EEECTRIC FIRES.
During the three months ending on January 10, 1906, seventy-seven fires of electrical origin arose from the following causes: Three crosses between high and low-potential circuits and ten between light or power wires and signaling systems. Fifteen fires due to accidental grounding of circuits, of which two were on gas pipes, the resulting arcs burning holes through pipes and igniting escaping gas. Seven fires were caused by short circuits in interior wiring. F’our reports were received of fires caused by incandescent lamps, in three of which heat from the lamp ignited nearby material. Four fires were caused by electrical heating devices, three of which were assigned to electric flat irons. Four fires were reported as having been caused by motors, in two of which sparks from brushes ignited inflammable material which was allowed to collect in the vicinity. Three pole and tree fires were reported. Four fires were attributed to loose or defective connections or joints. Three reports were received of fires caused by overheating of rheostats. Reports of twenty other fires, attributed mainly to moving picture machines, defective electrical fittings and poorly installed electrical wiring, have been received—making a total of seventy-seven electrical fires that have been reported during the last quarter—the losses aggregating over $65,220. Reports have been received of 150 fires, losses aggregating $1,023,722, supposed to have been due to electricity, but they are not included in this report, as the causes could not be definitely proved as electrical, principally because the fires destroyed the conclusive evidence of their origin. Twenty-seven fires, losses aggregating $123,945, reported as due to electricity, upon further and more reliable investigation, have been found to have been due to other causes.
