The President's Conference

**On**

**Fire Prevention**

**Federal Works Building**

**Washington 25, D.C.**

May 13, 1948

The President

The White House

Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. President:

It is with much pleasure that I present to you the final report on what
has been accomplished throughout the Nation, subsequent to the
Conference on Fire Prevention, called by you on May 6, 7, and 8, 1947.

I feel that the report reflects considerable progress in the field of
fire prevention and indicates that the objectives adopted at the
Conference have been accomplished or definite action taken in this
regard.

You are to be congratulated on your foresight and wisdom in calling such
a conference and I know that you will derive much satisfaction in
reviewing its accomplishments.

> Respectfully
>
> ![](media/image1.png){width="2.463888888888889in"
> height="0.9055555555555556in"}
>
> Phillip B. Fleming
>
> Major General, U.S.A.
>
> General Chairman

**FINAL REPORT OF THE CONTINUING COMMITTEE**

**OF**

**THE PRESIDENT'S CONFERENCE ON FIRE PREVENTION**

**WASHINGTON, D.C.**

**MAY 13, 1948**

**PRESIDENT HARRY S. TRUMAN**

**REPORT OF THE CONTINUING COMMITTEE**

**OF**

**THE PRESIDENT'S CONFERENCE ON FIRE PREVENTION**

At the concluding session of the President's Conference on Fire
Prevention held last may, the appointment of a Continuing Committee was
authorized to implement the Action Program of the Conference, and this
is the report of that Committee.

It will be recalled that the Conference adopted as essential to the
accomplishment of its objectives the universal acceptance by the highest
officials of the States and Municipalities of their direct
responsibility for fire safety and public support behind such officials
in accomplishing the enactment and enforcement of adequate laws and
ordinances for fire prevention and fire protection.

The truly remarkable progress made during the past year is best
evidenced by the records of activities in furtherance of the
recommendations of the Conference in each of the forty-eight States, as
set forth in Appendix A, hereto attached. In thirty-four States the
Governor has set up a State fire safety committee and there have been
held in eighteen States, statewide conferences. Such conferences are set
in five others for definite dates, and plans are well advanced in seven
States, although no definite date has been fixed.

In these States varying programs for improvement in fire prevention and
fire protection measures have been advanced and definite continuing
programs are being undertaken to accomplish the results found most
desirable by each State involved.

Never before in the history of the country has there been anything
approaching such widespread activity by the States, nor even before have
so many citizens been interested in these problems.

More than 510 cities, as listed in Appendix B, attached hereto, have
reported scores of diverse actions looking to greater fire safety,
including the elimination of hazards, the passage of new ordinances, the
procurement of new and improved equipment, radio installation, better
training for firemen, and countless other advances.

In the year just closed, 1,832 cities in the United States participated
in the National Fire Prevention Week Contest, as compared with 715 the
previous year.

In addition to the widespread activities in the States and
Municipalities, great progress has been made in matters important to all
States and Municipalities. The drafting of a model statute permitting
adoption of codes and statutes by reference has been completed, and the
National Institute of Municipal Law Officers and the American Standards
Association have undertaken the presentation of such a statute to the
legislatures of the States in 1949, which is a legislative year. The
Council of State Governments and the National Association of Attorneys
General are among the organizations supporting this activity.

The National Education Association, through its National Commission on
Safety Education, with the support of various organizations represented
on the Continuing Committee, has undertaken a definite program designed
to further in the schools and colleges of the country the
recommendations of the Committee on Fire Prevention Education. This
unified effort, through and by the educators themselves, holds great
promise in what is perhaps the most important field of fire safety.

Great progress has been made in improving and increasing firemen's
training, both paid and volunteer. In one State there is being made
available to some 200,000 volunteer firemen right in their own counties
the finest possible firemen training courses.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs has adopted and pledged its
support to the recommendations made to the Conference by the Committee
on Firefighting Services, and will continue to support these important
measures.

More general use of automatic fire protection systems is being had and
more attention is being given to the inspection problems with respect to
such equipment.

Building codes are being perfected and studies concerning minimum
Statewide codes of this character continue.

Research has been extended. Especially notable are the studies of
ammonium nitrate, which are far advanced. A final report from the
subcommittee dealing with this matter will be submitted within a few
months.

Cooperation by our Committee on Organized Public Support with the Forest
Service in its expanded fire prevention activities has been cordial and
widespread.

Our subcommittee on statistics of loss of life from fires and causes of
fires will continue its work as an informal group, and will report from
time to time to interested organizations its findings and
recommendations.

The Conference has published and distributed widely a pamphlet entitled
"A Guide to Community Organization for Fire Safety." Every community
will find in it a practical outline of what to do and how to do it in so
far as fire safety is involved.

This pamphlet, the Action Program, and the reports of the committees of
the Conference give a complete program for fire safety as developed by
the best intelligence in this field that the country affords. The
Governors of the States, the heads of Municipalities, and the public
generally, have rallied to its support with an enthusiasm and continuing
interest that far surpass anything ever seen in this field, even in time
of war. Each organization represented on this Continuing Committee has
pledged its complete cooperation in pushing this program forward.

> President Truman said:
>
> "Safety from fire should not be a topic for discussion during only one
> or two weeks of the year. It is definitely a year-round public
> responsibility. I believe that the highest State and Municipal
> officials must assume greater responsibility for leadership in this
> field. We in the Federal Government can give aid within the framework
> of existing agencies. But the impetus must come from the States and
> from every community and every individual in the land."

