Fire Report of Milwaukee
The annual report of Chief Thomas A. Clancy of the fire department of Milwaukee, Wis., which was issued by him on July 17, shows that the largest number of fires was caused by defective chimneys, the number being 112. Careless use of matches was responsible for 93; cigars, cigarettes and pipes, 114; children playing with matches, 104; backfire of automobiles, 37; and stills, 2. There was a saving in the fire loss of $200,000 and this is largely attributable, according to Chief Clancy, to the work done by the fire prevention bureau under Captain C. W. Sehunck and the secretary, J. B. Reik, for the bureau. This bureau costs $20,000 a year.
A series of lectures was delivered to the Boy Scouts and a fire prevention campaign carried on for a week in October. Chief Clancy urges the extension of the work of the fire prevention bureau. His report goes on to say: “The new zoning ordinance increased the fire limits to such an extent that it will be impossible to comply with the state inspection law unless more inspectors are provided. The fire prevention bureau should be given more serious consideration in the future and should be reorganized with an executive officer ranking as assistant chief, a captain, secretary, lieutenant, and at least six additional inspectors, to cover the congested district more frequently. This would not only reduce the number of fires but would tend to inspire the public with a desire to reduce the fire hazards to a minimum.”
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