Los Angeles herald., 1891-10-01
AUXILIARY DISTRICTS.
CHEF MOORE FAvoRs THE FoR1GA.
TON OF FOUR.
Def cts in the Fire Alarm Syste
to Be Avoided-No More Long Cir
cults to Be Introduced.

At yesterdays meeting OF the fire
commissipn Chief Engineer Moore in a
lengthy report called attention to the
condition OF the alarm system as at
present constructed, which he says is
taxed beyond its capacity, and hence in
many instances is inaccurate in giving
the number OF box.
The report in full, is as fellows:
To the Honorable Board Of Fire Commission
ers:
GENTLEMEN-Th electric fire alarm,
as at present constructed, does not at all
times give us accurate notification of
the location of fires, for several reasons,
the chief of which is, the circuits are
too lengthy, several of which are from
twelve to fourteen miles long. Alarm
superintendents say the circuits should
not exceed eight miles in length.
The danger from loss lessened, the
rates of insurance decreased, together
with reliable, accurate and instanta-
neous location of the alarm, demand
that euch changes be made in the sys-
tenn as will remedy this defect.
This can be done practically and
economically by the formation of auxil-
iary districts. comprising the territories
as follows:
First district-East Los Angeles, north
of Alhambra avenue.
Second district-Boyle Heights, south
OF Allambra avenue.
Third district-The Hills, north of
Ward street, west of Fremont avenue,
north OF Fourth street, west of Bunker
Hill avenue, west of Montreal street, to
the Chavez caflon.
Fourth district--All that portion of
the city lying west Of the river, east of
San Pedro street south of Washington
street, west of Figueroa street, west of
Pearl street, eouth of Ward street, to
the west limit of the city.
All alarms in these districts will be
instantly and correctly sounded in the
engine houses within the district, and
also in the city hall, telephone and cleo
trician's Office, from which they shall be
transmitted to the eutire department as
at present.
The shortening of the present circuits
will greatly overcome the accidental in
reference of wires, the Hanging up"
and occasional tapping" of engine
house gongs, the releasing" OF horses
and other annoyaDces and inconven-
fences.
There are ordered purchased and To-
Gated by the council, fourteen alarm
boxes, funr of which are on hand and
unplaced. The council and fire depart
ment are blamed Tor not putting up
these boxes. dare not erect them for
fear of seriously interfering with the en-
tire system
The recent improvements in the appa-
rsius and personnel of the department
have resulted in reduction of insurance
rates. | am informed by the represent
atives OF the Pacific Insurance union
that as soon as the proposed improve
ments are made in the fire alarm fur
ther reduction will be made.
During my investigation of fire appa-
ratus and appurtenances in other cities,
| was greatly impressed with the worth
and utility OF the auxiliary FIRE alarm,
and would advise that the introduction
of the valuable system be encouraged by
the commission.
thus, by making thoroughly efficient
all branches OF the fire department, the
taxpayers and pIoperty-owners are ben
Gifted financially and the loss of life and
property decreased. Very respectfully,
WALTER s. MooRR,
Chief Engineer.
Action on the report was deferred for
one week, during which time the com
missioners will make thorough inves-
tigation of the points made by Mr.
Moore.
The remainder of the session was
devoted to the transaction OF routine
business.
recommendation was passed re-
questing the council to pass an ordi-
nance to include certain lots on Broad
way, above first street, in fire district
No. /.