The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1885-11-14
THE I FIEND.

The fire fend, with the advent of winter,
is again brandishing its torch OF destruc-
ton over the land. Every day chronicles
q number of terrible conflagrations, des-
polling instantaneously the fruits OF years
of toll and economy. From it's devastating
effects none may escape, forever the largest
cities, with their fireproof buildings M
well equipped and thoroughly disciplined
departments frequently fall victims to the
Unsuitable appetite OF that devouring ele-
ment. Frontier cities and towns seem to
be especially selected as delicate morseIs
to tempt the ravenous propensities OF this
ruthless agent of destruction, for all over
Montana are to be sc, the charred ruins
and blackened debris which always denote
the said effects of the unwelcomed vista
lions of the fire fend. Helena, Miles City,
Billings and other places mourn over it's
dreadful havocs. While these cities have
been partially destroyed, the metropolis,
our Silver City, has been fortunately spared
so far. This Partially ought to cause our
citizens and property owners to be de-
voutly thankful. The great question Tor
our people and the authorities to consider
is have we any reason to believe that we
will always enjoy this immunity from hrel
The fend comes like a ''thief in the night"
and despoils it's victims when they least e
pect it. Banks, trust companies n
wealthy men, knowing that their treasures
hold out great inducements to thieves,
usually take every precaution which e1pe-
rience and human wisdom suggest as the
most effectual means to guard against ROD
berry. II vigilance ia necessary to dlspel
fear and aliay anxiety against thieves and
robbers, then greater precautions ought 70
be taken to guard against fires, because IN
terests of vastly more Importance are at
stake. A co~nfagration not only consumes
buildings, but in many instances destroys
all the valuables contained in them.
What protection has Butte against fires!
True, there are two fire companies, al well
equipped, Differed and manned as any to
be found elsewhere, but they are only hose
companies carrying on their carts a very
meagre supply Of hose. Two companies
are not sufficient. They would prove
utterly worthless in combattinga fire Ut any
magnitude, especially if the wind should be
blowing as fercely as it frequently does.
Having no engines the firemen are compelled
to depend entirely for a supply OF water
the plugs or hydrants, and as the
water pipes do not extend over more than
one-half of the built up part OF the city,
there is nothing to prevent a triaing fire,
in any portion where there are
facilities COR extinguishing it, spreading
into a great conflagration. In large cities
like Butte, where the houses are built up
fires must be attacked before
they gain much Roadway, otherwise the de-
struction will be very great. The city
and our citizens should arouse
at once, to a realization OF the
imminence OF the danger surrounding them.
In the time OF peace prepare for war. This
can be done by increasing the water supply,
enlarging the water mains and extending
the pipes to every portion If the city. Be-
sides this, the plugs should be carefully
guarded during the cold weather to keep
them from freezing. Other companies ought
60 be Organized and at least two first class
fire engines should be purchased and
put into active service, without delay. Such
precautions would not only allay the fears
of the people to a great extent. but they
would lessen the rates of insurance to such
a degree as to more han counterbalance
the increase OF taxation.