The program is complete; the proper authorities, generally, have
accepted their respective responsibilities; and tremendous impetus has
been given to the whole cause of fire safety. All agencies whose special
purposes deal with fire safety are better informed of the problems and
the means to meet them, and are working together harmoniously as never
before. While fire losses continue to increase, the rate of increase has
lessened sharply. The work of the Continuing Committee has been
completed and its discharge is in order.

In conclusion, we wish to express our grateful thanks to the President
for his initiative in calling this Conference and for his continuous and
great personal support, which he has given to it at all times. We feel
that he has advanced the cause of fire safety by many years beyond any
point it could otherwise have reached, and that his deep and sincere
concern for the preventing of unnecessary loss of life and property has
been responsible for the wholehearted support given to the program of
the Conference throughout the land.

We must pay tribute to his wisdom in naming you, General Fleming, to
lead this work and to thank you for inspiring leadership and the wholly
unselfish way in which you have given of your time and talents, not only
in Washington, but in many distant parts of the country, to make
possible the success of the Conference program.

We ask you to convey to our Committee Chairman, Commissioner of Public
Buildings W. E. Reynolds, our appreciation of his direction and aid. We
think you chose as wisely in selecting him as your chief assistant as
did the President in naming you as General Chairman.

We ask you to present this report to the President.

**Chairman**

**W. E. Reynolds**

Commissioner of Public Buildings

Federal Works Agency

Washington, D.C.

**Professor John J. Ahern** **Percy Bugbee**

Illinois Institute of General Manager

Technology National Fire Protection Association

**Paul Betters** **Hal Colling**

Executive Secretary Pacific Coast Building

United States Conference of Mayors Officials Conference

**A. Bruce Bielaski** **John H. Craig**

Assistant General Manager Chairman, Fire Marshals' Section

National Board of Fire Underwriters National Fire Protection Association

**Horatio Bond Arthur C. Daniels**

Chief Engineer Executive Assistant

National Fire Protection Association Institute of Life Insurance

**Ernest B. Brown Hubert R. Gallagher**

President Associate Director

Associated Reciprocal Exchanges Council of State Governments

**Willard E. Givens Fred Sheppard**

Executive Secretary Secretary and Manager

National Education Association International Association of Fire Chiefs

**Colonel William B. Greeley Earl O. Shreve**

Chairman President

American Forest Products Industry Chamber of Commerce of the United
States

**A. V. Gruhn Alvah Small**

General Manager President

American Mutual Alliance Underwriters' Laboratories

**Julien Harvey Walter A. Taylor**

Managing Director Director, Department of Education and

National Conservation Bureau Research

The American Institute of Architects

**Earl D. Mallery George N. Thompson**

Executive Director National Bureau of Standards

The American Municipal Association

**James H. Mooney Seth B. Thompson**

President Insurance Commissioner

Building Officials' Conference Salem, Oregon

of America

**Colin Herrle George G. Traver**

National Disaster Chairman Manager, Public Relations Department

American Red Cross National Board of Fire Underwriters

**George J. Richardson Frank M. Whiston**

Secretary and Treasurer National Association Building Owners

International Association of and Managers

Fire Fighters

**Charles S. Ryhne Sidney Williams**

General Counsel Assistant to the President

National Institute of Municipal National Safety Council

Law Officers

**West Shell W. Walter Williams**

Vice Chairman Seattle, Washington

National Association of

Insurance Agents

**R. E. Wilson**

District Manager

Factory Mutual Fire Insurance Company

**Appendix A**

**[Alabama]{.underline}**

Governor James E. Folsom has named a Statewide committee, headed by
Superintendent of Insurance and State Fire Marshal L. L. Gwaltney, Jr.,
[ex]{.underline} [officio]{.underline}, and with General William P.
Screws as general chairman. General Screws has established an office in
the Capitol Building and a Statewide conference has been set for May 31,
1948. Seven subcommittees have been organized, the financial
arrangements substantially completed, and the promise of Superintendent
Gwaltney that this conference in Alabama will be one of the most
outstanding in the country appears to be on the way to fulfillment.

**[Arizona]{.underline}**

Governor Sidney P. Osborn has assigned to the Fire Insurance Association
of Arizona, to which State and Municipal officials give full cooperation
and assistance, the direction of fire prevention activities in the
State. He reports that this Association has assumed these
responsibilities in an able manner, and is carrying them out in like
manner and in conformance with the recommendations of the President's
Conference on Fire Prevention. He reports that State and other public
officials are enthusiastically extending to the committees doing this
work every possible cooperation and assistance.

**[Arkansas]{.underline}**

Governor Ben Laney held a Statewide conference at Little Rock on
November 21, 1947, the chairman of which was Insurance Commissioner Jack
G. McKenzie. The conference was successful and created a permanent
action committee, which, with the Arkansas State Fire Prevention
Association, is engaged in Statewide educational activities and fire
prevention inspections. Special attention is given to the prevention of
rural and forest fires, and to an educational program in the schools.

**[California]{.underline}**

Governor Earl Warren has appointed a Statewide fire prevention committee
for the State, which has held three meetings. This committee has worked
out an elaborate program, including practically all of the fire
prevention activities covered in the reports of the President's
Conference on Fire prevention. A Statewide conference will be called at
an early date.

The direction of the program is in the hands of State Fire Marshal Joe
R. Yockers and the committee has been diligent and effective.

**[Colorado]{.underline}**

Governor William Lee Knous named Raymond H. Stebbins of Denver as
chairman of his committee on fire safety. This committee includes both
private citizens and public officials, and is following very closely the
Action Program adopted by the President's Conference.

Because of the great area and sparse population, the committee decided
to hold regional meetings in key towns, instead of one Statewide
conference. The first meeting was held in Loveland February 11 to 13,
and one or more additional regional meetings are planned for the near
future.

