Subscribe..
FIRE TEST
The Town Will Now be Eligible for Class “C” if Men Sleep in Fire Hall.
[Welland Tribune, 28 January 1898]
Inspector Howe, of the Underwriters’ association, tested Welland’s fire fighting system on Wednesday morning. The electric alarm was pulled at 9.45, and four minutes later a stream was being thrown from the hydrant at Roach’s hotel. The pressure was all that could be desired, and the inspector was satisfied with that part of the test. When the firemen arrived on the scene and found it was only a test, some of them were quite angry and began “chewing the rag”. The inspector found a great deal of fault with this conduct and pointed out that these testes were necessary for the town’s benefit. The inspector also wished to test the new chemical fire extinguishers, but they had not yet been put in commission, but a promise was given that they would be immediately charged.
Mayor Hooker told the inspector that many of the town people were dissatisfied with the electric alarm, and sked him if it was alright. The inspector stated that it was a first class system and fully as good as any of the others which he had tested-it struck just as quickly and as loudly and he was perfectly satisfied with it.
The inspector impressed upon the mayor the necessity of having men sleep in the new fire hall; he wanted at least three. He suggested that the firemen make that their headquarters for meetings, etc., and have it nicely furnished, with folding beds for the men who would sleep there. As the mayor remarked, the firemen’s room in the town hall might then be thrown into the council room, and make quite a good sized town hall.
The mayor then escorted the inspector to the new pump house to inspect the new auxiliary power plant. Steam was got up, and the plant run by the engine to the entire satisfaction of the inspector.
Although admitting that the use of the fire engine is greatly limited since the auxiliary power has been put in, Mr. Howe strongly objected to selling the engine, but urged that it be kept as a safeguard in case a main should break.
In reference to the town having once been in class “C” and some time ago put back to “D,” the inspector stated that the town was never entitled to “C” rating, and was lowered for that reason. If men slept in the fire hall nights, the town would be eligible for class “C,” but if not it might be lowered to “E”.
Add A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.