Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-08-25
ANSWERED ego ALARMS
WORK OF FIRE DEPARTM1Nz
FOE FISCAL YEAR.
Report Of Chief Belt Submitted to
Commissioners Today-Three
Big CONGREGATIONS.

In his annual report submitted to the
Commissioners today Chief Belt Of the
fire department stated that the various
companies under his command had re-
sponded to 800 alarms Of fire during the
twelve months ended June 80 last. The
losses due to these fires totaled $290. 312,
and the chief called attention to the fact
that over half Of this sum was represented
In the damage done by three CONGREGATIONS
all occurring within two days in last De-
cember.
One Of these fires was at the boys reform
school on December 10, 1906, involving an
estimated loss Of 10000; one in an apart
ment house at 1904 and 1906 G street
an estimated loss OF 10000, and one at COM
mission houses on Louisiana avenue north
west. on December 20, 1905 involving an es-
timated loss Of $4,000.
Concerning the conduct Of his force dur
Ing the year. the chief stated that discipline
had been maintained at a high standard.
and that only nine members Of the depart
ment had been dismissed Pensions were
board to Twelve members Of the depart
ment disabled in the line Of duty. In those
cases where the injuries received resulted
In death the pensions were granted to the
dependent widows or mothers. The increase
in the monthly outlay from the pension
fund thus authorized was s575.
Additions to Force.
Additions to the f1re-fghting force during
the year included the organization Of the
new No.. 1S engine company and of the
fire boat Firehghter' company. The con-
struction Of the new training tower and its
practical use was one Of the innovations
of the year.
Chief Belt spoke with deep appreciation
n ho a
sion OF Congress when the bill providing for
well-merited increases in salary, and for
the reorganization Of the department along
modern lines was passed.
New apparatus purchased since July l..
1905. includes: One third-size steam fire
engine, one combination chemical engine
and hose wagon and one SecondsiZe steam
fire engine: one new combination chemical
and hose wagon. to replace one old hose
reel; four new, up-to-date. ground extern
sion trussed ladders, to replace four old
ladders: four pompier ladders for the
training tower; eight wagon turret pipes.
one being installed on the hose wagons Of
companies L. 2. 6 and IA and four being
installed on the f1reboat.
Many Buildings Inspected.
Nearly all important government build
ings were inspected by the chief engineer
and the fire marshall during the year. and
in most cases the installation Of certain
fire appliances was recommended.
On June 80, 1906. there were on hand in
the department 176 horses. During the year
forty-eight new horses were purchased,
twenty-efght were condemned as unfit for
further fire service and turned over to the
property clerk and six died. This leaves
on hand in the department at the present
time 100 horses. The District veterinarian
reported that 121 of these horses are in
good condition, sixty are In fair condition
only. and nine are unfit for further service.
There he n n
juries and the customary amount Of sick
ress among the fire department horses
during the year.
The report of Fire Marshal Nicholson
which was appended to that of the chief
showed that the fire loss last year exceeded
the loss of the preceding year by 1850
Mr.. Nicholson also spoke of the inspections
Of mercantile houses. theaters and other
buildings In the District.
Machinist Robinson's report showed that
PIT repairs had been made to apparatus of
the department. The serviceable hose in
the department at the end of the year ag-
gregated 7O,100 feet.