The committee is following the organization plan for Statewide fire
prevention committee work published by the National Fire Protection
Association as a contribution to the President's Conference.

**[Connecticut]{.underline}**

Former Governor James L. McConaughy called and attended a Statewide
conference held at Strathcona Hall, Yale University, on January 5, 1948.
The meeting was largely attended, with representatives from practically
every village in Connecticut, and a fine program was adopted for
Statewide work.

The State has recently adopted a new fire safety code, which has now
become effective.

The direction of the fire prevention program is in the hands of Edward
J. Hickey, superintendent of state police and fire marshal for the
State.

**[Delaware]{.underline}**

Governor Walter W. Bacon has named a Statewide committee, which has held
several meetings. The program outlined by the committee is receiving the
fullest cooperation of state and county agencies, especially from the
volunteer fire companies. Considerable improvements with respect to the
situation of volunteer firemen has been brought about and special
attention is being given to prevention of forest fires. Further meetings
of the committee are planned.

**[Florida]{.underline}**

Governor Millard Caldwell called a Statewide fire prevention conference,
which was held in Orlando on January 19-20, 1948. This conference was
especially worthwhile because of the definite plans made for improvement
in state and local fire prevention machinery and the promise of
cooperation therein from the members of the Legislature.

A second Statewide conference is planned within a year.

Additional fire prevention bureaus in Municipalities have been created
and plans to enlarge and improve the Florida Fire College are under way,
as well as for improved firefighting facilities and for revised building
and electrical codes. Governor Caldwell placed the direction of these
activities in the hands of State Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner J.
Edwin Larson, who has been responsible for the very constructive
activities developed in this State.

**[Georgia]{.underline}**

Under the chairmanship of M. M. Smith, a member of the state
Legislature, a Statewide fire safety committee has been named and is
planning a Statewide fire prevention conference, to be held in Atlanta
on May 7 and 8. Included on this committee is Director Harry Phillips of
the Georgia State Fire College.

A new building code has been adopted in the State and one of the
principal purposes of the conference will be to implement the proper
enforcement of this code.

The conference will include city and county officials, fire chiefs,
insurance men, officials of chambers of commerce, architects, engineers,
construction officials, and property owners. In addition, conferences at
later dates are planned for each of the ten Congressional districts of
Georgia.

**[Idaho]{.underline}**

Governor C. A. Robins reports that no final organization in Idaho was
consummated in 1947; that, with the aid of the usual cooperating
agencies and organizations, plans for a State conference should be fully
completed this year.

**[Illinois]{.underline}**

Governor Dwight H. Green called a Statewide fire prevention conference,
which was held in Springfield on March 11, 1948. The conference was well
attended by representative groups of fire prevention officials and civic
leaders, and it is believed will be especially effective in inciting
fire prevention activities in local communities in Illinois. To insure
an effective setup of this conference, an action committee, of which
State Fire Marshal John H. Craig is secretary, was appointed.

The recommendations of the state conference will be stressed at the
Illinois Fire College, to be held at the University of Illinois, June 15
to 18.

**[Indiana]{.underline}**

Governor Ralph F. Gates placed the fire prevention program of the State
in the hands of State Fire Marshal Carter I. Bowser.

Governor Gates designated the annual fire school, held for the past
fifteen years, supervised by Purdue University, the Indiana Inspection
Bureau, and the State Fire Marshal, at his conference on fire prevention
and protection.

Indiana has had a Statewide fire prevention committee for the past two
years and Fire Marshal Bowser reports that it is his belief that all
recommendations of the President's Conference have been fully compiled
with, and that all organizations within the State are giving full
cooperation to the objective of a fire safe State.

**[Iowa]{.underline}**

Governor Robert D. Blue has called a Statewide fire prevention
conference for Iowa, to be held on May 28 and 29 at Des Moines, and has
named an executive board, an advisory bureau, and six chairmen of
fact-finding groups. Commissioner of Public Safety Alfred W. Carl is the
conference chairman. Plans for it are through and it is deemed well
organized.

**[Kansas]{.underline}**

Governor Frank Carlson called four conferences on fire prevention in
four sections of the State. These conferences were held at Topeka,
Hayes, Dodge City, and Chanute on October 17, 21, 22, and 24,
respectively, thus covering the State effectively with less travel than
a single conference would have occasioned and increasing the number of
persons in attendance. The State Fire Marshal, Mr. Clyde Latchem, was
designated by the Governor to direct this work.

Fire Marshal Latchem has reported that notable results from these
conferences have been had, especially in increased interest on the part
of city officials in fire prevention and in revising city ordinances for
greater degrees of safety. In addition, he has reported an increase
number of rural fire prevention projects; heightened interest on the
part of newspapers, magazines, and other publications; a notable
increase in fire prevention activities in schools; and greater interest
on the part of Kansas chambers of commerce, especially in the small
towns of the State. He has reported further the laying of a sound
foundation for future legislation in the interest of fire safety and the
largest attendance ever recorded at the Kansas Fire School, with the
personal participation of the Governor, who made addresses before the
State conferences.

The Fire Marshal feels that competent machinery has been set up for the
successful application of the recommendations of the conferences to the
Kansas fire problem.

**[Kentucky]{.underline}**

Former Governor Simeon Willis, in cooperation with the Action Program of
the President's Conference, called a two-day conference of the fire
chiefs in Kentucky, which was held in Louisville on July 16 and 17,
1947. This conference was so successful that a second conference, on the
call of Governor Earle C. Clements, is planned for this year, which will
include other interested persons in addition to the fire chiefs.

