Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1913-08-07
.FIBEPBOTECT|ON OF. .ALEXANDR|A|S NOT
SATISFACTORY SAYS ENGINEER HDTs0N

friction loss. The distribution of hy-
6rants is also inadequate for the pro-
lection needed; in high-value districts
about twice the present number
should be provided; inspections are
practically lacking and many are froz-
en- during severe winter weather.
The supply, as now being develop
ed, is ample, and the pumping capa-
city, considering the good reservoir
storage, amounting to 13 days sup
ply, is sufficient; however, the reser-
voirs are at too low an elevation, re-
sulting in very low pressure.
The system of distributing mains is
entirely inadequate; the larger mains
do not extend into the high-value dis
tricts and most of minor distributors,
are 4-inch, probably with greatly
reduced carrying capacity and often
not cross-connected at intersections.
The supply available from hydrants
is. insufficient in al parts, and par
ticularly along the river front. Reas-
enable protection for this district and
the mercantile section on King street
requires a fire flow, in excess of do
mestic consumption, of 5000 gallons
a minute, with a distribution system
capable of delivering two-thirds of
this quantity on any large group OF
buildings through hose lines, none ex-
a.aeding 600 feet in length.
Fire Department.
A review of the fire department,
shows that its total strength con-
sist of one chief, seven fully paid men,
and 222 volunteers, maintained at an
expense of Ss,241 per annum.
An examination of the apparatus
showed that the truck of the Relief
Hook and Ladder Company was old
and in only fair condition. Engine
No. 4, of the Columbia Company, was
in good condition. Engine No. 5, OF
the Reliance Company, was built In
1875 and rebuilt in 1903 and 1912.
The slip of its pumps was found to be
high, stoking was too heavy and the.
steam was poorly maintained. The
reserve engine broke down under the
test.
The station houses were found In
good condition with the exception of
the Relief which it is the intention OF
the city 10 rebuild.
Regarding the hose in use the re-
port states that much of it is old and
only in fair condition. 1t is shifted on
wagons monthly, after using it is
washed and hung in tower to dry.
No tests are made to determine its
condition.
In reference to the operation OF the
department the report says:
"On receipt of an alarm, the lad
der and two engine companies re-
spond, picking up volunteers on the
wav: horses are sent back for the
reserve engine for serious fires: Aid
has been called FROM Washington, Z
miles distant, and is available In
about an hour; the Washington fire
boat is available for aid along the
river front.
engines are usually attached to
hydrants, it being claimed that they
IAN draft from the river at only few
points. Inspection showed that for
practically any fire along the river
front the engines could be placed at
draft, and as the supply available
from the hydrants is less than the ca
pacity of the engines, it should be
compulsory rule that engines carry
large stiff suctions and take draft
from the river when feasible.
Hand chemical extinguishers are
used wherever possible. 1t is report
ed that fires are fought from the IN
side, and considering the handicap
offered by the inadequate water sup
ply, the operation at. recent flres
seems to have BEEN exceptionally
good.
Discipline is reported as good, but
internal dissentions have disrupted
one company in recent years, and at
the time of this inspection the vol
unteer members Of one Of the COM
papies were reported to have served
notice that they would not do fire
duty. No definite action has been TAX
en- by the chief or the fire committee.
No inspections are made by the fire
department for rubbish or other haz-
ardous conditions. The department
thaws frozen hydrants when found
but no inspections are made, and al
several fires during the severe win
a. 1o31 20 budroptc wpre found