Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1911-03-15

Most all the mains have been in
stalled recently and are in good con
ditiOh; the prevalence of electrOlyti'
action along the most important mair
makes its condition problematic.
The spacing OF valves is wide. They
are in good operative condition, bu
difficulty is experienced in readily To-
eating them.
Hydrants are too few in number;
the spacing is wide and the area
served by each hydrant excessive
They are mostly of good type. but q
number have too small a connection
to main; ;neiI general condition is
good.
Fire Department.
The fire department is inadequate
for tn. proper protection OF the city
Although buildings are mainly low
there are spots in the mercantile dis
trict whore fire. may easily get be-
yond the control of the present weak
force, and some residential sections,
particularly in the eastern and west
ern parts Of the city, are quite re-
mote from Protection; these condi-
tons may most readily be overcome
by providing more paid men to re-
spohd during TIE early stages of a
fire. as the rC>pcE.e of volunteers is
uncertain During tho hot summer
weather. quick response to alarms IN
ont'rirG districts is difficult, if not
impossible, fcr Eprse-1rawn appa-
ratuS: mot"r-WDp"ll, apparatus
would overcome this difficulty and
through its greater speed, reduce the
amount of apparatus necessary for
proper protection. The chief appears
to be capable. bu: his appointment
for a one-year term is not conducive
TO ,od discipline nor to efficiency
in the TcIa,;ncni Appropriat iOns
are ar too small. the per capita eX-
nenG,ture is much less than that of
many cities OF equal size and impor-
lance.
The apparatus provided is INSULT
cient: one engine company and a
chemical company. comprising the to-
tai full laid force, cover the entire
city. leaving the business district
district unprotected when fires occur
outside The engine in reserve is I'M
fix for use and is too small, and lad
der protection is practically lacking.
Hose appears to be in good condition,
but the supply is far too small. Minor
equipment is mainly lacking; no APP
planes for throwing large streams
are provided, the failure to furnish
which may result in a conflagration.
The headquarters station is old. in
poor condition and not well arranged
Discipline is fair. although no
printed rules have been adopted. no
&c a
chance for members to become eff
cient as fire fighters. Although the
fire losses have been high, the value
of chemicals in reducing water dam
age. appears to be appreciated; losses
could be further reduced through sal
wage work. Building inspections IN
the building district are not suffi-
GENTLY frequent nor thorough. Recent
records are fairly complete. No in
crease has been made to the appara-
tus in the past five years, except new
hose.
Alarm System.
The system is in poor condition and
is inadequate. Headquarters is in a
building containing serious hazards
and apparatus is not adapted to eX-
pansion, is poorly installed and lacks
registering appliances. The
section is only fairly well
protected and most of the residential
districts are unprotected. Boxes are
in fair condition. with keys attached.
but are Of inferior type and are not
No records or maps are
kcpts. Tests and inspections appear
to be fairly regular, but have not re-
suited in good maintenance, probably
from lack of knowledge of good cleo
trical practice on the part OF those
The city has outgrown
the present equipment, and a modern.
automatic system. with headquarters
in a detached. fireproof building. and
with better boxes. properly distributed,
IS needed.
Building Ordinances.
The building ordinances contain few
provisions except the eStab-
ishment of fire limits, requirements
Tor thickness of walls and for fire
escapes and standpipes The special
ire limits district. in which all frame
is prohibited, is too
small. Modern types of construction,
md the important subjects of limita-
ION III DtlbilAH anu flA'fhH 'hai'
ton of vertical and horizontal open
ngs are omitted. The lack of any
for inspection during
has resulted in practl-
,alIy no supervision over this impor-
tant subject. beyond the issuing Of
permits, and the poor structural con-
iitions are a direct result of the lack
IF proper building laws, efficiently
enforced.
Exclusives and Inflsmmables.
The ordinances contain fairly good
though brief restrictions for calcium
carbide. gunpowder and dynamite.
but are otherwise inadequate Tor
proper control. Although the cher
If the fire department makes frequent
even these inadequate
laws are poorly enforced and many
hazardous conditions were noted. par
ticularly in the storage and handling
II gasoline and explosives.
Electricity.
The ordinances provide for good
control over new inside
electric wiring: since May, 1910, this
class of wiring has been fairly wei
installed: the national electrical code
has been adopted as the standard.
Did interior wiring has received little
attention and is i'm hazardous condi-
ton; grounded current is used Tor
power. Serious distractions from
overhead wires occur in the streets
and alleys and over roofs. Evidences
" electrolytic action show the need
for prompt investigation by the city.
Conflagrstion Hazard.
In the principal mercantile district
is almost entirely inter