**[Louisiana]{.underline}**

On January 7, 1947, prior to the President's Conference, Louisiana held
a Statewide fire prevention conference on call of Governor J. H. Davis
and a Statewide committee was named, to which the Action Program adopted
at the President's Conference was referred.

It is believed that a Statewide conference will be held this year, but
actual determination awaits attention of the incoming Governor.

**[Maine]{.underline}**

On the call of Governor Horace A. Hildreth, a Statewide fire prevention
conference was held at Augusta on January 13, 1948. This conference
distributed an action program covering things deemed essential for
better fire prevention and protection in that State.

Committee meetings have been held since the conference and groups
assigned to study the various aspects of the several committee reports.
The laws and law enforcement committee is preparing a tentative draft of
legislation to be submitted to the Governor for this study and
attention. The work inaugurated by the conference is going forward and a
final report of its activities is planned for late summer or early fall.

**[Maryland]{.underline}**

Governor William P. Lane, Jr., designated Insurance Commissioner Claude
A. Hanley as chairman of the Maryland committee and called a Statewide
fire prevention conference, which was held on January 28, 1948. The
conference was attended by outstanding representatives of public and
private organizations and subcommittees were named to cover various
phases of fire prevention activities. Plans have been completed for four
regional fire prevention conferences to be held in the State, the first
on April 10, 1948, at Salisbury, another at Hagerstown in the month of
May, a third at the University of Maryland during midsummer, and a
fourth to be held in the city of Baltimore in October.

These conferences have resulted in a tremendous increase in activity,
participation, and interest throughout the entire State in fire
prevention.

**[Massachusetts]{.underline}**

Governor Robert F. Bradford called a Statewide fire prevention
conference, which was held in Boston on October 28, 1947. It was
attended by the Governor, important State officials, and representative
citizens, aggregating more than 400 people.

The conference was under the general direction of the late State Fire
Marshal, Mr. Edward H. Whittemore, who was responsible for much of its
success.

A continuation committee was created and the recommendations of the
conference were referred to it for action. This continuing committee has
had several meetings and has made much progress in looking toward making
effective the conference's recommendations. Its work is going forward
with the aid of Edward I. Flanders, the new State fire marshal.

**[Michigan]{.underline}**

Governor Kim Sigler named on March 26 a State Fire Prevention Study
Commission, under the chairmanship of Nate S. Shapiro.

A Statewide conference was planned for February 19, but was postponed
indefinitely, and up to the present time no future date has been set for
it. The chairman of the newly created State Fire Prevention Study
Commission is understood to favor a Statewide conference at an early
date.

**[Minnesota]{.underline}**

Governor Luther W. Youngdahl called a fire prevention conference, which
was held on September 10, 1947, Minnesota being one of the earliest
States to take action. This conference adopted a program calling for the
organization of several subcommittees. The committee on building
construction has had several meetings, as has the committee on petroleum
and petroleum products, which has revamped regulations and rules
governing the storage, use, and sale of inflammables. These regulations
cannot become effective until action is taken by the Legislature meeting
in 1949.

Further meetings of the committees of the Governor's fire prevention
conference are planned and a second general conference has been set
tentatively for some date in July. This second conference, it is
expected, will formulate a legislative program to be presented to the
1949 State Legislature.

**[Mississippi]{.underline}**

No definite plans have yet materialized in this State looking to action
in support of the recommendations of the President's Conference,
although representatives from Mississippi who attended the Conference
have repeatedly expressed the intention of having a Statewide fire
prevention conference. Primarily, election contests and the session of
the Legislature are believed to be the principle causes for the delay in
action.

**[Missouri]{.underline}**

Governor Phil M. Donnelly has appointed a committee to aid in the
setting up of an action program in furtherance of the recommendations of
the President's Conference on Fire Prevention, but no definite date for
a Statewide fire prevention conference has been set.

**[Montana]{.underline}**

Governor Sam C. Ford has twice agreed to cell a Statewide fire
prevention conference, but has not taken action as yet.

The Commissioner of Insurance and State Fire Marshal, [ex]{.underline}
[officio]{.underline}, Mr. John J. Holmes, has done considerable
preliminary work throughout the State with the fire departments and has
secured their support. The State, also, has provided an inspector, who
is meeting with fire departments and instructing them in the use of
their own equipment.

**[Nebraska]{.underline}**

Governor Val Peterson is planning a Statewide fire prevention program.
He has selected a chairman for a Statewide fire prevention committee and
its membership will shortly be announced. An early meeting of the
committee is planned, with a view to having its activities in general
follow the Action Program of the President's Conference.

**[Nevada]{.underline}**

Governor Vail Pittman appointed the State Fire Prevention Council on
November 15, consisting of seven men. It had its first meeting on
January 15, 1948, and decided to undertake a survey of every community
in the State to determine the property to be protected and the types of
protection in effect. A second meeting was held on March 5, 1948.

Due to the great distances in Nevada, the Council has recommended that
no Statewide fire prevention conference be held for the time being. In
the meantime, the activities of the State Fire Prevention Council and
those of the State Fire Bureau are continuing.

**[New Hampshire]{.underline}**

Governor Charles M. Dale called a Statewide fire prevention conference
in Concord on October 14, 1947.

One of the important things undertaken is a plan of interstate
cooperation with Massachusetts, covering the use of firefighting
personnel and equipment. Other things are the development of regional
agreements in New Hampshire for the use of firefighting equipment; the
expansion and improvement of the radio service of the State forestry
department; increased interest in protection in rural communities;
increased interest on the part of the fire service personnel in
obtaining additional and better training; increased interest on the part
of residents of the State as to responsibility for fire safety; improved
cooperation between fire services and the general public; increased
interest in fire prevention and fire safety; programs over the several
State radio stations; and the preparation of a State fire service
district program by the State Fire Control Board.

