FIRE MARSHALS.

FIRE MARSHALS.

Fire Marshals, when properly authorized by city ordinances, have it in their power to exercise great control over the number of fires in a city over which they have charge. In Rochester, in this State, the Fire Marshal, Mr. O. L. Angevine, is authorized by ordinance to make house to house visitations for the purpose of ascertaining if any danger from fire exists. If the chimneys are defective, stoves carelessly put up, woodwork unduly exposed, or any other carelessness is shown in guarding against fire, he has the power to order a change to be made at once. He inspects all new buildings in process of construction, and causes the necessary fire protection to be provided. Being an aotive, vigilant officer, he has been the means of largely reducing tho number of fires in that city, and saving to the citizens and insurance companies immence sums of money. The city and insurance men appreciate his services, having continued him in office for many years, the latter also empowering him to adjust their losses.

We cite the case of Rochester to illus-1 tiato W lat can 0 cone by adopting proper precautionary measures against fire. As a rule, citizens are THOUGHTLESS! regarding little matters about their houses or places of busiuess, or ignorant of the risks they run. An intelligent Fire Marshal, who will make it his business to inspect all classes of buildings— especially as the time for starting winter fires comes on—can remedy many defects of construction or arrangement that, if left to themselves, would ensure a conflagration. In small cities and villages the offices of Fire Marshal and Chief of the Fire Department can bo satisfactorily combined to the mutual advantage of the taxpayers and the Firemen. It is especially in the smaller places, that are deficiont in building regulations, that a Fire Marshal can be of the greatest service.