THE LATE FIRE.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 242, 18 July 1872, Page 3

THE LATE FIRE.

To the Editor of the THAMES GUARDIAN. Sir,—Having had an opportunity last night of observing the working of your fire company, I am forced to the conclusion that it is a failure : there seem to be no fixed order of procedure, or why should tlie whole company, with the exception of one man, appear at a fire without hose or machine? and when there have to make inquiries who had the key, before they could couple the hose, or fix them to the fire plugs. These things may seem trifles, hut you will find that ten minutes lost very often gives the lire a hold that takes the firemen hours to subdue, and to hear an order given after tlie majority of the company was at the fire for some men to go hack to the machine house and get some hose, for which they would receive a day’s wages. Now. sir, having had some years experience as a volunteer fireman, and having filled the office of assistant foreman for four years, I must say that the lives and property of this coirmunity are not safe with the present arrangements. In a well disciplined company each man knows what his duties arc, and knows likewise that lie is responsible for the proper performance of these duties, so that he requires to ask no questions, hut does his duty. I have written this with the hope that the property owners on this field may make a move in the matter of a Volunteer Fire Company, and with the help they are likely to get from the insurance Companies tney could raise a Volunteer company of men having an interest in the safety of property, such as those who have invested their small all in leaseholds and small freeholds on the field. Hoping you will excuse the length of this letter in your valuable columns, I am, &c., A.P.T.