**[New Jersey]{.underline}**

Governor Alfred E. Driscoll called a Statewide fire prevention
conference, to be held on April 22, but, in order to give committees
ample time to review thoroughly the subjects referred to them and to
prepare proper reports, the conference has been postponed to September
22, 1948. Nine committees have been named and are in process of
organization, each committee dealing with a separate phase of the
problem.

**[New Mexico]{.underline}**

On November 24, 1947, Governor Thomas J. Mabry, by proclamation,
appointed a State fire safety committee to cooperate in the furtherance
of the recommendations of the Action Program of the president's
Conference. The chairman of that committee is Mr. John E. Miles. The
committee has recommended that a qualified instructor be employed under
the State school superintendent for the purpose of conducting a
compulsory fire prevention course in all New Mexico schools.

No plan for a Statewide fire prevention conference have as yet been
formulated.

**[New York]{.underline}**

Governor Thomas E. Dewey has designated Mr. Thomas W. Ryan, Director of
Safety, as the official to handle the fire prevention program of the
State of New York. In addition, the Governor has appointed the Fire
Advisory Board of the Division of Safety, consisting of fifteen members.

A plan has been accepted which will provide for the volunteer firemen in
the State a fine training program in each of its sixty counties, with
financial and other assistance from the State. Since there are 200,000
volunteer firemen in New York State, this will make available excellent
training to twenty-five per cent of the volunteer firemen of the
country.

In addition, a committee of the legislature is giving study to the
question of a Statewide building code.

Other phases of the fire prevention problem will be taken up under the
direction of the Director of Safety, who has announced his purpose to
integrate and strengthen fire defense throughout the State by mans of a
cooperative program involving county, city, town, village, and district
fire authorities.

**[North Carolina]{.underline}**

Governor R. Gregg Cherry has advised that the office of Commissioner of
Insurance William P. Hodges regulates and conducts the State fire
prevention program. So far as we know, no action has been taken in this
State to implement the recommendations of the President's Conference.

**[North Dakota]{.underline}**

Governor Fred G. Aandahl has referred the matter of the fire prevention
action program to Commissioner of Insurance Otto Krueger. One of Mr.
Krueger's deputies has reported, in response to an inquiry, that
"program in operation".

**[Ohio]{.underline}**

Governor Thomas J. Herbert called a conference at Columbus, which was
held on September 12, 1947. It was addressed by the Governor and was
supported financially by the State.

This State has developed a fine plan for Statewide cooperation and, in
large measure, has carried it into effect.

It is believed that the plan adopted and in operation in Ohio is
probably the most comprehensive and well organized of all of the state
programs. The State has been organized into districts and in all the
larger cities a city chairman has been designated. An appropriation of
\$35,000 has been set aside by the State Emergency Board, at the request
of the Governor, to be used this year to promote the activities of the
Governor's Fire Safety Committee. The last session of the general
assembly presented a bill creating a Fire Prevention Bureau, an Arson
Bureau, and a Personnel Fire Protection Bureau in the State Fire
Marshal's Office. The leadership is highly competent and the committee
has announced its intention of carrying on an aggressive program this
year.

Mr. Joseph B. Hall, as chairman, and Mr. William G. Werner, as public
relations director, are devoting much time to this work notwithstanding
their heavy duties as executives of two of America's leading industrial
concerns.

**[Oklahoma]{.underline}**

The State Advisory Committee on Fire Service Training met at Oklahoma
Agricultural and Mechanical College on September 10, 1947, with
officials of the college and of the State Department of Trade and
Industrial Education. In connection with this program, the committee
suggested a Statewide fire prevention committee as recommended by the
President's Conference on Fire Prevention. Acting on this request,
Governor Roy J. Turner on April 8, 1948, named a committee, of which Mr.
K. B. Banks of Oklahoma City is chairman.

**[Oregon]{.underline}**

Governor John H. Hall, acting through Insurance Commissioner Seth B.
Thompson, has reported that Oregon has made considerable progress in the
matter of fire prevention and fire control since the President's
Conference.

One of the major activities has been the strengthening of the fire
control defenses of the State by assisting local communities in
stressing the importance of more equipment, manpower, and training in
the fire departments. Firemen's training has been intensified and the
Forestry Department carries on a continuous fire prevention campaign.
Twenty new rural fire protection districts were added during 1947 and
several have been added since.

No Statewide conference committee or conference is planned.

**[Pennsylvania]{.underline}**

Governor James H. Duff called a Statewide fire and accident prevention
conference, which was held at Harrisburg on December 20, 1947, under the
auspices of the State Department of Labor and the Pennsylvania State
Police. Some 500 persons from all parts of the State, representing
business, industry, the fire services, and other groups, were present.
Further plans for stimulating fire prevention activities throughout the
year have been made, and the Governor reports that it is evident that
additional local action is under way.

**[Rhode Island]{.underline}**

Governor John O. Pastore called a Statewide fire prevention conference,
which was held on March 15, 1948, at Providence. A continuing committee,
of which the chairman is the Superintendent of State Police and State
Fire Marshal, [ex]{.underline} [officio]{.underline}, was created and
has had a meeting since the State conference.

The committee is concentrating at the present time on fire prevention
education. Rhode Island State College is cooperating and special
emphasis is being placed on the exhibition in schools of fire prevention
motion pictures, and also, on lectures on fire prevention.

