Albuquerque daily citizen. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1895-1903, 1903-01-08
THE VARIOUS FIRES.
Causes Talk About Water Pressure
and Fire Engine.
THE CHltFSnlP DISCUSSED.

The carnival of disastrous fires in
Albuquerque has given the World on
the streets something to talk about.
Yesterday morning, after the sensa-
tional confagration of the lumber
yards everyone had some special opin-
ion which he wished to express to the
public. These opinions varied from
important to unimportant, ranging
from the cause of the fire to the low
water pressure, which caused hard
work for the firemen.
I'VE ought to have a fire engine"
said a we'll meaning man, who evident
ly was interested in the public safety.
''They claim the water pressure is suf-
ficient to kill any fire, but our recent
experiences have proven otherwise.
Now, at the fire which consumed the
lumber yards, the force of the stream
at the start which was being played on
the fire was not up to expectations.
Considering the progress and advance
ment of Albuquerque in building there
is an urgent need of better fire protec-
ton.
I'VE are not saying anything against
the fire fighters or water company, ex-
cept the truth, but the means they
have of fighting a fire are way behind
the times.
"If q house catches on fire, it is al
most certain to be burned down, be-
cause there is not water enough to
cover the entire surface, with sufficient
force to knock the fire out"
This ought to be a good season for
fire insurance" remarked a bystander,
''since the people have learned what a
fire means in this town. They are be-
ginning to take out all the insurance
possible and / do not blame them. Al
buquerque can afford a good fire en-
CINE in connection with the equipment
they 10Y have, and |, for one, advocate
such a movement.
"Every fire that has visited the city
lately has been destructive and costly,
resulting in an almost total loss. be-
lieve it would be a wise move for the
city to do something in the way Of bet
ter fire protection"
Such are the general opinions ex-
pressed on the streets by the interest
ed people of the city. But when it
comes t. a practical talk with a few of
the old iremen of the city the situa-
ton can be seen by other lights.
Ex-Chief B. Ruppe stated that the
fire equipment was inadequate. That
what was wanted was more hose and a
systematic fire system. That If the
chiefship was rendered him he would
accept it providing he was ably sup
ported by the council and citizens.
"a fire engine" said Mr.. Ruppe,
would be of little use considering the
engine were attached to one of the
five-inch pipes on which the plugs are
connected, it would simply tear the
plugs to pieces, because there is nc
circulation, the water in each main
coming to a dead end. Albuquerque is
growing and there is an urgent need
of better fire equipment, so that the
city may be safely protected against
fires"
Should the city council change the
personnel of its fire department and
decide to have a regular fire chief, al.
though Alderman Hubs is making a
capital acting chief, several other
names will undoubtedly be submitted
to the council for consideration. The
Citizen understands, from reliable
sources, that G. o. Young, of the shops
fire comapny, will offer his name,
while others are inclined to the belief
that Scott Knight would make a very
acceptable fire chief.