The Irish standard., 1891-07-04
OUR FIRE ESCAPES.

UUh ElRE hSUAthS.
The Minneapolis fire department are
making thorough test of the stand
pipes on all the tall buildings OF the
city. This is good thing and the chief
shows very level head in making this
inspection. Minneapolis las some very
high buildings. and though they are for
the most part fire proof, still the stand
pipes on them should be kept in good
condition lest big fire should break
out which is likely to occur at any time.
We know how the lumber exchange
block, which was said to be fire proof,
stood the test, and too much dependence
should not be placed on mere statements.
There is not building in the city that
would not burn down if time were given
a fire to work It's way through them.
There is always more Or less frame
work in all our buildings, which when
1gnited makes things decidedly un-
pleasant. No building over three stories
should be without fire escape or two,
and perhaps mure, with standpipe ct
ttched to each. 1t makes no difference
whether these buildings are used for
hotel or office purposes, theY should all
be supplied with fire escapes. We do
not think Of these necessary equipments
until disastrous fire has laid low some
handsome structure and burned one Or
more people. 1t is then chat we realize
the necessity of SUCH lte-saYing appar.
atus. Take for instance the building
on Hennepin and Washington avenues
which We all know by the nanae, Temple
Court. There are no fire escapes ON
either the Washington or Hennepin
sides Of this building Should a fire
break out there the occupants Of the
building would find themselves in the
same perilous position that many were
in when the old Tribune building
caught fire. The fire escape IN the rear
of the building could not be reached
without having to go through room to
get to it, and how many people occupy
ing offices in that beautiful building
could find that particular office door in
the excitement of a fire? Besides it
might happen that that particular office
door would be locked at the time and
who would be found TO break down the
door? All these things should be looked
into now, and not allowed to remain as
they are until big fire envelopes the
building. All fire escapes should be
accessible from the corridors Of the
and all buildings over three
stories should have at least two good fire
There should be three fire
on Temple Court instead Of one.
We know that the owners Of the building
some time ago. to putting any
on the Washington or Hennep1n sides,
because, as they said, 1t would spoil the
appearance of the building. That is no
good reason, and the building inspector
we are sure will, when his atten tion has
been called to it, see that at least one
more fire escape is added TO that build
ing. There are other buildings in town
that are in need of fire escapes as we'll
as Temple curt, but we mention this
building because our readers can readily
see the justice of the position we have
taken ON this question. It would be
we'll that Chief Runge in making his
rounds of the standpipes would note
those buildings that should have fire
escapes and have none. We know the
building inspector has great deal to
do, and therefore do not feel like &C.
cusing him OF dereliction of duty. We
are rather inclined to believe Chat he
has overlooked this matter somewhat,
and we feel he will remedy the evil as
soon as he can get around to 1t. Pro
perty owners, who feel that they cannot
afford to give their patrons this pro-
lection against death by fire, should be
to.