Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1832-01-12
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE.
Gentlemen Of The Assoeiate Society cC
NEWPORT.

-'L" olNI'
Allow me to offer to you few sugges-
tlons, on the subject of guarding against
those destructive fires, most prevalent in
large towns at this season
1t is of course, impossible to forescc cv-
cry casualty which may produce a con-
flagraton, and all that we can do is to
guard ourselves prudently against every
known source Of danger; for here, we
should remember that Il whole town may
be destroyed by the carelessncss of one
individual. A few sources of accidents
may here be enumerated.
| In carrying fire from one room to an
other, we may chance to drop spark in
some crevice where it will kindle one
flame too many. In sweeping hearth
| once set broom on fire, and on re-
turning to the room, met with rather too
warm reception. In leaving a fire for
some time we should anticipate the falling
of burning brands, or the effect Of cur
rent of air, and ensure safety by closing
the doors and using u screen or fender
The same may be said of covering wood
fires for the night. In removing the ash
es next morning, however cold they may
seem, we should avoid leaving them in a
wooden vessel
Beds and hangings, ignitcd by heed
lessness in bringing candles near them,
are a frequent cause of conflagration.- =
Cases have occurred where persons
reading in bed have fallen asleep with
thtr lights burning and have walked in
the midst Of flames; showing that the
practice is dangerous one. Children
should not be intrustcd with lights in UNI
occupied rooms without special care, nor
should fire be given them to play with in
any form. Barns and stables are some
times set on fire, from the want Of proper
lanterns. In such places, glass ones d
lone should be used.
Ovens should often be examined to see
whether their vault is impermcablc, or
not in contact with the wood, in those
parts where the heat is too great. The
same remark applies to fire places and
chimnics which should also be kept free
from the accumulation of SCOT. The
Lecture room of Clinton Hall, New
York, was lately set on fire by the fur
mace in the wall being heated so highly
as to inname the wood 1t is said that
when chimncs are on fire, it may be cX-.
tinguished by throwing sui phur in the fire
place, of course avoiding to breathe the
air which escapes from it. Sulphurous
acid is generated, which is not a support
or of combustion. Common salt is said
to answer the same purpose, or if the air,
can be excluded from passing into the
chimney below, it will be still more cncc-,
tual Shinglcd roofs should annually be
liCCu llOlil uloSS, anu Wouiu op St'li odiS'
ifcovcred by some incombustiblc compo-
sition.
There is far greater necessity for cau-
ton in public buildings or manufactures
where the agency of fire is required, or
where inflammable materials arc employ
ed. Some one person should always be
entrusted with the care of the fire, and
apprsed Of his responsibility and the
probable sources of danger. The firing
of guns, squibs, powder-crackers, SC. in
the streets has been known to innamo
buildings as well as to (righten horses and
should of course be prohibited.
Many buildings have been irlamed
by spontaneous combustion produced by
heat chemically developed. Linseed g.
other drying oils when poured on cotton,
wool, hemp, lamp-black, woollcns, sc. of
ten set them on fire by the rapid absorp-
ton of oxygen; and being accidentally
spilled in ships, or warehouses, have
caused their destruction. Lime while
slakeing, is sometimes hot enough TO set