Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1868-04-09
Report of the Chief Engineer of
the Fire Department..

From the very able and full report OF the
operations, needs and cost of the Fire De-
partment of the city of Columbus, made TO
the City Council last night by Col. L. H.
Marrow. Chief Engineer, we take the fol-
lowing interesting abstract: 7 4
Colonel Marrow recommends the purchase of
large hell, to weigh at least 5000 pounds. to be
placed in the central part of the city as central
alarm bell to be USED IN s wJn know une t he
. locality of fire. He complains of the cutters on
% the Of II e ea te
ton of the Council tothe necessity of purchasing
supply wagon to be used IN hauling ~ S coal 70 ihe n
tersecon of Streets and for doing the general haul
ing for the He ale asks for the purchase
of an extra hose carriage and a thousand feet OF
hose. and urges very cogent reasons for the pur-
chase. ..-.-
He says that examinations into the facts and cir
cumstances attending the fires that are continually
breaking out in stables, and now and then wasting
the lives of dumb beasts. have carried me in
evitably to the conclusion that in almost all of
these mishaps the fires do not originate from in
cendares as is generally supposed. but by careless
open lights, instesd Of secure lanterns. which al
ways ought to be carried in stables where there is
hay and straw. 1t is ne uncommon thing to use
kerosene lamps and talow candles. and sometimes
the candle is stuck.asainst the wall. Nothing can
an ordinance imposing penalty for taking an Open
light of any kind into stable or barn.
on the part of citizens with the firelnen at their
work, and urges the attendance of the police at
fires. that the Fl remen may be protected.
A house for the new engine is respectfully asked
for -
The force of the Fire Department comprises a
Chief Engineer, three engineers, three firemen,
three drivers, three hosemen and one foreman of
hook and ladder. Total IA. The departing mt has
eight extra frenen or hosemen. They control theiI
time except in case of ire. when they receive
81 each.
The ordinary expenees of the Department for the
year have been SI31l7 90.
The Chief Engineer has examined 215 buildings
during the year. Of this number eighteen had un-
safe stovepipes, twenty three had defective hues
four had hay and straw stacked in yard, and three
had coal oil on premises, all of which remedieG
OF removed,
There have been ten new csterns constructed
during the year, and the building of thirteer
more is asked for. and very powerful reasons fo
their construction arc urged
After calling particular attention to tho very i'm
perfect manner which some buildings are ere L.
ed, and suggesting sound and reasonable remedies
and showing that this careless and hasty manner o.
building has been the cause of the majority of fire:
in the city, he urges that the insurance cor panic
ought not pay the claim of the assured without
| certificate from the Chief Engineer. showing tht
cause and origin of the fire. This course he thinks
would put stop to the building of faulty and inse
cure structures. -r---
| He concludes this very interesting and able re
port by returning his thanks to the remen general
for the faithful and prompt manner in which they
have discharged their duties, and for the aid giyel
| him during the year.