Shingle Roofs Cause 20% of Rome, Ga., Fires

Shingle Roofs Cause 20% of Rome, Ga., Fires

The fact is strongly brought out in the annual report of Chief H. L. Taylor, the fire department of Rome, Ga., in his annual report, that about 20 per cent, of the fires for the year ended March 31, were caused by sparks falling on shingle roofs. In referring to this matter in a communication to FIRE AND WATER ENGINEERING, Chief Taylor says: “This I hope some day will be lessened, if I can persuade the city commissioners to pass an anti-shingle roof ordinance, which every city should have.” According to the chief’s report there were 162 alarms answered by the department during the year with a total loss of $5,881.04, this being a much smaller loss than the previous year which amounted to $237,328.04. The department had in service during the year 31,500 feet of 21/2 inch hose and used 2,386 feet of ladders. The chemicals used amounted to 488 gallons. The department consists of 16 men and has four fire stations. The apparatus includes one American-LaFrance, two Seagrave, one Reo, one Buick and one Hale fire apparatus. There is also a Buick 1923 five-passenger chief's car.

The fact is strongly brought out in the annual report of Chief H. L. Taylor, the fire department of Rome, Ga., in his annual report, that about 20 per cent, of the fires for the year ended March 31, were caused by sparks falling on shingle roofs. In referring to this matter in a communication to FIRE AND WATER ENGINEERING, Chief Taylor says: “This I hope some day will be lessened, if I can persuade the city commissioners to pass an anti-shingle roof ordinance, which every city should have.” According to the chief’s report there were 162 alarms answered by the department during the year with a total loss of $5,881.04, this being a much smaller loss than the previous year which amounted to $237,328.04. The department had in service during the year 31,500 feet of 21/2 inch hose and used 2,386 feet of ladders. The chemicals used amounted to 488 gallons. The department consists of 16 men and has four fire stations. The apparatus includes one American-LaFrance, two Seagrave, one Reo, one Buick and one Hale fire apparatus. There is also a Buick 1923 five-passenger chief's car.