, 1908-01-20
FIRE CHIEFS REPORT

~ hhC ~ va NbaS
beers of the City Council.
conference.-the year 1907 has been
filed with events that go to make a
busy time for the fire department, ana
its members.
The department has greatly increas-
ed in efficiency, having purchased a
new steamer, which was so badly need
ed. The city council wisely came to
the conclusion that it vas time to re-
place the old Sillsby steamer, which
had bee in continual service for TWEEN.
ty-five years, with a new n OF later
design and of greater power. The
council asked for bids to furnish the
city with an up-to-date steamer, AMI
the inquiry brought forth only one bid.
from the Mott Fire Engine company of
Minneapolis, MINI. After due con-
~sideration, the fire department COM
mittee purchased a second class Mott
engine for the sum of $500, $3.50
being paid upon the delivery of the en-
CINE, the balance to be paid this year
Upon the arrival of the engine it was
thoroughly tested, found to be up 10
the requirements, and was put into
service early in July.
The purchase of the e engine was
a wise action on the part of the coun'
Gil, as the department was very badly
in need of it. We now have a fully
equipped fire department, and we are
ready to demonstrate at any time that
! ~ 10 TnIu a,,,;nnAI for 1nty CarViSn
We must have the best appliances IN
order to accomplish good work and be
of the best service to the city.
We have had considerable hard work
this year; there have been some stub
born fire. and the losses have increas-
ed. Our most severe fire occurred on
the 18th of May, when there was a
loss of eight buildings. This fire orig
mated in what was then the Peterson
tailor shop, on Thornburgh street,
probably cause by an over-heated
stove and gasoline. AS the wind was
blowing a gale, the fire soon got be-
yond control, destroying the buildings
aforesaid, viz: There were four of the
one-story buildings on ~Thornbursh
stl eet burned. the fire breaking through
in the rear of the brick building of the
Laramie Drug company, and then burn
ing four buildings on Second street,
damaging the Interstate Townsite
building to the extent of several hun
dred dollars. The buildings burned,
with the exception of one, (the New
England restaurant) were one-storv
structures, made of very infiamable
material, and it was very fortunate
that the fire did not spread owe more
territory. This was our worst fire, and
resulted in quite heavy losses, show
ing fully well the great necessity of a
larger and better engine.
During 1907, there were forty-four
calls, while in 1906, there were only
thirty-six calls, showing ~conclusively
that the number is increasing eaca
year, and that vigilant service is very
necessary. The total distance travele
was AGA blocks and there was a total
continuous length of hose laid and in
service of 14,6OO feet, being laid at
thirteen fires, or an average of 1,123
feet for each fire.
During the year, there were twenty
nine telephone calls, showing that tho
telephone system is {. valuable acqut'
sition to the fire alarm service, bring.
ing in the alarms promptly, as well as
the locations, enabling the firemen to
reach a fire almost without delay, af-
ter receiving the call. The prevailing
high winds make it necessary to reach
the fires as quickly as possible, for :;
slight delay might result in a great
conflagration.
The water service is being improved
by the 2-inch and 3-inch mains being re,
placed with finch mains. This is of
the utmost importance, as the water
is the only means we have, when it
comes to effective fire fighting after a
blaze has reached good Roadway.
Better service could be secured
were ONE of the pipes six inches in
diameter on the north and south of the
large main. The 6-inch pipes would
add greatly to the fire protection, as
that would enable the steamer to get
more water, therefore, being more eff.
f~ective. This would especially be ad.
vantageous in times of large fires; the
small pipes are inadequate to furnish
the supply required, since there are no
cross pipes to increase the supply.
The chemical has been of great ser.
vice, as there are many fires that have
been extinguished by it, thereby saw.
ing the nose and the steamer and also
property from the deluge of water
which sometimes does as much if not
more damage than a fire.
There have been five hydrants plac,
ed during the year N we have six on
hand to be placed when the proper
pipes are laid. These will add greatly
to the ~fire-fghting equipment of the
department.
The losses for the year have been
quite severe, amounting to approx
mately S26,973; the amount Of insur-
ance paid was $S,615, leaving a balance
or net loss of S1S,35S. This is largely
accounted for by the fire which occur
red in May.
Concerning the number OF fires and
alarms, expenses, inventory, etc, l re,
spectfully refer you to the tables here