Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-06-24
MORE PROTECTION NEEDED
MANY LIVES MENACED IN THE
LARGER CITIES.
Reports of Experts on the Subject of
the Fireproofing Of the
Big Buildings.

A great fire, resulting in the sacrifice of
many human lives and the loss of many
million dollars worth Of property, it is
claimed, is possible in every city of the
United States The calamities of Chicago
and Baltimore might be duplicated in New
Orleans or St. Louis. An earthquake in
New York equal in intensity to the one in
San Francisco would cause an appalling
loss of life and property. Investigations
made by three of the most competent struc-
tural experts in the country have led them
to the conclusion that there are 10 abso-
lutely freproof buildings. Not that fire.
proof buildings are impossible. for, accord
ing to these experts, structural materials
may be so selected and used that adequate
fire protection is practically assured; but in
the effort to cheaper construction IN order
to obtain greater interest on investments
owners of buildings have neglected or ig-
nored perils to lives and fortunes
Soon after the San Francisco earthquake
the Interior Department, through the geo.
logical survey, assigned to Richard l..
Humphrey. secretary Of the national ad-
terials, and Prof. Frank Soule, dean of the
College Of Civil Engineering of the Univer-
sity of California, the task of investiga ting
the action of the fire and earthquake upon
so-called fireproof buildings. At about
the same time the War Department as
signed a similar task to Capt. John Sewell.
Engineer Corps, whose reputation as an eX-
pert on tireproof building construction is
international.
After thorough investigation these off,
cials have prepared a careful report, which
has just been submitted to the Interior De-
partment, and will soon be published by tn,
geological survey. The conclusions pre-
sented in this report are of great interest
and value.
Expert Views.
Mr.. Humphrey. emphasizing the fact that
the lessons of the Chicago and Baltimore
fires are sti.I unlearned, declares that a
remedy for existing conditions can be had
only by the enactment of strict building
laws which will compel freproof construc-
ton.
Prof. Soule Estimates that the earthquake
caused directly less than 10 per cent of the
total loss at san Francisco, and that of the
subsequent and indirect effects-the para
lying of the water supply and its dis
tributing system, the starting of fire i'm
possible to extinguiSh with the means at
ha- 4. the death of at least 500 persons, the
destruction of $50, 1000. 900 worth of prop
erty, and the remoter damages to business,
commerce and labor-nearly all might have
been prevented by wise foresight and pro-
vision.
Capt. Sewell point out the fact that fires
and fire tests haye proved conclusively the
inadequacy of commercial methods of fire.
proofing as at present applied.
Definite Recommendation.
The recommendations of the experts as
to the essentials of fireproof construction
are definite and positive. High, steel-frame
Office buildings. properly braced. de-
clared to be stable and reliable. and con-
crete and Reinforced concrete structures are
placed high among materials well adapted
to withstand earthquake and fire, while
hollow tiles and hollow concrete. although
not in the past universally successful. may
be so employed to yield most satisfac-
tory results. Concrete floors with metallic
mesh re-enforcements are strongly recon-
mended for strength and fire resistance,
and wire glass. metallic rolling shutters
and metal sash have proved such excellent
fire protectors that wise economy demands
their use in every important building
Other materials and measures equally i'm
portant are enumerated and 1t is believed
that their adoption, while involving in
creased cost of construction. will insure
permanence of structure and at the same
time greatly reduce rates of insurance.