The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1911-08-02
BETTER FIRE PROTECTION.

Since last week The Review has tax.
en- pains to interview a number OF the
city officials and few Of the business
men who have shown particular in
terest in the work of the fire depart.
ment. The main object of the Review
has been, not to force any pet scheme
upon the public, but to create interest
and to focus public thought upon the
problem of better fire protection sc
that something might result While
using the plans, outlined by the Re-
view as a basis for discussion, no at
tempt was made to influence those in
tervieWed in favor of any particular
scheme 1t is found that nearly all
our people are agreed that better fire
protection is needed and that immedi-
ate steps should be taken. Some
favor more ambitious plan than that
outlined by the Review Some be-
lieve that men and team should be
ers believe that improving the alarm
system would be sufficient; still 9th
ers agree with the Review plan, save
that they would have the city own
the team: all seem to favor siren
whistle and an improved alarm sys-
TEN.
To get the matter clearly in mind
we would briefly summarize the plan
outlined by the Review last week. 1t
was as follows:
First: That the city employ man
and team to work under the direction
of the street commissioner or other
officials by day and to be at the city
hall ready to respond to fire alarm
at night
Second; that room should be fitted
over the city hall and free lodging
given to firemen who would agree
to be on duty in case of night alarm.
Third; that the alarm system be i'm
proved, the bell rung by electricity,
that arrangements be made for
siren whistle, and simple code of
signals giving general location of fire
be arranged.
Fourth; that there be an increased
number Of fire plugs, additional hose
and new equipment if needed.
Alderman Christensen's Views.
Mr. Chas. Christensen, member Of
the city council, thought the plan was
a good one, save that he would have
the city own its team. He thought
a good team could be purchased for
about $4,000 and figured that if the
city did not own its team the man en-
ployed might quit work at any time
and leave the city without protection.
He also favored an increased number
of fire plugs, if this could be done,
but he stated that owing to new wells
and other improvements, the water
fund was very low. He also stated
that the fire chief had already been
instructed to purchase additional hose.
He favored an improved alarm system
and said that, as a member of the
council, he would cheerfully cooper.
ate for improved fire protection.
Or. L. M. Coon.
DR.. L. M. Coon, another member of
the city council, stated that he did
not think Denison had sufficient night
fire protection. that he agreed with
the plan outlined substantially and
would vote in favor Of such plan.
He also said, $50 long as our firemen
work gratuitOusly and must respond
at night, or when dressed in their
best clothes, thus spelling their cloth
ing without recompense, l believe we
should purchase a good team and
house it in the city hall and also
house the man who takes charge Of it
as WELL We should have harness es-
pecially made for quick work and take
as much burden off our firemen as
possible, thus saving great loss OF
property and possibly human life as
WE'LL Dr. Coon thinks we should
either keep the old alarm system in
repair or get a better one. He favors
additional fire plugs, only as fire limit
is increased. He also favors the pur-
chase of additional hose and new ap-
paratus 1t is his opinion also that
the fire team should be good, strong
runners and should be practiced often
in making runs with equipment, and
when used for other work should not
be allowed to go far from city hall. He
doubts the wisdom or practicability of
the team being used for much work
outside the business street, and adds
1--WE have been fortunate in the past,
but unless we take steps to be pre-
pared we may meet with great dis
aster.'
r. M. Wilcox.