, 1872-11-14
THE MANAGEMENT OF FIRES.

6n In your paper of the 18th inst, ut the
close OF an article on the Construction OF
Buildings in Large Cities" you remark thai
"They manage these things better in France
They certainly do, and there are many things
We have got to learn from that country; but my
object at present is not 30 much to call atteu-
ton to the superior construction Of bui1dines
in France as to the French method or managing
fires. We have imported from France
the Mansard roof, and We are, year after year,
adding to the height Of our buildings; and oc-
casionally re are reminded, by destructive fire,
that our appliances for fighting it are useless
when it breaks out in the roof Of q lofty build
ing. Then the newspapers break ont into de-
nunciation of these roofs,-a favorite expression
is to call them lumber-yards; !" but, still, peo-
pie will build them, and it is doubtful whether
any such epithets will drive them out Of use.
The Mansard is recognized as having merits and
probably will continue to be used until some-
thing better is devised.
It ia q prevalent impression in this country
that our fire apparatus is as near perfection as it
is permitted to morta1s to achieve; and, when q
fire OCCURS that is uncomfortable by our ma
chimes, We are ready to cast the blame on any
thing rather than on them, or On our system Of
managing fres. It is alec commonly supposed
France, fres are almost unknown, or, if they
do occur, it is impossible for them to extend
from one building to another. This is true in
part, but it ls also true that, when fires occur in
tall buildings surmounted BY Mansard roofs,
they are Bubdued by the Fire Department.
The Paris Tire Department is but moderately
supplied with engines for throwing water, but
has full supply Of apparatus of its own, the
principal articles Of which are ladders, axes knot
ted ropes, and iron bars 4 municipal ordinance
ed in its walls at specified intervals from top to
bottom, and similar hooks arc inserted in the
slope of the roof. The fireman is always 3
soldier who has served his seven years in the
army, and be- is also an expert gymnast. He is
well paid, and positions in the Fire Department
are much sought after by ex-soldiers; but none
are accepted except those who can pass the
requisite examination respecting their agility,
courage, and aobriety.
The principle upon which they fight fire is to
attack it with the ak and throw the burning ma-
terial out Of the building, and, when it ia in the
street, the engines extinguish the fire, and carts
load up the wood and carry it off. AL this is
done with rapidity and a perfection OF disci-
pine which are perfectly astonishing. # the fire
ing then the hooks and 1knotted ropes come
into play. The fireman throws his rope over one
Of the hooks, and Immediately climbs up carry
ing on his shoulder one end Of light ladder,
which he suspends to the hook. Acomrnderuns
In the meantime, the first fireman has thrown
his rope over another hook, and is prepared to
climb up it with tho end Of the second ladder.
This operation is repeated as often as necessary,
and, in less time than it takes to write this de-
scription,. they will mount to the top of the
tallest building. The fremen run up these lad
ders with their axes, enter the window Of the
story where the fire is, and one party hacks
t4e ana ,lsS;s,x heWs, f while another throws
In