DUNEDIN FIRE STATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2489, 5 October 1922, Page 2

DUNEDIN FIRE STATION.

A VISIT OF INSPECTION

Dunedin may justly proclaim that it has the most up-to-date and efficient fire station in New Zealand. The station, as in all large centres, is run by a paid and efficient staff of men, a- proportion of whom reside on the premises and ready for action at any moment to combat the fiery elements. A well-equipped ambulance is also an important adjunct of the brigade. The whole town is fitted with the automatic alarm system and so constructed that three different and separate warnings are given at the station on the breaking of one of the glass alarm plates in the streets, and the pressing - of the knob encased therein. When this occurs a large alarm bell rings continuously in the station while a tape is automatically run off and punched with holes forming figures, which immediately convey to the fireman on duty the location of the fire. For instance, 31 would appear on the tape as three holes, a gap and then one hole. This is repeated three times. Simultaneously another hell rings out the number by means of three shaip rings, a pause, and then another ring, also repeated three times, lienee a fireman at the other end of the building would not necessarily have to see the tape to find out in what direction the fire is. As soon as the message is recorded the tape is automatically stamped with the date and the time of the alarm received. Above this recorder is a system of shutters, each shutter corresponding with a certain alarm box. As soon as an alarm is broken the corresponding shutter at the fire station drops and reveals n letter which represents a certain street or area deciphered by means of charts on the wall. Each engine carries a telephone and is able to plug in and speak to the station at ;iliv time.

Besides this central station there are three sub-stations, each equipped with an engine, etc. The central station has five engines and a car for the superintendent, besides the ambulance. This does not mean that five engines attend each fire. The strength of the brigade depends on the- seriousness of the outbreak. A noticeable feature of the engines is that eacli is equipped with a chemical engine which is used for incipient outbreaks, thus minimising damage by water, etc. The latest addition to the brigade is an electrically driven engine bearing a tremendous extension ladder. The alarm,..system in use at the station is an invention of an ex-member of that brigade. The station lias its own telephone exchange and can he connected up to any of the sub-stations, deputy or superintendent in a few seconds. Each member of the-.brigade is conversant with the working of every part and appliance in connection with fire lighting with the exception of the drivers and the ambulance men. Tn make this possible a list of p it ions is drawn nip and each day the men are changed so that they pass through each and every position.

Hanging on the wall our representative noticed in a conspicuous place, a bronze cast to the memory of a. fellow-fireman killed while on duty. Naturally this attracts one’s curiosity and on questioning the fireman in attendance one is informed that the unfortunate man was killed by the capsizing of one of the lire engines on the way to a hoax fire, an alarm having been falsely given. In view of Fox ton’s efforts to remove its evil reputation of being one of the most noted places for destructive fires, by establishing an up-to-date staton and plant, the foregoing may be of interest to those concerned.