The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1911-08-16
FIRE MARSHAL Is
EXPECTED HERE
DEPUTY WOLFF is LOOKING IN
TO CONDITIONS IN EFFORT
TO REDUCE ANNUAL
FIRE LOSSES.

To reduce the annual fire loss in this
state is the task TO which The state fire
marshal and his assistants nave set
themselves. with that end in view,
Assistant state Fire Marshal Wolf
has begun a tour OF the cities of the
state, determining for himself the pre-
cautions that are being taken in vari-
Gus places and ordering changes and
removals of buildings where the fire
hazard is too great. In this manner,
the state fire marshal hopes to bring
about reduction of Insurance rates in
this state.
Mr.. Wolf has paid an official visit to
Sault Ste Marie within the past week
and he is expected here in the not dis
tant future. In addition TO investigat-
ing fire risks, Mr.. Wolff makes it a
point to explain to the local fire war
dens and the insurance men some OF
the provisions of the new fire laws.
His inspection of Easements, alleys
and storage rooms has resulted in
greatly improved conditions in many
instances, ne having ordered the re-
moval of tons of refuse and other in
| flammable material.
That Mr.. Wolf will find some things
to criticise in this city is altogether
probable.
New Law is Stringent.
| Michigan at last has a law "what is"
| 10, 80 nj
If rightly enforced the upper peninsula
may soon see insurance rates reduced
to a reasonable figure. owners of
buildings and business men occupying
the same have not seemed To realize
that they were raising their own rates
and those of their neighbors by con-
structing frame shacks for storage in
the rear of brick or stone business
blocks. In a few years the difference
in their insurance premiums would
pay for freproof structures.
Under the provisions of the new law
which is now i'm effect, the chief Of
the fire department is made deputy
state fire marshal. He has power to
condemn buildings which are deemed
to be fire risks. Sec. of the new law,
referring to the state fire marshal. his
assistant. and the chief of the fire de-
partment of all cities and villages
says: whenever any of said officers
shall find any building or other struc-
ture which for want Of proper repair
or by reason of age and dilapidated
condition or for any cause is especial
" liable to fire, and which is so stu
ated as TO endanger other buildings or
property or so occupied that fire would
endanger persons or property therein
and whenever any such officers shall
find i'm any building or upon any prem
Uses combustible or explosive material
or innammable conditions dangerous
to the safety OF the said buildings or
premises, they shall order the same to
he removed or remodeled. and such
order shall be forthwith complied with
by the owner or occupant of said build
ing or promises. Provided, however
That If said owner or occupant shall
deem himself aggrlcved by such order
he may within as hours. appeal TO the
state fire marshal and the cause of
complainant shall be at once investi-
gated by the direction of the latter
and unless by his authority revoked
such order shall remain i'm force and he
forthwith complied with by said owner
lor occupant. Any owner or occupant
of buildings or premises failing TO com
lply with the orders of the authorities
/ Ill ~. -.
atty of not less than ten dollars nor
more than fifty dollars for each days
neglect; such penalty to be sued foI
i'm the name Of the people of the State
of Michigan upon the complaint of the
fire marshal deputy or assistant OF
county attorney or of any officer NAM
cd herein, I'm the county in which such
building shall be situated, before any
justice of the peace or court of rec
ord"
Like German Laws.
!, The new law also provides for inves-
tigation of fires and their causes. ar
immediate report from the fire CHIEF
and insurance agencies. and in many
respects is almost as stringent as the
German laws which have reduced fire
losses to the minimum. If this law Is
rigidly enforced II will result in fewer
fires and lower insurance rates Mr.
VOLTS tour Of inspection will cover
the entire state, and the terms of the
new act will be made plain to all the
officers interested II is then up &c
them to see that the law is enforced
The insurance men are pleased will
the new law, for though it will result
i'm general reduction of rates it viii
also reduce risks and fire losses I'm
der the old conditions some building:
have been rejected entirely. while rates
IN ofhors aro eo pporlv nrohihitiVe thaI