Grouping System of Fire Watching Stands Trial

Taranaki Daily News, 1 September 1942, Page 5

Grouping System of Fire Watching Stands Trial

Christchurch, Aug. 31. The grouping system adopted for firewatching where there was a shortage of personnel for individual buildings had Functioned admirably during a recent trial, commented the controller of the Christchurch Commercial Fire Guard, Mr. A. M. Hollander. "The system is as good as could be built under non-emergency conditions,' Baid Mr. Hollander. "It has the advantage of leaving sufficient personnel available for all emergencies, as well as foi checking over equipment and fire hazards, while on the other hand it relieves the authorities from the responsib.iity of having a large number of men on duty during an emergency. with a conse quent risk of heavy casualties from t high exnlosive or other non-fire bombs. During the continuous watching before the alarm those buildings which had enough personnel to carry on an individual building watch had people on their premises all the time. In the case of those buildings whose lack of personnel demanded a grouping organisation. the watch in charge of several buildings was able at the shortest notice to make every building accessible ana prepare equipment for immediate functioning. In the case of equipment, the position was not so satisfactory, and that was principally due to carelessness on the part of some building organisers. In the check-up that was made instances were found of hoses not attached to taps, buckets not filled with water, and other minor details. . , . . It had been found during the trial that some building organisers had not bothered to make themselves convereant with their duties. Steps were now being taken so that there would not be any excuse for that small group.