NEW TECHNIQUE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32406, 13 March 1944, Page 5

NEW TECHNIQUE

FIRE FIGHTING METHODS PRACTICE HELD IN PAEROA POLICY OF THE LOCAL BRIGADE On Thursday night the members of the Paeroa Fire Brigade held a special practice in Nahum street developing the latest technique in fire fighting methods by means of carrying the water to areas where no mains for fire extinction purposes exist. For this purpose long canvas hose feedlines are run out from the nearest street hydrant a distance of 300 or 400 feet and the water fed into the pump from which a hose is run into the fire another 200 or 300' feet further on than the pump. This technique is particularly important for Paeroa as there are many houses and buildings situated away from fire fighting water mains. It is the intention of the brigade to

practice in rotation in each such area to familiarise members with the quickest and most effective method of attacking a fire in such localities. Government Inspector’s Visit At present the brigade is equipped with a trailer pump and a supply of modern hose with instantaneous couplings on loan from the National Service Department. When Paeroa’s new fire engine comes to hand it will be equipped with a pump of greater capacity than the trailer and both pumps may be used to boost water even further distinces from the main. On his visit to Paeroa earlier in the week the Government inspector of fire brigades stressed the necessity for frequent and systematic drills and practices to keep members of the brigade efficient in the handling of modern equipment. Thursday night’s manoeuvre, which took the form of an attack upon an imaginary fire at the resident of Mrs J. Rickard in Nahum street required careful preliminary planning and preparation.