Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1914-11-27

with reference to fire extinguishers.
II is evident that TOO great reliance can
be placed upon them, though they are
OF some advantage and viii. like the
lTeproof paint, aid in retarding sud
den fire. 1t is hoped also that the
manufacturing companies may see fit
to give some attention to the construc-
ton OF tireproof separators. This is
BENG taken up with the companies by
the State College.
The following recommendations are
very strongly urged to the attention of
machine owners and farmers:
First, that the cylinder of the sep
arator be grounded by means of an
electric brush connected to the ground
by wire. This connection should be
made by an iron peg driven foot or
two into the ground. 1t will serve 10
conduct off at least large portion of
the electricity generated and is an in
expensive precaution which machine
owners are strongly advised to adopt.
Second, that every machine be pro
ylded with IA system Of water sprink-
lers. \ flexible steam hose running
from the boiler to the separator should
be connected to a three-quarter-i inch
gas pipe running across the interior Of
the separator and from this pipe two
or three branches should extend the
entire length of the separator In
these pipes should be drilled at inter
walls of six or eight inches holes 2-32
to 3-32 Of an inch in diameter, thus
making an effective sprinkling system.
The pipes should be 50 adjusted in the
machine that when the water is turned
into them the entire interior Of the ma.
chine will be filled with a spray of
water. The whole outfit can be Sc ar
ranged that the opening Of a valve at
the engine will flood the separator in
side Of ten or fifteen seconds. The ex-
pense of such device would not exceed
twenty to thirty-five dollars.
Third that a quantity Of water IN
barrels or other receptacles be placed
near or upon the separator and buck
cts, used for no other purpose, be pro-
vided for distributing this water in
case of fire. a supply of shovels could,
with advantage, be kept on hand, en-
abling the crew to fight the fire with
dirt
Fourth, that a couple Of burrows be
plowed around the setting before the
threshing is commenced, in order to
prevent the spreading Of fire from the
straw pile and machine to adjacent
fields or other property.
Fifth, that in all cases the separator
be connected with the engine by means
of strong cable, enabling it to be
pulled away from the straw pile upon
the outbreak Of fire The separator
should be kept running until the staw
is out. One difficulty in connection
with this, however is the uusual pres
ence of a pile of straw for fuel directly
in the rear of the engine. 1t is suggest
ed that this straw for fuel could be
kept in a light wagon constructed for
this purpose instead off upon the
ground. Said wagon could then be cas-
ily moved from behind the engine.
This will. of course, necessitate the use
of two instead of one wagon for the
conveyance Of straw from the straw
pile to the engine.
Sixth. that the members of the crew
be given definite direction as to just
what to do in case of fire, i. e., an or
ganized system for fire fighting should
be arranged for This will tend to pre-
vent the Individual members of the
crew from losing their heads under the
excitement of fire and avoid dupii
cation of effort.
In other words, it is believed that If
number of precautions against fire,
such as are ordinarily adopted, be used
that great deal of loss from this
source will be avoided.
Since smut is undoubtedly one of the
primary causes of the fires, it becomes
especially important that systems Of
a4.I will and