CHRISTCHURCH FIRE BRIGADE.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1729, 4 September 1879, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH FIRE BRIGADE.

In consequence of the large number of fires in the city rooently, the Insurance Association hare decided to keep the water hot in both the steam fire engines. For the purpose of testing the advantage of this course, a special practice was arranged last evening. A timekeeper was appointed for each station, Mr A. Oarrick, chairman of the Association, acting as judge. The signal for starting was given from the superintendent's "house, at 7.34 p.m. The horses had to be harnessed and attached to the engines, which were then taken to Hereford street bridge, and were _to commence pumping when ready. The time to be taken as soon as water reached the roof of Messrs Harman and Stevens' building (45ft from the ground). The ifirst .engine to arrive at the bridge was the Extinguisher, from Chester street, but the-Deluge was the ifirst to throw wator to the required height. This was accomplished in Smin. -55a«cs. from ■the time of the signal being given. The KExtinguisher was 2min. ISsecs. longer in i throwing water to the required height. The , ahove plan clearly demonstrates the advantage of .keeping the water hot in the boiler over , tho old system of starting with cold water, .a clear saving of seven or eight minutes being obJtwaad.