BUILDING INSPECTIONS BY BOSTON FIREMEN.

BUILDING INSPECTIONS BY BOSTON FIREMEN.

In an interview relative to the inspection of buildings in his city by the firemen, Fire Commissioner John Grady, of Boston, is quoted as saying: “About six months ago it was decided that whether we had laws or not something must be done by the city to cut down the enormous loss from fire under which we were laboring. After careful consideration the "moral suasion” plan was adopted and the inspection system put in practice. Two lieutenants were detailed to inspect buildings in certain sections of the city. The class of buildings decided upon were hotel, apartment and mercantile buildings. The plan was to make the owners of property see where the serious mistakes were by bringing the matters to their attention in a proper and effective way. Since the beginning of this inspection system the inspecting force has been greatly enlarged and inspections are being made in all parts of the city. From April 12 to November 1, 1914, 2.000 premises were inspected. The number of inspections made by chiefs and subordinate officers were 15,277. Of the 1,800 recommendations offered, 1,725 were adopted. Some of the recommendations have entailed the expenditure of large sums of money, but in almost every case the fire department officials have been met with the hearty co-operation of property owners. The inspectors have been carefully instructed in their work, just what to look for, and just how to go about their duties. Business is done only with the man in charge of a building and everything is carefully explained to him. After the inspector completes his inspection a report is forwarded to headquarters stating the conditions for their correction. At headquarters the recommendations are carefully gone over and requests from the Fire Commissioner to remedy the conditions set forth are mailed to the owners. When conditions are found that are dangerous and liable to cause fire the Fire Commissioner has the authority to demand their correction. This is immediately done. IA follow-up system is in force in order to find out whether or not the recommendations have been adopted. If the conditions which are liable to cause fire are not corrected the owner is notified a second time, and if no action is then taken, prosecution is immediately commenced. Considering the large number of cases reported, the number of cases turned over to the police are comparatively few. Of course it will take a long time to cover the entire city, as buildings have to be inspected over and over again to see if the recommendations are receiving proper attention. The inspecting force must necessarily be small as the fire fighting strength of the companies must not be weakened. The work is being done, and done well, and with the continued hearty co-operation of householders and property owners much good is bound to result.”

In an interview relative to the inspection of buildings in his city by the firemen, Fire Commissioner John Grady, of Boston, is quoted as saying: “About six months ago it was decided that whether we had laws or not something must be done by the city to cut down the enormous loss from fire under which we were laboring. After careful consideration the "moral suasion” plan was adopted and the inspection system put in practice. Two lieutenants were detailed to inspect buildings in certain sections of the city. The class of buildings decided upon were hotel, apartment and mercantile buildings. The plan was to make the owners of property see where the serious mistakes were by bringing the matters to their attention in a proper and effective way. Since the beginning of this inspection system the inspecting force has been greatly enlarged and inspections are being made in all parts of the city. From April 12 to November 1, 1914, 2.000 premises were inspected. The number of inspections made by chiefs and subordinate officers were 15,277. Of the 1,800 recommendations offered, 1,725 were adopted. Some of the recommendations have entailed the expenditure of large sums of money, but in almost every case the fire department officials have been met with the hearty co-operation of property owners. The inspectors have been carefully instructed in their work, just what to look for, and just how to go about their duties. Business is done only with the man in charge of a building and everything is carefully explained to him. After the inspector completes his inspection a report is forwarded to headquarters stating the conditions for their correction. At headquarters the recommendations are carefully gone over and requests from the Fire Commissioner to remedy the conditions set forth are mailed to the owners. When conditions are found that are dangerous and liable to cause fire the Fire Commissioner has the authority to demand their correction. This is immediately done. IA follow-up system is in force in order to find out whether or not the recommendations have been adopted. If the conditions which are liable to cause fire are not corrected the owner is notified a second time, and if no action is then taken, prosecution is immediately commenced. Considering the large number of cases reported, the number of cases turned over to the police are comparatively few. Of course it will take a long time to cover the entire city, as buildings have to be inspected over and over again to see if the recommendations are receiving proper attention. The inspecting force must necessarily be small as the fire fighting strength of the companies must not be weakened. The work is being done, and done well, and with the continued hearty co-operation of householders and property owners much good is bound to result.”