The continuing committee has announced its determination to carry out as
many as possible of the recommendations at the conference and as soon as
possible.

**[South Carolina]{.underline}**

Governor J. Strom Thurmand has named a committee to draw up a new
building code, which committee has not yet been able to present its
recommendations. The office of the Insurance Commissioner has inspected
school buildings and effected better measures of protection. Theatres,
hotels, and other buildings have likewise been inspected and
recommendations for improvements made.

**[South Dakota]{.underline}**

Governor George T. Mickelson reports that, following the President's
Conference on Fire Prevention, he checked into the matter of fire losses
in his State and as to what steps might be taken to reduce them. He was
convinced that a continuation and a stepping-up of the program already
under way, directed by the State Fire Marshal, would accomplish as much
as any other plan, and these actions have been taken.

The program involves inspection and training of volunteer firemen, talks
to firemen in conjunction with all meetings held by local fire
districts, inspection of schools and other public buildings, and
addresses to groups such as parent-teacher associations and the service
clubs.

**[Tennessee]{.underline}**

Governor Jim Nance McCord called a Statewide fire prevention conference,
which was held at Nashville on April 26, 1948. Dr. Andrew D. Holt,
conference chairman, State Fire Marshal James M. McCormack, and Leon
McGilton, chairman of planning committee, organized a most successful
conference, which provided for permanent Statewide activities, to be
guided by a committee appointment by the Governor.

Governor McCord personally participated in the conference, delivering an
address which was broadcast throughout the State.

**[Texas]{.underline}**

Governor Beauford H. Jester called a Statewide fire prevention
conference, which was held in Austin on October 9, 1947. This conference
was addressed by the Governor.

Four subcommittees were appointed and the Governor reports that their
activities are developing in a very orderly manner and will continue and
expand with time.

He has paid tribute to the excellent spirit of cooperation being
exhibited by the people of his State, which he believes insures the
success of the program.

A Statewide fire prevention ordinance is being prepared and should be
ready for consideration in about four months. Plans for fire prevention
programs in every school in the State are under way. The cooperation of
the fire services throughout the State has been secured, as has that of
the State Traffic Safety Association. The 250 Red Cross Chapters is the
State are also assisting the Governor's committee in any way possible.

**[Utah]{.underline}**

Governor Herbert B. Maw, on November 21, 1947, called a Statewide
meeting on fire prevention of interested citizens, and Mr. J. Whitney
Floyd was appointed chairman of the Utah State Fire Safety Committee.
Additional meetings were held, on February 5 and February 20, at which
plans for fire prevention were promulgated. Special committees on fire
prevention and fire codes have been named and the county commissions in
each county have been asked to name a county fire safety chairman to
coordinate and stimulate the creation of community fire safety
committees throughout his county.

**[Vermont]{.underline}**

Governor Ernest W. Gibson reports that no Statewide conference on fire
prevention has been held, but that representatives of the Fire
Prevention Division have made radio broadcasts, addresses before civic
meetings, chambers of commerce, and other groups, and that an entirely
new and modern group of state regulations governing fire prevention and
fire protection is being promulgated at the present time -- that a fire
prevention committee is working on such regulations and fire prevention
problems in the State.

Representatives of the Fire Prevention Division have attended several of
the conferences called by Governors of the New England States.

This Division has suggested that thought be given to holding a
Governor's conference on fire prevention in Vermont in the late summer
or early fall of 1948.

**[Virginia]{.underline}**

Following the loss of life in the Hotel Jefferson fire in Richmond, the
legislature passed a resolution referring to the Virginia Advisory
Legislative Council the question of fire safety in public buildings.
After long, extensive hearings and meetings, that body submitted to the
legislature a report dated November 18, 1947, recommending legislation.
The general assembly in 1948 enacted, with one exception, the
legislation recommended by the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council
and, in addition, adopted a bill authorizing the governing bodies of
political subdivisions of the State, such as cities, towns, and
counties, to adopt recognized fire prevention and fire protection codes
by reference.

In order to keep fire prevention, fire protection, and fire safety up to
date, the actual promulgation and constant amendment and revision of
rules and regulations were left to the State Corporation Commission, a
constitutional body to whom may be delegated legislative functions, thus
achieving a method whereby Virginia may be kept abreast of developments
without the necessity of additional legislation. Provision was made so
that requirements may be retroactive to existing buildings.

All members of the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council attended the
President's Conference on Fire Prevention.

With reference to a Statewide fire prevention committee and conference,
the Governor and the State Chamber of Commerce felt that private
enterprise should do the job rather than Government. The Virginia State
Chamber of Commerce, with the promised cooperation of Governmental
authorities, has organized a fire prevention committee at state level,
of which Walter O. Randlett of Richmond is chairman and L. O. Freeman,
Jr., of Richmond, vice chairman. This central committee has been broken
down into subcommittees, of which members of the central committee are
chairmen, so as to reach throughout the State, following the pattern
recommended by the President's Conference on Fire Prevention. The first
Statewide State Chamber of Commerce fire prevention meeting was held on
April 15. The members of the committees have accepted this
responsibility as a challenge to private enterprise to make good.

**[Washington]{.underline}**

Governor Mon C. Wallgren reports that a State organization for fire
prevention is being set up and, at his request, is being headed by
Commissioner of Insurance and State Fire Marshal, [ex]{.underline}
[officio]{.underline}, William A. Sullivan.

This Statewide committee began functioning on April 15, 1948. While it
is understood that a Statewide conference is planned, no definite date
has been fixed.

**[West Virginia]{.underline}**

Governor Clarence W. Meadows called a Statewide fire prevention
conference, which was held in the State Senate Chamber, State Capitol,
on October 27, 1947. The conference was addressed by the Governor. It
was a very successful one.

