The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1908-05-20
Report of Indiana Fire Insur-
ance Bureau Points Out
Many Fire Dangers Which
Need Remedying.
BETTER FIRE PROTECTION
FORCIBLY POINTED OUT.
In Case of Fire of More Than
Ordinary Magnitude, De-
partment Would Not Be
Able to Handle 1t.

In the report on fire protection con-
ditions in Richmond, just prepared by
the Indiana Fire Insurance Bureau, the
local fire department is cOmpimented
on its efficiency, but the statement is
made that in the event of a fire of
more than ordinary magnitude there
would not be enough firemen to han
die the situation.
The report states that conflagration
hazards exist in practically every. mer-
camille block and that there is a pro
nounced area of combustitflity in the
manufacturing section. The report
states that the electric wiring condi-
tious are poor and dangerous and that
the police department renders but lit
tie assistance at fires. In speaking of
the city ordinances the report reads
that they are not of much value and
not we'll enforced"
The water works system is described
as good with the exception that there
is only one water main leading into
the city. The fire department sta
tions are we'll located and within easy
access to all parts of the city with the
exception OF West Richmond" the re-
mort reads.
Wires Fire Risk.
One of the greatest fire risks in this
city is from the distribution of wires,
both in the streets and inside of
buildings. Speaking of this the report
reads. In the alley running parallel
with and north of Main street. there is
a very bad congestion OF nigh and low
potential wires, run in close prOXimi-
ty to and crossing each other. In
some localities it would be utterly i'm.
possible to handle ladders through
wires and otherwise good fire streams
would be broken up. The liability OF
crossing Of high and low potential
wires is not we'll guarded against and
is conducive of simultaneous fires in
various SeCllOnS Oh JHe CITY.
Speaking of inside wiring. 1t is stat
ed that considerable risk exists espec.
tally in the oder buildings and that
until recently no supervision was
maintained over the installation OF
electrical equipment. Supervision is
now in the hands of the fire chief. the
report states, and very good standard
is being observed.
In reference to the lack of fire pro-
lection in West Richmond the report
reads: 'In the territory lying west OF
the river. known as West Richmond
while the various departments have ac.
cess over two bridges, yet a great
amount of time is consumed in reach
ing this district, especially the section
lying north of Main street During
the rainy seasons the roads in this
section get very muddy and heavy
which, together with long distances
from department houses, creates a
very heavy strain on the horses.
Politics have not wholly been elm,
mated from the department" it is stat.
ed in the report. but does not play a
quirements would greatly add to the
Efficiency
Vaughan Building a Trap.
The Vaughan block located on the
corner of Eighth and Main streets. is
described in the report as beins
probably the worst conflagratior
breeding spot" Speaking of this
block the report reads: On account OF
extreme age. excessive area, badly
cracked and bulged walls. as we'll as
general poor condition, a fire once
gaining headway here, would be hare
to control" The Westcott Hotel, The
report states. is severely exposed to
fire risk because of the fire traps" il
its vicinity.