FIRE AND WATER ENGINEERING

FIRE AND WATER ENGINEERING

在查尔斯·s·艾伦的死亡formerly chief of the fire department at Trenton, N. J., the firefighting fraternity of the country loses one of its most intelligent and scientific members. As a member of the International Association of Fire Engineers and also of the Chiefs Association of his own state, deceased for years had been consulted upon many problems relating to his profession. the solution of which required scientific knowledge and sound judgment. He had made the adoption of automobile fire apparatus a deep study from every angle, and upon his recommendation Trenton was one of the first cities to motorize its department. A paper prepared by Chief Allen upon this subject was read before the Syracuse convention of the International Association of Fire Engineers, and so minutely and practically did he portray the commendable features of motor apparatus that his knowledge was used as a basis and criterion for the installation of automobile fire machinery by many cities throughout the country. Possessed of excellent executive ability with the skill and prowess of a born fireman, he commanded not only the respect of his subordinates in the department, but that of every citizen at the State Capital. Upon his retirement on a pension a few months ago the Fire Commissioners adopted a series of resolutions expressing regret at being compelled to lose so valuable public official, and continued: “The fact that he succeeded in keeping the fire losses the lowest of any city of its area in the country, proves that his honesty, integrity and ever-watchful care bore the fruit for which he was constantly striving. As a public servant entrusted with the management of one of the most important branches of the city government, he has always merited the recognition given him in his administration of affairs involving the saving of the lives of imperilled citizens, and in the keeping down by prompt service the loss of private and public property. For these acts and for the faithful discharge of his every obligation imposed upon him by his office, we honor him as we believe he is honored by all our citizens in every walk of life."

Chicago newspapers continue to wail because of the delay in providing a high pressure water system for the stockyard section. No doubt these newspapers think they are doing a great public good in agitating the question of a greater water pressure, but they can perform a much greater and more lasting public service by advocating fireproof construction. Chicago does not seem to have profited by the stockyard fire last December, when twenty-two firemen went down to death, for if reports are true, contracts have been awarded for the building in the Loop District of two seven-story structures of the “slow-burning" or “mill construction" type. This is the very same class of building where the great loss of life referred to above, occurred. Of course, if Chicago is going to continue erecting this type of buildings the city should surely have a high pressure system, and because it intends so to do. may be the reason for the course taken by the local newspapers. Immediately fol lowing a conflagration in any large city, the cry goes up for a high pressure water system, a larger tire department and better equipment. Let us ask. why not abolish the pound of cure, and as an ounce of prevention urge that nothing but strictly fireproof buildings, at slightly increased initial cost, be erected. There are instances where wooden construction is excusable. This was the case in Bangor, Me., where the lumber of the great Penobscot Valley reaches tide water, and yet because of this class of construction that city suffered a loss of six millions of dollars a few months ago. There arc probably hundreds of cities and towns in the United States in which a catastrophe proportionately as large as that which visited Bangor has occurred. Since lumber has grown so expensive there is no longer even the excuse of economy for frame construction. The relative economy of fireproof walls is not so striking, but considering the fire risk to the owner and the conflagration risk to the community, they pay in the long run. If a city is not prepared to go so far as to prohibit frame construction altogether, it is always possible to break up the mass of tinder houses by running zones from side to side within which only fireproof construction is allowed