THE AUGUSTA FIRE DEPARTMENT

THE AUGUSTA FIRE DEPARTMENT

Augusta, Ga., with a population of 55,000 covering an area of 5,670 acres (9 square miles) is fairly well protected with its present fire apparatus and equipment; stations are located North, South, East and West, with Fire Headquarters in the center of the city, with two motor-aparatus-stations, (equal distances apart) North and South from Headquarters, making a total of eight companies. The “water works,” owned and operated by the city, gravity pressure, maintains an average pressure of 75 pounds. To increase pressure at fires, three steam fireengines and one motor-pump are coupled up to 4½ inch opening on hydrants to increase volume and pressure when needed. However, I find that this gravity-pressure is quite sufficient for ordinary fires; at least 50 per cent, of the fires where water is necessary are controlled by hydrant streams. Pressure at hydrants in business center, taken at different points, average 56 pounds. Mains are gridironed, feeders 12 inch, and cross-mains 6 and 8 inches. Nothing less than 6 inches is used within the city limits. The distance between hydrants measure about 300 feet. We have in use over 1,000 hydrants viz: Ludlow, R. D. Wood and Columbian. For this climate (hydrants never freeze) the post-hydrants are found to be the best. All hydrants are painted aluminum every third year. Frequently we lift water from bridges over canals, (there are three levels, canals used to furnish water power for manufacturing plants), Street railway, electric light plant, cotton mills, lumber plants and for pumping the water used in water works system. Canal-power owned by the city. The lift for steamers averages about eight feet, when engines are located on bridges (over canal). The water supply is unlimited for two streams from each engine; deluge nozzles can be used to great advantage handling lumber or cotton fires. The water works system has an automatic-regulating-valve ; pressure can be increased to 115 pounds, (this of course is unnecessary and would require replacing old mains and installing high-pressure plumbing fixtures in all buildings). I find that a 75-pound domestic pressure is fully adequate to supply the fire department with an abundant supply of water dor the buildings and manufacturing plants we have to protect; none exceed six stories in height.

Location of Fire Stations.