Pumps Disabled at Schenectady.

Pumps Disabled at Schenectady.

Schenectady was recently threatened with a water famine through the disablement of one of the big electric pumps at the Rotterdam wells. The upper pan of the city was without sufficient pressure the greater part of the day to successfully combat any conflagration and Chief Yates held all fire companies in readiness to act in an emergency. Three fire engines were kept in readiness to respond at a moment’s notice to an alarm should one be sent in. Pump No. 1 was shut down for repairs. Pump No. 2 held in reserve and of the same capacity, which was put into use, was put out of business by the motor in some manner becoming incapacitated. Rush orders were immediately given for repairs, which have been in progress since before 10 o’clock, when the accident occurred. This pump has a capacity of over 9,000,000 gallons an hour, which supply was shut off by the breakdown, throwing the city back on the auxiliary pump, with an ordinary capacity of but 6,000,000, but which was pushed to 9,000,000. Within five minutes after the break the pressure fell from 87 pounds to 60 pounds at the Franklin street office. At the Central Fire Station, opposite Crescent Park, it fell to 30 pounds. Rosa Road and Robinson Hill suffered most. Above the brow of the hill there was insufficient pressure to combat a flame. The two standpipes, of 2,600,000 gallons capacity, helped out but little, but these were emptied before relief came. Chief Yates remained at headquarters throughout the emergency in direct command. Fire engines at No. 6, No. 9 and No. 5 fire houses were under orders. Repairs were made as quickly as possible and the city is now enjoying its usual fire protection

Schenectady was recently threatened with a water famine through the disablement of one of the big electric pumps at the Rotterdam wells. The upper pan of the city was without sufficient pressure the greater part of the day to successfully combat any conflagration and Chief Yates held all fire companies in readiness to act in an emergency. Three fire engines were kept in readiness to respond at a moment’s notice to an alarm should one be sent in. Pump No. 1 was shut down for repairs. Pump No. 2 held in reserve and of the same capacity, which was put into use, was put out of business by the motor in some manner becoming incapacitated. Rush orders were immediately given for repairs, which have been in progress since before 10 o’clock, when the accident occurred. This pump has a capacity of over 9,000,000 gallons an hour, which supply was shut off by the breakdown, throwing the city back on the auxiliary pump, with an ordinary capacity of but 6,000,000, but which was pushed to 9,000,000. Within five minutes after the break the pressure fell from 87 pounds to 60 pounds at the Franklin street office. At the Central Fire Station, opposite Crescent Park, it fell to 30 pounds. Rosa Road and Robinson Hill suffered most. Above the brow of the hill there was insufficient pressure to combat a flame. The two standpipes, of 2,600,000 gallons capacity, helped out but little, but these were emptied before relief came. Chief Yates remained at headquarters throughout the emergency in direct command. Fire engines at No. 6, No. 9 and No. 5 fire houses were under orders. Repairs were made as quickly as possible and the city is now enjoying its usual fire protection