FIRE BRIGADE FOR SHANNON.

Shannon News, 9 March 1926, Page 3

FIRE BRIGADE FOR SHANNON.

LEVIN BRIGADE INiVITED TO TEST WATER PRESSURE. Last evening, Mr J. C. Milnes, of tli-e Lievin Fire Board, at toe invitation. of .those interested in the formation of a fire brigade, addressed a meeting at the Council Chambers. His Worship the Mayor presided and in introducing' the speaker,- apologised for the paucity of the attendance, but stated that those present would be able to convey’ to others the lnfoiunation Which would be placed before them. ' . /. Mr Milnes stated that the mam question was the size of the water mains and the pressure which would he available. To get good fire fighting results 9-inch mains were required with a pressure of not less than 60 ' lbs for fighting a fire. To get the best results about 80 l'hs was necessary, but to get this larger mains would he required. He thought that with Shannon’s present pressure only one. lead could ’be put on from the- 4-inch mains.. He had never worked on a fire from n 4-inch main. Hie suggested that if the Superintendent of the Levin Fire Brigade was approached he might arrange for his brigade to visit Shannon and cany out a test of /the water pressure they would then be able to get a proper idea what the pressure was. In answer to an enquiry Miy Milnes explained the difference between a Fire Board and a municipal fire brigade, pointing out that with the latter the ratepayers found the whole of the money, while m the former ease . the Government subsidised up to £SO per annum, the remainder being found in equal shares by the insurance companies and the ratepayers. Referring again to the question of pressure he said they should not work under a 60,tbs pressure when the irose Was on. The nozzles used are .generally fth of an inch and one inch, but in Shannon’s case l t0. 4-mcn could be used. He then detaileda.of items required to equip a nre brigade satisfactorily for Shannon s needs which he estimated would cost approximately £’lso. He strongly urged that only Government standard fittings be purchased. Referring to a fire 5 alarm he recommended purchasing an electric cyren in preference to a bell, .Which he contended was far more effective. •- , ... , The meeting then resolved that the secretary of the Levin Fire' Board be - written to asking that fiie Fm Brigade be allowed to visit Shannon for the purpose of testing the water P Thearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Milnes for the interesting information supplied by him.