Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-06-10
CITY AND DISTRICT.
Fire Department Matters.

Fire Department Matters.
an ENGINE HOUSE PEoPPED Up TO KEEP IT
FROM FALLING DOwN-IRoN SHUTTERS IN
CIrIEs-FIREMENs DOCTORS BILLS, ETC.
At the meeting of the fire commissioners
Wednesday evening-present Messrs. Collins
Gin the CHAIR, Bacon and Tait-the report of
tie chief engineer for the month of May was
submitted 1t states that there were six alarms
during the month of May for fires which in
volyed an estimated loss of $4,000. with in
suranee to the amount of so. 700. The dilapi-
dated condition Of Company engine house on
High street, West Washington. was next re-
ferred to. and the suggestion rendered by the
chief engineer that under oil the circumstances
of the case ii would be better to seek another
site for the engine house of the company and
that. as the District of Columbia Is the owner Of
the old town house property on Bridge street.
Just west Of High street. that property could be
converted Into an engine house with the requi-
site appendages at a moderate cost and to the
public advantage. Inspector Enfwises report
to the District Commissioners, describing the
exceedingly unsafe condition of the present
building and suggesting some merely tempo
fary repairs 10 prevent probable casualties to
the men and horses of the company was also
read. The subject was referred to the District
Commissioners with earnest recommends
ton for the fitting ND OF the old Georgetown
u
the front of the house has been propped with
timber to keep the front wall from tumbling
down.
In the matter Of raising the belfry on engine
house No. 3, the report stated that Architect
Clark declines to act on the ground that he
has no funds at command to make the improve
ment the case requires.
THE SUBJECT OF THE USE OF IRON SHUTTERS IN
CITIES,
and particularly in Washington, referred to the
fire commissioners by the late Engineer Com
missioner fwining, and by the fire board to the
chief engineer, brought out the opinion of the
last-named in his report that such shutters, or
still better, shutters Of wood lined On both sides
with tin. might well be used on warehouses.
workshops offices, &c. on narrow streets and
alleys. but that except in certain cases they are
not desirable on the fronts Of buildings in this
city, where they might interfere with the free
access and action of the firemen at their
work.
The report Of the superintendent of fire
alarm telegraph was read, stating that the sys-
tenn is in good working order.
On the subject OF summer hats for the force,
referred to by the chief. the board resolved that
the men may wear their last summer hats If
sufficiently good. and in the case Of those which
are not any longer suitable, new hats may be
obtained of the old pattern. Fifty-one Of the
present hats were reported in wearable condi-
ton.
FiREMES TO PAY THEIR OWN DOCTORS BILLS,
IF CRIPPLED IN THE SERVICE.
The board then proceeded to consider the
ease of certain surgeons bills for attendance on
nremen injured at their work, but which have
been refused payment at the US. Treasury.
The board, after discussion. deemed the regular
employment Of a surgeon for the department
plainly needed and advisable measure as it is
poor encouragement for the men to do their
duty, to make them pay the doctors or sur
Reons bills, if they are disabled in the public
service.
Applications, with recommendations attached,
yor places in the department, were received
from Lewis A. Hurd, John Patrick McKenna
and John Cannon and were ordered on f1le
wANTED-A FIRE ALARM BOX.
The application of Messrs. johnson Brothers
and other citizens for fire alarm telegraph
station at or near 18th and Water streets south
west was favorably endorsed by the board and
transmitted to the District Commissioners
An offer for the sale of lots for sites for
engine houses-One on 26th street, between
and X, near and south of Pennsylvania avenue
another on 18th street. between and 9 streets.
and another at Sth and Boundary northwest
was read and placed on file. The department
u not In funds for such purchases.