Special London Fire Service
The Special Fire Service, organized by the British Fire Prevention Committee, of London, England, has been inaugurated with a nucleus of 300 fire surveyors, fire brigade officers, patrol inspectors and firemen. Details can be despatched for fire survey, pulling down and dangerous structure work at short call; a number of fire patrols, comprising skilled patrol men, can be put on either night work or permanent watches, and several brigade officers and firemen with equipment complete can be immediately mobilized as the necessity arises, to take up regular duty wherever requisitioned by public departments or other authorities requiring assistance in the national interest. The direction and inspection of units is conducted by a small Headquarters Committee, and includes two commissioners, two chief surveyors, two chief officers, a quartermaster, medical officer and accountant. Some of the necessary fire appliances have been offered by great estate owners, while others have been duly registered as available upon official requisition. Regarding the recruiting of the new service, care has been taken to avoid encroaching on any public fire brigade weakened by military calls. The majority of the firemen are retired men of good character, over 35 years of age, and independent standing, and of considerable experience, and each survey party includes two professional assistants and a clerk. The fire patrols each comprise an inspector, a foreman and four men, taken from professional men and private firemen of good credentials. The fire surveyors and principal fire brigade officers are rendering gratuitous services, while the inspectors, foremen, firemen, patrolmen and clerks receive a moderate honorarium when on service.
