The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-03-12

1t is fact that had the Vigilant
Fire Company been thoroughly equipped,
tho fatality at the recent volcanic fire
on Campbell avenue would have been
avoided. Delay played prominent
part at the pyrotechnic exhibition and
reached tertiary condition. One thing
is certain, from the informal gained
by TIMES reporter, and that is the
aerial ladder without horses is as useless
as crustacean without claws.
Pursuing this train OF thought a
TINES reporter visited some of the
executives OF the different fire COM
pantes yesterday in order to find out
the needs OF the hremen in the way OF
apparatus.
Jas. e. kuepp, chief of tho fire de-
partment, said: THE company is in
need Of two or three essential equip.
ments. but these arc forthcoming. The
crew, as We have been situated, which
runs the hose wagon are in part the
men who understand the working of the
aerial ladder. 1t is this way. The
driver OF the hose wagon is also the en-
gineer. There are only four people in
the house in case of a fire at night, and
II the fire is serious and demands a re.
turn for the aerial truck the force is d.
minished as the driver is obliged to re-
turn for that wagon. 1t is our in
tention to increase the force upon the
aerial truck SO that we will be sure to
have about seven men always on hand.
IL is probable that the mem bership of
the Vigilants will be increased. There
has not been as much exercise upon the
aerial ladder as is desirable 1t re-
quires very large team OF horses to
draw the truck. We hope some day to
have stable and horses for the life
ladder, in q separate building, with
firemen VINO will take charge of it,
though at tho same time they are to be-
long to the Vigilants.
AT the first of the year 1 made re-
port to the City Council, in which I
urged new team of horses, commo-
dious fire house for the Juniors and
connection by au electric system with
the Alert Fire Company. which is prac-
tically cut off in case of fire. l recon-
mended the team of horses and the en-.
largement of the stable, as the Vigilant
Fire Company guard what is practically
the larger part of the business section
OF the city. The property committee of
Council examined the fire house and
were given details of what was practic.
ally wanted"
John Engleby, foreman OF the Vigil
lants, stated that the Vigilants were
we'll equipped with the exception of the
new apparatus voted upon by Council
Thursday evening; also that there would
probably be an addition to tho n ember-
ship of the Vigilant Fire Company
shortly.
othere firemen we're seen by the re-
n
equipped. w. e. Thomas, OF the
Friendships said: I'VE are perfectly
satisfied with the present equipments.
There was a talk some time ago in
reference TO a steam engine. We ex-
pect an increase in our membership."
Foreman Hayes, of the Junior Hose
Company: 81 think the chemical ma
chino would be Of great service as in
eXtinguishing small the fires consider
able property Is unavaoidably ruined by
water. The Juniors certainly need
new team of horses. Ono of the horses
weighs only 060 pounds, while his com
panion weighs 1,iSO. We have very
little room, and of course we want u
new house, but | think frat OF all we
should have telephone. That is some.
thing that is necessary, as az times tho
alarm can hardly be heard at our house
The gongS on the wagon sound like
the street car gongs, and in order to
work them the driver is obliged to keep
tapping with his foot thus diverting
his attention. | think a rotary gong
would be useful, as it would lesson the
danger at the street crossings. The
company also has no accomm odations
for drying the hose. am glad to hear
that the companies are to have nets"