The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1911-01-31
HOW TO PREVENT
Big FIRE LOSSES

In the year 1910 there was lost to
the state of North Dakota by fire,
property to the value of about $1,75O,-
600 or very nearly SO for every man
woman and child in the state. That
| a large part of these losses was COW
| cred by insurance does not in the
least affect the situation as far as ac-
tual loss is concerned. The fact re-
mains that this amount of wealth was
taken away from North Dakota citi-
zens. Property burned is gone, and
can never be replaced. even through
the medium of fire insurance, the bur
den is made to fall less heavily on the
actual fire sufferers.
| An investigation into the causes for
this enormous fire waste shows that
| it is due for the greater part to the
icarelessness of property owners and
tenants, Cheap frame buildings, care
less handling of oils, matches and
other dangerous substances contribute
their full quota. 1t is estimated that
| 20 per cent of the fire losses of the
state for the past year were caused by
parlor matches alone. Poor cbimneys
and chimney connections play their
part in the result. Lack of fire pro-
lection, and we'll drilled, organized
fire departments in towns contributed
still more, and between all these causes
and many nore-most of which could
be wholly or in part eliminated-the
citizens OF this state paid their tax
of So per capita to see their property
licked up by the flames.
Is it possible to prevent any of this
fire waste2
The North Dakota State Fire Pre-
vention association says it is, and they
claim to know. They say that 1t is
possible to eliminate one half of these
losses by intelligent cooperation of
| North Dakota citizens in discouraging
| carelessness as regards fire hazard.
This association is affiliated with in
! organization known as the National
| Fire Prevention association. and it is
awakening an active interest through.
out the state by publishing its ideas
and remedies for reduction in the fire
hazards. 1t Is a state business mems
organization, and it aims to give ex-
pert assistance, without cost, to indi-
vtdual firms, villages and cities, along
rhe lines indicated.
| Here are a few of the suggestions
that appear on the back of every let
| ter sent out by the association:
| A large part of the fire waste of this
country is directly due to untidy con-
ditions and other faults of manage.
ment. A careful inspection of your
| premises daily will assist this Office
/ In bringing about decrease in the
+; liability of fire.
! Ashes should be kept in metal re-.
ceptacles and never in paper or wooden
barrels or boxes.
| Oily rags or waste should be kept
| in standard metal waste cans and con-
tents removed and burned each night.
| Rubbish should never be allowed
to accumulate in buildings.
| Spittoons should be made Of metal
and never contain sawdust or other
combus+ible4 material.
! Gasoline naphia and other volatile
oils should not be kept. In building.
Steam pipes should be kept clear
from all wood and other combustible
material.
| Open fiue holes should be protected
with sheet iron or better, be bricked
lup.
Electricity, when improperly in
stalled, is hazardous; see that your
Certificate of approval covers the en-
tire installation; lamp cords should
not be hung on nails or wrapped
around any piping; paper shades
should never be used. Confer with city
electrician when changes are contem-
plated. DO not allow employees to fam-
per with electrical installation
Stove pipes should be run direct to
brick chimneys and never through
floors or partitions; protect floors I'M