FIRE PROTECTION IN BELFAST

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27395, 7 July 1954, Page 3

FIRE PROTECTION IN BELFAST

REPLY TO RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

A reply to the statement on fire protection at Belfast by the president of the Belfast Residents’ Association (Mr R. A. Don) published in “The Press” yesterday was made by the chairman of the waimairi County Council (Mr F. W. Walter) last evening. Mr Don sajd in his statement on behalf of the residents’ association that the Waimairi County Council had informed the association that under the Fire Services Act, even a registered volunteer brigade might be liable if a fire it was fighting spread to another property. In view of that the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company had not applied for registration of its brigade. “Some misunderstanding has arisen on this matter,” said Mr Walter. “After a public meeting in Belfast, the Waimairi County Council was requested by the residents’ association to investigate the legal position of local industrial fire brigades. From an opinion obtained it was ascertained that industrial fire brigades that were not registered with the Fire Services Council could be held liable for damages where a fire they attended outside their business property got out of control. This information was conveyed to the interested parties. “Other ridings of this county have proposal? for a reticulated water supply scheme which is considered the best method of fire protection. “On a matter siich as this my council would be willing to meet the association with a view to clearing up any misunderstandings,” said Mr Walter.