New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-05-17

m,1nicaton Of flames from buildings which fires
originated through window openings OF NEARBY
But it is necessary to go far afeld in search
affords object lesson. One of the three burned
buildings bad wire glass freproof windows IN us
rear wallg and the buildings looking upon these
were in no wise harmed; but this same structure,
like the adjoining sufferers, had its window open
ings on 18th street wholly unprotected. and the
flames from all OF them were v0uited across sixty
st 2f space IN, into the equally R9ise
the 18th street sidewalk of the Big Store and the
what effect, the first being literally covered with
pounded glass from the great plate windows. and
and water damaged goods at a heavy discount
MT 3 n Ponneroy an autnor1ty. because OF IN, ne
subject, has commented the folly of this partial
dow openings should have wire glass windows in
metal frames On the principle of half loaf being
better than no loaf, he thinks that at least all
windows above the hose streams should be of wire
glass in metal frames
He points to the Empire Building as fine fine
example Of the confagration barrier That
ali Of its openings protected with wire glass in
metal frames, Interposes, says he AN inpassa bic
flames fed by all the old buildings between
II and the Battery and were driven north by the
1t is but fair. of course consider here the other
Ilethods OF WINDOW opening protection There IS
RON another serious objection 10 it is that it has
where the limit Of forty-five square feet for single
openings is set Then. too. there is the steel or
pensve than the wire glass window. Is unsigttIy.
d an a. mas been time and again proved. is not to
De relied upon either to confine or shut fire
In the 18th street fire just mentioned one of the
buildings had its openings protected with these
shutters After the fire they presented a forlorn
aspect. Some chung by one hinge to the Scared
ana yaWnlng openings some by both hinges; many
Jay at the foot of the waIS-aI We're warned ont
OF shape and IN no condition 70 be again used. In
consequence the building which they overlooked
suffered greatly from the flames while Just beyond
another building with wire glass windows. seemed
d Utterly u1aHected by It's proximity this big
IRE as though it had been miles away Then il
must not De forgotten that 60 per cent of ALI fires
occur in the daytime, when most Shutters are Omen
Gnu are therefore useless protection, and thai
frequently through careIessness they are left oDen
az night or that the patrol may be able to see into
Yet fire insurance underwriters give no prefar-
elce as regards rates, TO wire glass windows over
wire glass is used for the window Openings Of +bsr
ChlCago laboratory, the which has been claimed 10
o tue oILiy absolutely nreproOf building among the
States. cummings III the United
/ The other so-caIed fire protection for openings.
Lile haItilne window, VIII act a shield from
nTe across the way, but il cannot confna an
inside ire for II has depth Of groove To hold
s,Itss nor IN us muutin power work. hold rnOrs
than one nght OF glass to the sash. Professor Nor
Ton test ELSEWHERE described) and what happened
tnereat 70 the kalenne doors affords a vert goG5
idea Of the fate likely to Overtake the LaIen7frs
window IN the practical test of a big fire
one OF the charges made against the wire glass
WInlOW by insurance underwriters heat "a dfa-
Ton Wmch-if the charge should Iie-mfght right
July hinder its use in loft buildings" which
derlng It lnnOcuOus- II is but fair to saw however
lhat AUTHORITIES differ greatly this subject Of
against pane Of wire gIaA is prOba Die that heat
would be radated. but in actual fires there are so
many str0ng-and constantly shifting-currents os
TO produce this effect. rather unlikely And even E
the lott the danger could be gotten around. for
WouId ohiy De necessary 10 have an aisle between
goods and windows save the former from anv
possible injury
Mr.. Porneroy makes the further suggestion as