FIRE PROTECTION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 1, 19 July 1946, Page 5

FIRE PROTECTION

SAFEGUARDING SCHOOL NEED FOR EQUIPMENT A question which came under discussion at the last meeting of the Whakatane School Committee was the need for efficient fire-fighting equipment to be housed in the school buildings. The matter arose from a request in the Headmaster’s (Mr I. B. Hubbard) report that fire-fight-ing equipment be installed, as at present there was none whatsoever; there was, in fact, not even a hydrant for the Brigade to carry on with in the event of

an outbreak. The Headmaster added that although there were several extinguishers at the school, they were, according to the Superintendent of the Whakatane Fire Brigade, out of date and not worth refilling. His request had been brought about by a very significant incident. He had arranged a demonstration of how to operate the extinguishers for the pupils. A fire had been lit, and when the extinguisher had been put into operation, the liquid would not put the blaze out.

Mr F. W.. Lysaght, who was warm in his support of the proposal, suggested that the committee write the Board concerning the matter, and ask the architect to give it his consideration. A three inch main, and one or two hydrants were necessary. Mr W. Whittakes added that the fire menace was a very real danger and measures should definitely be taken to combat it. The floors throughout the buildings for instance, were all impregnated with kerosene and oil. Mr F. Clarke asked the committee to also consider, besides the question of a hydrant and large hoses, the necessity for smaller fire extinguishers. If a fire were caught before it had gained a good hold, a hose was not necessary to stamp it out. He thought both should receive consideration. It was decided to write the Board as suggested by Mr Lysaght, asking them to put the question of adequate fire fighting equipment before the architect in order to obtain his views upon the subject.