The Detroit times., 1914-02-18
ADVISE CHANGE TO
AVERT FIRE Loss
Records in Capitol Building Left
Partially Unprotected,
Say Inspectors

LANSING. Mich. Feb. IS. (Spe-
ciaD-ln its report OF the fire haz-
ards al the state capitol, the indie
pendence Inspection bureau, which
inspected the building last Decem-
Der. states that officials in charge
have given the subject OF fire condi-
lions considerable study and atten-
ton However. several recommends
lions in regard TO additional fire ex-
tinguishers. more hose, safeguard
OF records and documents, and I'M
proved water supply are made.
The report says that the chances
OF a heavy loss by fire are undoubt-
eddy greater in the library than in
any other part OF the building 1t
Is stated that this section is entirely
rOp-A> from the second floor level 10
the roof OF the fourth floor and is
lined on all sides with series OF
wooden balconies and large wooden
bookcases where volumes valued at
thousands OF dollars are placed
a reasonable degree OF safety
can be gained only by the installa-
ton or automatic sprinkler equip
ment. says the report. Water dam
age is the only effective argument
which can be brought TO bear against
the value OF an equipment OF this
kind In a building of this character.
However. we feel that as the books
here are well enclosed by substantial
bookcases, the water damage would
not be comp parable TO the possible fire
damage without automatic sprink-
lers."
The report states that in the at
tics over the north and south wings
there is considerable combustible ma
terial such material was also re-
ported to be found in other parts OF
the building and removal OF IL was
recommended
According 10 the report the orig
inal tracings OF the first floor plans
OF the capitol, of which there are
no duplicates are not kept in vault.
but are in a wooden cabinet In the
superintendent Office
Vault doors containing statistics
were found open when the inspectors
visited the office after the employees
had left
where thousands OF ledgers repre-
senting at least $1,000 worth OF la
Dor alone are kept. IL is advised that
the records be placed in single
room fitted with metal racks and
with such furniture as necessary or
metal. These ledgers could be dupli-
Gated only by securing figures from
county records.
IL is stated valuable documents in
the offices Of the commissioner or
banking, including the bank exam
iners' reports. are kept on wooden
racks in a safe evidently designed
for a vault, but which has plain
glass window opening into a corri-
dor and one unprotecting door open
ing into Offices.
In the governors Office it is stated
that prison records are stored in
wooden fling cabinets
1t is suggested that fre-hghting
brigade OF eight or o men be organ
lied in the capitol building. employees
working I'm the corridor of OF which
the superintendent's office Is located.
being recommended as desirable for
hnAn " Ol W. GA1F VI nv niOl AilhV
that would BE- required for them TO
respond 10 an alarm.
Because watchmen can not now
gain entrance 10 some Of the offices
when locked IL is recommended that
all doors be equipped with a new set
OF locks. all OF which 10 be subject
TO universal master key II new
locks are not secured II is suggested
that half dozen Are axes be pur-
chased. and one placed on each floor
OF the building
In the detailed report OF the bu-
resu many minor changes are recon-
mended such as metal shelves. addi-
tlonNl IRE \extlnR0Nhers. enclosures
OF unnecessary openings. removal OF
broken furniture and papers aud
books