The chairman of the Governor's Statewide fire safety committee is Fire
Marshal Robert H. Kidd.

Since the conference, a summary of its recommendations has been
publicized and efforts continued to carry out its recommendations.

The committee on building codes and law enforcement is proceeding with a
study, from which it is hoped to achieve a maximum of fire safety in
these fields. The committee on industrial protection is continuing to
encourage individual management to effectuate a real fire protection
program at each plant. With the cooperation of Fire Marshal Kidd, who
has been a very active leader in the matter, a complete survey is being
made of all public institutions, and a disaster program prepared.

**[Wisconsin]{.underline}**

Governor Oscar Rennebohm has called a Statewide fire prevention
conference for May 17, 18, and 19, 1948, and is personally cooperating
and assisting the general committee in the arrangements for the program.
Attendance will be at the Governor's personal invitation and an
excellent program is being prepared.

**[Wyoming]{.underline}**

No report of any action taken in this State has been received.

**[Territory of Hawaii]{.underline}**

Governor Ingram M. Stainback has advised that, while no organized
committees have been set up, various Governmental agencies normally
performing functions described in the Action Program of the President's
Conference, have started work on some of the matters suggested,
including a revision of the fire marshal's rules and regulations in
their entirety, with particular attention to dry cleaning rules and
regulations and fire prevention education in the individual schools,
together with fire drills and inspections. The appointment of a
committee for the revision of the present building code by the Mayor of
Honolulu has been made, and increased studies are being conducted by the
Honolulu Fire Department of hazardous buildings and organizations.

**[Puerto Rico]{.underline}**

Governor Jesus G. Piñero reports that since the President's Conference
on Fire Prevention, Puerto Rico has extended its fire prevention and
extinguishment activities. Nine additional towns have been provided with
service. A new arson bill has been introduced in the Legislature and
favorable action on it is anticipated. A further program for enlargement
of the fire protection services is planned for next year.

**Appendix B**

The following cities, listed alphabetically by States, have reported
varying activities designed to increase fire safety. The actions taken,
in the aggregate, cover almost every conceivable improvement and are too
numerous to list in this report. It is hoped that a special bulleting
will be prepared at a late date outlining in some detail many advances
made by these cities.

