WATER PRESSURE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 February 1939, Page 4

WATER PRESSURE

INSUFFICIENT FOR FIGHTING FIRES. PUBLIC’S CO-OPERATION SOUGHT Discussing the water pressure available for fire fighting should an outbreak occur between the hours of 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., during which period hosing is permitted, Mr T. B. Clark, Superintendent of the Masterton Fire Brigade, emphasised that at the present time, with hoses in use, there wasinsufficient pressure of water to be of any use in fighting a fire. He pointed out that the period following the closing of business premises was looked upon as a potentially dangerous one, as there was always the possibility of an outbreak of fire occurring in premises recently closed. The Superintendent requested the residents of Masterton to immediately turn off all hoses in the event of the firebell ringing at any time. Although the brigade had efficient pumping units, they were of little use unless there was a volume of water in the mains.

The record of water pressure, which was taken every hour, said Mr Clark, showed that from 5 to 7 p.m. the pressure dropped on occasions to* the vicinity of 26 and 281bs. It was apparent to anyone that this was quite insufficient for fire fighting and it was most imperative that the public should give the brigade every assistance by co-operating on the lines suggested.