NOTEWORTHY YEAR

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 1, 2 January 1936, Page 16

NOTEWORTHY YEAR

WELLINGTON FIRE BRIGADE

ADDITIONS TO PLANT

As Wellington expands so must the fire-fighting plant and equipment of the fire brigade, and 1935 has been noteworthy in this respect to a marked degree, states the annual report of the Wellington Fire Board. During the year, two high-powered motor-pumping units were commissioned, one at Central Station and the other at Constable Street station- Both these machines are equipped for rapid acceleration and play an important part in reducing the turn-out and running time to fire calls.

Iti order to modernise the brigade many new additions to the equipment have been made. A salvage machine of the van type has bee/i ordered and will be commissioned early in the New Year. Additional miscellaneous salvage equipment, including canvas covering sheets, mops, and squeegees have been purchased to minimise damage to stock and contents through water and smoke. The equipment has also been augmented by an additional ten self-contained half-hour breathing sets, and it is claimed that this valuable equipment is steadily proving its worth. The old brass helmet of tradition is gradually disappearing in favour of the new type "all black" composition cork helmet, introduced here recently. These helmets,* being much lighter than the old type, are designed to secure perfect insulation, and thus afford more protection and safety to the fire fighter when in action. During the year, opportunity has been taken of carrying out a regular system of building inspection by off!-, cers of the brigade. Parties are arranged under the charge of the bri-gade-inspecting Officer to visit and inspect buildings presenting the higher fire risk, and thus become more acquainted with the general lay-out and construction, besides familiarising themselves with means of escape, access, and fire-protection afforded. Owners of premises are advised on matters appertaining to better means of protection and prevention of fire, and are acquainted with the service offered by the brigade in the matter of overhauling and supervision of private fire equipment. -_ Ow.ing to the continued spell of unsettled weather during the latter part of the year, the brigade was not called upon to attend to the usual number ol gorse fires. Systematic inspection carried out throughout the year by brigade officers in conjunction with officers^ of the City Engineer's Department has been responsible for the removal of many dangerous overgrowths. Throughout the year there were no. many fires of a very serious nature. An outbreak occurred in a building owned by Messrs. Hope Gibbons, Ltd., in Dixon Street, where the damage was approximately £5000. Fire statistics, enumerated • hereunder, 'for the twelve months ended December 31, 1935, show a slight increase over the previous year (the figures for 1934 being shown in parentheses):— ~„„. Property "J «Jg Chimney • •' * VV• v w (M\ Gorse, grass, and rubbish 316 293 Justifiable false alarms .. 92 102 Malicious false alarms . 136 till" Totals BR* (744)