The Oskaloosa herald., 1909-01-14
MUCH TO COMMEND
some TO CONDEMN
FIRE PROTECTION CONDITIONS
IN osKALoosA.
REPORT BY STATE Committee
Water system and Fire Department
in Good shape, But Much Care
Iessness Found on Part Of
Property Owners.

Des Moines, Iowa, Jan. 1.-THE
committee OF Fire Protection and Wat
er supply representing the Iowa State
FIRE Prevention Association, which
visited oskaloosa Friday and Satur-
day, have made the following report
on conditions found here:
Water System Good.
1T is the sense of the committee that
the standard of efficiency of the Wat
err Company is worthy of special ref
erence and commendation. The addi-
tional I2-inch main lead from the
pumping station to the city formerly
a single 10-inch main aud a subject OF
past criticism owing to the friction BY
reason OF the distance from the city
Of the pumping station) makes an en-.
tirely duplicate sysetm SO far as the
force mains" are concerned and with
the adequate pumping machinery in.
sures sufficient pressure for all tre
purposes. Double outlet hydrants
should be put in at East High avenue
and Second street; corner g street and
College avenue near Penn college, and
Al avenue and Third street. Main ex.
tensions and adequate hydrants should
also be put in the outlying residence
section in the south city where consid-
cradle values are now without ade7
quite protection. Upon the whole
the equipment and service is regard
ed first class and is commended with
out special criticism.
Fire Fighting Apparatus.
The new fire station--so badly need
ed-was a topic referred to by the
committee and congratulations extend
ed Mayor Chas. Ralston and Fire Chief
McCraeken upon this advanced step
taken for the proper care of fire fight,
ing equipment and your fire depart
ment-honest and true-which has al
ways been found not wanting and do,
ing elective service with the facilities
at hand during hard fires occurring
in the past The committee under
stands that additional apparatus viii
be purchased to inclrde light hook
and Ladder truck, carrying a compile
ment Of extension and ordinary length
ladders and carrying one or two 30,
gallon chemical fire extinguisherss
Your paid department should be in.
creased to at least six men and an ad-
difional team Of horses, drop, self,
hitching harness, etc, be added 10
your present equipment and which
your new three $50 apparatus fire
station win accommodate.
Old Wiring is Faulty.
The committees inspection OF
number of buildings in the business
section brought out serious physical
conditions inviting the occurrence OF
fires-a menace to life and property,
In Instances the electric wiring, espe-
ciaIiy in Easements, was found to be
faulty as to installation and not up to
standard. There is a large amount OF
old wiring that should be renewed.
The wiring and electric installation
generally as made by the Traction q
Light Co. was found to be satisfac-
tory, by reason OF the work having
been supervised by competent and
practical electrician. II appears that
there being no ordinances governing
the installation Of electric work and
equipment considerable work has been
ATTEMPTED by noyices, apparently with
a view for eheapness rather than safe
ty along correct lines. 1t is to be re-
GREETED that as important city as
Oskaloosa should allow such deplor-
able and dangerous conditions to ex-
ist and be fostered within her midst.
Il should be the duty OF practical
and competent electrician to pass upon
or have jurisdiction over the installa'
ton Of an electrical work in order that
a high standard Of efficiency be main
tanned and defects not allowed to exist
Easements in Bad Shape.
A visit to the Easements of several
stores found untidy conditions, includ
ing an accumulation OF waste paper
and refuse" fire breeders'-and un
der sidewalks with open grating:
above was discovered Accommodations
Of paper and sweepings that need;
only live cigar stub or cigarette
dropped through the grating to star
fire that might prove, comparatively
speaking. as the lamp kicked by Mrs
O'Leary's COW" now piece OF Chi
cages history
The conditions pointed out as Z
electric equipment and uncleanlinesi
are serious and must be corrected !
your good city Is to maintain her 20
sition among the important cities o
rs class m the state
The committee would urge promp
action upon the part OF the Solicito
and your Council In bringing abou
corrections or these existing defects
Get together before 1t is too late
J. D. Carpenter. Chairman.
The committee visiting Oskaloos
and Joining in this report consists O
J. d Carpenter w A. Hand, %. ]
Hough and w. NJ Palmer.
Month Of Institutes
s,bfp 81 fha Y,ontb NJ farmers,