**[Alabama]{.underline} [CALIFORNIA - continued]{.underline}**

Albertville Hillsborough

Athens Long Beach

Bessemer Los Angeles

Birmingham Lynwood

Cullman Madera

Dothan Monrovia

Florala Montebello

Gadsden Monterey

Mobile Oakland

Tuskegee Ontario

Oxnard

**[Arizona]{.underline}** Pacific Grove

Tucson Palm Springs

Palo Alto

**[Arkansas]{.underline}** Petaluma

Fort Smith Piedmont

Hot Springs Redding

Van Buren Redondo Beach

Riverside

**[California]{.underline}** Richmond

Alhambra San Diego

Antioch San Jose

Arcadia San Mateo

Berkeley Santa Maria

Burlingame Santa Monica

Carmel by the Sea Sierra Madre

Chico Stockton

Chino Upland

Compton Vallejo

Delano Visalia

El Monte Whittier

El Segundo Yuba

Gardena

Glendale **[Colorado]{.underline}**

Hanford Colorado springs

Hayward Delta

Hemet Denver

**[COLORADO - continued]{.underline}** **[GEORGIA -
continued]{.underline}**

Durango Cairo

Forth Collins Columbus

Huntington Decatur

Montrose East Point

Gainesville

**[Connecticut]{.underline}** Hapeville

Ansonia Marietta

Bristol Swainsboro

Derby Thomasville

Hartford Tifton

Naugatuck Toccoa

New Haven

New London **[Idaho]{.underline}**

Southington Boise

Stamford St. Anthony

Williamantic

**[Illinois]{.underline}**

**[Delaware]{.underline}** Aledo

Newark Barrington

Brookfield

**[Florida]{.underline}** Champaign

Avon Park Evanston

Dade City Freeport

Daytona Beach Glencoe

Eustis Joliet

Hialeah Mattoon

Hollywood Maywood

Jacksonville Beach Moline

Key West Monmouth

Lakeland Olney

Madison Pekin

Melbourne Peoria

Miami Beach Petersburg

Orlando Rochelle

Pensacola Rockford

Tallahassee Watseka

Tampa Zeigler

Vero Beach

Winter Haven **[Indiana]{.underline}**

Winter Park Bedford

Fort Wayne

**[Georgia]{.underline}** Garrett

Atlanta Hartford

Augusta Kokomo

Blakely North Manchester

**[INDIANA - continued]{.underline}** **[MARYLAND -
continued]{.underline}**

Princeton Hagerstown

Tipton

Vincennes

Warsaw **[Massachusetts]{.underline}**

> Attleboro

**[Iowa]{.underline}** Boston

Belle Plaine Cambridge

Fort Dodge Chelsea

Mason City Easthampton

Pella East Weymouth

Vinton Gloucester

Greenfield

**[Kansas]{.underline}** Medford

Belleville Methuen

Girard Natick

Hutchinson Newton

Larned Orange

Liberal Pittsfield

Pittsburg Stoughton

Topeka Watertown

Whitman

**[Kentucky]{.underline}**

Covington **[Michigan]{.underline}**

Cumberland Allegan

Hopkinsville Alma

Princeton Alpena

Winchester Bay City

Benton Harbor

**[Louisiana]{.underline}** Crystal Falls

Bunkie Ecorse

New Orleans Hazel Park

Highland Park

**[Maine]{.underline}** Iron Mountain

Bangor Kalamazoo

Belfast Manistique

Brunswick Manitowoo

Caribou Marquette

Fairfield Mount Clemens

Lewiston Mount Pleasant

Madison Muskegon

Rockland Port Huron

Portland

**[Maryland]{.underline}** Saginaw

Baltimore Saint Louis

**[MICHIGAN - continued]{.underline}** **[NEW HAMPSHIRE]{.underline}**

Sturgis Concord

Three Rivers Franklin

Wayne Portsmouth

Ypsilanti

> **[New Jersey]{.underline}**

**[Minnesota]{.underline}** Boonton

Anoka Butler

Bayport Camden

Gilbert Chatham

Minneapolis Clementon

Moorhead Cliffside Park

Saint Paul Haledon

South Saint Paul Maplewood

Stillwater Matawan

Thief River Falls Morristown

West Saint Paul North Plainfield

Nutley

**[Mississippi]{.underline}** Sayreville

Clarksdale Trenton

Gulfport Vineland

Moss Point Woodlynne

Yazoo City

**[New Mexico]{.underline}**

**[Missouri]{.underline}** Lordsburg

Aurora Tucumcari

Butler

Chillicothe **[New York]{.underline}**

Kansas City Ballston Spa

Liberty Buffalo

Saint Louis Cohoes

Salem Cortland

University City East Rochester

> Elmira

**[Montana]{.underline}** Glens Falls

Lewistown Johnson City

Kingston

**[Nebraska]{.underline}** Lockport

Alliance Long Beach

Omaha Mamaroneck

Lincoln Mechanicsville

Newburgh

**[Nevada]{.underline}** New York

Elko Norwich

Sparks

**[NEW YORK - continued]{.underline}** **[OHIO -
continued]{.underline}**

Niagara Falls Cincinnati

Patchogue Cleveland Heights

Poughkeepsie Columbus

Rochester Dayton

Rome East Cleveland

Schenectady Euclid

Scotia Hubbard

Sea Cliff Kent

Solvay Lakewood

Southampton Marietta

Syracuse Newton Falls

Tonawanda Painesville

Tuckahoe Portsmouth

Warsaw Sandusky

Watertown Shelby

Watkins Glen St. Marys

Westbury Toledo

Westfield Uhrichsville

White Plains Wadsworth

Yonkers Wellston

**[North Carolina]{.underline}** **[Oklahoma]{.underline}**

Asheville Ada

Burlington Claremore

Canton Duncan

Charlotte Edmond

Hamlet Enid

Morganton Lawton

Thomasville Norman

Whiteville Oklahoma City

Pauls Valley

**[North Dakota]{.underline}** Shawnee

Grand Forks Woodward

Fargo

> **[Oregon]{.underline}**

**[Ohio]{.underline}** Albany

Akron Astoria

Ashtabula Corvallis

Bay Village Eugene

Bowling Green Hillsboro

Bucyrus Oregon City

Canton Pendleton

Carey Portland

Chillicothe Roseburg

**[Pennsylvania]{.underline}** **[PENNSYLVANIA -
continued]{.underline}**

Ambridge Youngwood

Ashland

Bangor **[Rhode Island]{.underline}**

Beaver Falls East Providence

Ben Avon Newport

Boyertown Providence

Braddock

Brentwood **[South Carolina]{.underline}**

Bridgeville Florence

Carlisle Gaffney

Chester Georgetown

Cipollo Greenville

Coplay Hartsville

Dallastown Summerville

Darby Sumter

Duryea Woodruff

Elizabethtown

Freeland **[South Dakota]{.underline}**

Greencastle Lead

Grove City

Hummelstown **[Tennessee]{.underline}**

Jenkintown Alcoa

Jermyn Clarksville

Kingston Jefferson City

Lewistown Kingsport

Lock Haven Knoxville

Meadville Memphis

Media Milan

Milton

Morrisville **[Texas]{.underline}**

Pittsburgh Austin

Pottstown Beaumont

Pottsville Borger

Renovo Brownsville

Scranton Clarksville

Shenandoah Corpus Christi

Shillington Electra City

Souderton Fort Worth

South Greensburg Gainesville

Summit Hill Haskell

Tyrone Jefferson

Wellsboro Kerrville

Winton Kingsville

York Mexia

**[TEXAS - continued]{.underline}** **[VIRGINIA -
continued]{.underline}**

Odessa Roanoke

Orange South Boston

San Benito South Norfolk

San Diego Staunton

Seguin Suffolk

Stamford Williamsburg

Texas City

Tyler **[Washington]{.underline}**

Victoria Centralia

Waxahachie Colfax

Renton

**[Utah]{.underline}** Seattle

Bingham Canyon Sunnyside

Logan City Yakima

Midvale

Orem **[West Virginia]{.underline}**

Price Buckhannon

Salt Lake Charles Town

South Salt Lake Grafton

Huntington

**[Vermont]{.underline}** Princeton

Burlington Williamson

Montpelier

Rockingham **[Wisconsin]{.underline}**

St. Albans Beloit

Delavan

**[Virginia]{.underline}** Green Bay

Altavista Green Dale

Arlington County Kenosha

Bedford La Crosse

Big Stone Gap Milwaukee

Blackstone Racine

Bristol Rhinelander

Falls Church Sheboygan

Franklin Shorewood

Fredericksburg Stevens Point

Harrisonburg Superior

Lynchburg Watertown

Newport News Waupaca

Norfolk West Bend

Pearisburg

Petersburg **[Wyoming]{.underline}**

Pulaski Lander

Radford Sheridan