IMPROVEMENTS FOR ADAMS, MASS.

IMPROVEMENTS FOR ADAMS, MASS.

The following improvements in the fire service and waterworks of Adams, Mass., have been recommended by the National Board of Fire Underwriters and advocated by Chief Jones: The erection of a building for the general use of the fire department and accommodation of the firemen, drivers and proposed additionl apparatus. One modern-constructed combination chemical and hose wagon with double thirty-five-gallon capacity cylinders, 200 feet of chemical hose and shutoff nozzles, carrying 800 feet of two and one-halfinch service hose, twenty-five-foot extension ladder and necessary equipment, with one permanent paid driver and team of regularly employed horses for instant response, also quick-hitching drop harness. At least ten partly paid call firemen should be connected to the Alert llose company at the central fire station, and a detail of the call firemen for night service. The improvement and reliability of the fire-alarm system, requiring the installing of a modern storage battery and all wiring be placed underground in conduit. Keys should be permanently attached to all fire alarm boxes for quick alarms. Telephone service should be introduced into the central fire station, also extended to the waterworks pumping station. A b idding inspection department, and the enactment of laws or ordinances providing for the inspection of buildings, also establishing ordinances for regulating the storage and sale of oils, combustibles and dangerous explosives. Fire limits should be established to include the entire business section, with suitable requirements preventing the erection of wooden buildings and frame out-connecting structures, also providing for non-combustible material for new roofing. The fire hydrants that are located in the gutters of the streets should be removed and replaced upon the house pavements near the curb lines, to secure them from damage by colliding wagons, from ice and snow during the winter months, and from flowing gutter water. Water mains within the business and mill districts should not be of less size than eight inches in diameter, and the laying of four-inch pipe should lie abandoned in all sections where extensions or new pipes are contemplated. There is a very urgent necessity for the introduction and general use of meters, to prevent the wanton waste of water; this requirement will greatly benefit the fire-protective service in case of a serious and threatening fire. Where meters have been introduced in other cities, their use has proved beneficial and economical to the consumer and an increased supply for fire protection.

Capt. Jones, one of the proprietors of an hotel at Humbold Station on the Canadian Northern railway, lost his life, and another man was severely burned in trying to save property from two hotels that were afire.