Underwriters Report on Johnston, Pa., Fire department

Underwriters Report on Johnston, Pa., Fire department

火承销商的全国委员会,在回购rt just issued on the fire conditions of Johnstown, Pa., state that the population is about 63,000, a steel manufacturing center in river valley, surrounded by high hills. Commission government since Dec. 1, 1913. Gross fire loss for the past five years, $233,894, varying between $31,348 in 1913 and $67,266 in 1910. The average number ot fires per year was 130, varying from 94 in 1911 to 208 in 1913, and the average loss per hre was $360. The average yearly number of fires per 1,000 population, based on an average population of 58,000, was 2.2, and the average annual loss per capita was $0.81, all low figures. The fire department has been, since 1906, in command of Chief L. M. Keller, who has been a member of the department 24 years. He is in supreme command, subject to the approval of the Superintendent of Public Safety. There is no assistant chief. The force consists of 66 men, all full paid since 1906. The men are all appointed by the chief. There is no limit to age tor retirement and no civil service appointments and promotions are made on merit. There are six engines, two hose and one ladder company in nine stations. Companies have a captain, but no lieutenants, except Hose 1 and 2, which have a lieutenant, but no captain. Men have one day off in eight and annual vacations. There are five steam fire engines, one American-La France motor pumping engine, nine hose wagons, and one Seagrave aerial truck. All wagons carry chemical extinguishers and tanks. The chief has a motor car. The engines are two Amoskeag, two Metropolitan, two Selsby and one Batton. The oldest was made in 1889. The department is well equipped with all minor appliances. Discipline is good. Last year 88 per cent, of the fires were extinguished by chemicals. In five of the nine inspection districts, captains make inspections of buildings other than dwellings every 60 days; and ot the residential districts annually. Second inspections are made to enforce compliance, after owners have been notified and removal of dangerous conditions ordered. One fireman is detailed to each performance at each of the three principal theatres and to night performances at a moving picture house. Department is efficient under the command ot a capable and progressive chief. Method of making appointments and promotions satisfactory, members are not subject to political influence and there are suitable provisions governing removal. Number of companies is sufficient and their distribution is good; owing to the deficient water supply and wide hydrant spacing, particularly >in residential districts, engines are necessary for all serious fires and two of the hose companies should be equipped with engines. The installation of automobile apparatus responding to all first box alarms has materially strengthened the department. Hose wagons good, but none has a divided body for the simultaneous laying of two hose lines and they lack some necessary m.nor equipment. The nose supply is inadequate and no 3-inch hose is provided. Fire methods appear excellent; the water damage has been greatly reduced. The drill school is an important feature, but its efficiency would be greatly increased if propet drilling facilities were provided. Alarm system of the Gamewell pattern satisfactory, but semi-fireproof headquarters should be provided. Recommendations: A captain and lieutenant for each company. Hose 1 and 2 changed to engine companies. Two motor pumping and chemical engines and wagon and a motor tractor for Truck 1 (with description of apparatus that should be purchased.! A turret nozzle. Repair shop establishel. Facilities for drying hose for each station. Threeinch hose for each wagon and reserve hose wagon to carry 1,000 feet of three-inch hose. Relief valves for engines, door openers, hose jacket, hydrant hose gate, waterproof covers, Siamese couplings and other minor equipments, training school, chauffeurs trained, engines tested annually under rules of National Board of Underwriters and pumps, showing more than 7 per cent, slip should be examined, and engines developing less than 90 per cent, of their reasonable capacity should be overhauled or their crews drilled, and the specifications of the National Board of Fire Underwriters for hose for city fire department use be adopted or used as a guide in framing specifications for new hose.

火承销商的全国委员会,在回购rt just issued on the fire conditions of Johnstown, Pa., state that the population is about 63,000, a steel manufacturing center in river valley, surrounded by high hills. Commission government since Dec. 1, 1913. Gross fire loss for the past five years, $233,894, varying between $31,348 in 1913 and $67,266 in 1910. The average number ot fires per year was 130, varying from 94 in 1911 to 208 in 1913, and the average loss per hre was $360. The average yearly number of fires per 1,000 population, based on an average population of 58,000, was 2.2, and the average annual loss per capita was $0.81, all low figures. The fire department has been, since 1906, in command of Chief L. M. Keller, who has been a member of the department 24 years. He is in supreme command, subject to the approval of the Superintendent of Public Safety. There is no assistant chief. The force consists of 66 men, all full paid since 1906. The men are all appointed by the chief. There is no limit to age tor retirement and no civil service appointments and promotions are made on merit. There are six engines, two hose and one ladder company in nine stations. Companies have a captain, but no lieutenants, except Hose 1 and 2, which have a lieutenant, but no captain. Men have one day off in eight and annual vacations. There are five steam fire engines, one American-La France motor pumping engine, nine hose wagons, and one Seagrave aerial truck. All wagons carry chemical extinguishers and tanks. The chief has a motor car. The engines are two Amoskeag, two Metropolitan, two Selsby and one Batton. The oldest was made in 1889. The department is well equipped with all minor appliances. Discipline is good. Last year 88 per cent, of the fires were extinguished by chemicals. In five of the nine inspection districts, captains make inspections of buildings other than dwellings every 60 days; and ot the residential districts annually. Second inspections are made to enforce compliance, after owners have been notified and removal of dangerous conditions ordered. One fireman is detailed to each performance at each of the three principal theatres and to night performances at a moving picture house. Department is efficient under the command ot a capable and progressive chief. Method of making appointments and promotions satisfactory, members are not subject to political influence and there are suitable provisions governing removal. Number of companies is sufficient and their distribution is good; owing to the deficient water supply and wide hydrant spacing, particularly >in residential districts, engines are necessary for all serious fires and two of the hose companies should be equipped with engines. The installation of automobile apparatus responding to all first box alarms has materially strengthened the department. Hose wagons good, but none has a divided body for the simultaneous laying of two hose lines and they lack some necessary m.nor equipment. The nose supply is inadequate and no 3-inch hose is provided. Fire methods appear excellent; the water damage has been greatly reduced. The drill school is an important feature, but its efficiency would be greatly increased if propet drilling facilities were provided. Alarm system of the Gamewell pattern satisfactory, but semi-fireproof headquarters should be provided. Recommendations: A captain and lieutenant for each company. Hose 1 and 2 changed to engine companies. Two motor pumping and chemical engines and wagon and a motor tractor for Truck 1 (with description of apparatus that should be purchased.! A turret nozzle. Repair shop establishel. Facilities for drying hose for each station. Threeinch hose for each wagon and reserve hose wagon to carry 1,000 feet of three-inch hose. Relief valves for engines, door openers, hose jacket, hydrant hose gate, waterproof covers, Siamese couplings and other minor equipments, training school, chauffeurs trained, engines tested annually under rules of National Board of Underwriters and pumps, showing more than 7 per cent, slip should be examined, and engines developing less than 90 per cent, of their reasonable capacity should be overhauled or their crews drilled, and the specifications of the National Board of Fire Underwriters for hose for city fire department use be adopted or used as a guide in framing specifications for new hose.