent and two motormen firemen, the staff at the station was brought up to eight. This increase and the purchase of additional motor equipment, caused the Hamilton Fire Board to acquire an additional half-acre of land adjoining the station with a view to enlarging the present building. The board was notified that its borrowing power had been extended to £20,000 for extension work. During the year the board had brought into its area by arrangement with the Waikato County Council, a portion of the Hillcrest district and an area adjoining Peach Grove Road, near the Five Gross Roads. The following are the number of fires which occurerd during each month in 1937, with the figures for the corresponding month last year:—

1937 1936 January ...... February .March April ........ 3 May June July 5 August 4 September October 3 rvovember 1 December ..., 69 8 5!