The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-07-18
TO ADD A SALVAGE CORPS.
OLD PATROL BEING CONVERTED
INTO 4 TARPAULIN TRUCK.

An Important Auxiliary to Be Added
TO the Fire Fighting service-Can-
vas Enough bought From Govern
ment to Make Needed Covers-in-
surance Companies May BE Asked
TO Help Man the New Truck, Since
They Are the Direct Beneficiaries
of Service.
At fire headquarters on Indian and West
Broad streets preparations are being made
10 inaugurate The salvage corps, which
il is believed viii be a great help to the
department in reducing the fire loss. The
corps will consist of a wagon of tarpau-
Inns, and a sufficient number of men TO
use them TO advantage in buildings that
are ordinary flooded with water.
The intention of introducing tarpaulins
as a feature of the fire service was men,
toned some days ago in the Morning
News. AT that time it had been decided
that this service should be attached to
the department, and since then no time
has bean lost in getting things in shape
for business.
Severa! workmen were engaged yester-
day overhauling the old fire patrol wagon,
which win be converted into a tarpauhn
truck. 1t viii be given a general recon-
struction to fit it for rapid transit New
brakes are to be attached, the wheels are
90 be strengthened, and a coat OF new
paint will add TO its appearance. 1t viii
be drawn by two of the speediest horses
in the barn, which will insure a lively
race for the older machines.
With an eye to the interests OF the city,
Alderman Haas, chairman of the fire COM
mittee, arranged to buy number of the
tents recently sold by the government
They are to be repaired and converted into
tarpaulins. The outfit will be sufficient
to protect any ordinary stock of goods
from damage by water, and will be ma
nipulated in a way that will enable the de-
partment TO do effective work. Appa-
ratus such as il used in elevating and
holding the scenery in the theater will be
used TO spread the tarpaulins in the posi-
ton that viii best insure protection.
When properly manipulated tarpaulins
have turned out to be of inestimable adj
vantage in cases of fire. Goods that
would otherwise be completely destroyed
by water are saved by reason of being
covered and securely protected from the
floods that follow the usual application
Of several streams upon a burning build
ing.
Supt Mcguire is greatly interested in
the new departure. and heartily indorses
what Alderman Haas has done in this
direction. In explaining the operation of
the new service yesterday the superin-
tendent said he felt sure that if this de-
partment was put under the control of a
foreman upon whom he could rely the
best kind of results VIII follow. There
has been some conjecture. however, about
whether the insurance companies, who are
the direct benefciaries of the innovation
Will be willing to aid the department in
manning the tarpaulin truck. With the
present appropriation the city allows the
department it is said to be practically i'm
possible TO put a sufficient number Of men
on the truck without exceeding the ap-
preparation. The question seems to be
will the insurance companies unite il
helping if they are called upon to do so!
Some believe they will, while others take
the position it is the city-s duty to main
tain the fire service in all its branches
1t will require about four men to prop
ery manipulate the covers.
Recent fires have brought 20 the atten
ton Of The department the Importance o.
having protection of this kind. 1t is
standing rule of the department, and ass
with other departments over the country
to throw water in liberal manner, ever
in cases where there is not a great dea
of fire. In adopting this precauuon or
upper floors much of the water seep!
/ through and damages goods, which nigh
be saved if properly covered. 1t is be
lieved the adoption of this safeguard will
materially reduce the fire loss, and will
be a help the insurance companies viii
! appreciate
Supt. Mcguire said yesterday he though
| the new wagon would be ready for servic,
/ in the next ten days. Besides the re
| pairs which are 10 be made to it, Their
! is also considerable work to do before tn
| taTpauiins viii be ready for use.