Norwich bulletin., 1915-12-07
MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS ON
NORWICH FIRE CONDITIONS.
Engineer HowIand's Report-Wants
More Hydrants, Fire Alarm Boxes,
Auto Apparatus, Larger Water
Mains and Other Things.

The committee on fire prevention of
the Board Of Fire Underwriters of New
York city has issued the following
bulletin under a Norwich head in con-
ectiCn with the recent visit of En-
neer ]. H. Rowland to this city:
The Members of the National Board
Of Fire Underwriters:
lis city was visited by Engineer J.
Rowland, Nov. % and "a, 1915, for
ne purpose of noting improvements
aadc since, the Bulletin of July, 1914,
md of advocating still further the car
wing out of such of the more impor-
tant recommendations made in our re-
port of March, 1911. as had not been
complied with.
The practice of laying 4-inch pipe
for hydrant supply has been discontin-
ued. the number of hydrants has been
increased to 434 public and 81 private,
Including three or four new hydrants
cut in the old mains, the 80 Ludlow
hydrants have been provided with
standard threads on the outlets and an
up-to- date map of the distribution
system has been prepared. No other
improvements of Importance have
been made in connection with the wa
ter supply. The replacement of 6-inch
contemplated by the Water depart
ment for 1916; the laying of a 10-inch
along High street between West Main
and West Thames streets is also being
considered in connection with the next
seasons work.
ment, two more full pair men
were added to the fire force in May.
1915, and the reserve hose wagon at
headquarters equipped with a turret
pipe; an automobile combination
pump, chemical and hose wagon has
been purchased and is to be delivered
and placed in service at headquarters
early in December, 1915. The purchase
of an automobile for the chief will
doubtless be arranged for by January,
1916. The. appointment of a per@nan-
ent full paid deputy chief and the pur-
aerial ladder truck are recommended
tions that are strongly advocated by
the chief and which. together with ad-
ditional full paid men, are considered
of the utmost Importance.
Money has not yet been provided
for the additional boxes needed for the
fire alarm system, only three public
boxes having been Installed, not for
the substitution of underground con-
struction in place, of the aerial which,
though reconstructed in part, still con-
stitutes a menace to- the system. The
need of larger appropriations for the
fire alarm system is evident.
In spite of very week structural con-
ditfons. over which little effective con-
troll Is exercises, and the lax regula-
SONSIH uTy cleaning
establishments and similar hazardous
occupancies, nothing has been ac-
complished with reference to the rec
concentrations made under building
department explosives and inf1amma-
bles, electricity or conflagration haz-
ard.
Interviews were had with the may
or chairmen of the boards of water
and fire commissioners, heads of the
various departments, officials of the
board of trade apd chamber of COM
n1erce, the local newspapers and other
influential citizens. with. view to
bringing about more determined and
| concerted effort to have early and IA
-varab BILE action taken with reference tc
tina most urgent improvements rec.