New Britain herald., 1917-10-11
NEW BRITAIN'S FIRE PROTECTION IS POOR
(Continued from First Page)

strengthening the system has been
 eopted, but not followed.
 ss' s'Condition of Mains-The physical
 ondition of mains is apparently good.
 Ire flow tests indicate that there is
 pnsiderable sediment in some local Hes. Some trouble has been experi-
 heed from electroyltic action but no
 bsts have been made by the depart lent. Pipe purchased is of sufficient keight.
 "Gate valves-The system is we'll
 ovided with gates, those examined
 bre in good condition. A few are left
 Anded; no systematic inspections are
 Fade.
 ks Hydrants-Distributi of hydrants
 important manufacturing and the |r4ncipal mercantile districts is good, mt in residential sections spacing is nHher Wde.~ Many have too small
 hives and branches. The majority E hydrants do not have a gate valve h the branch; this necessitates cut 4ug out a section of main when re- 5Alrs are necessary. Inspections are Atlsfactory; ally hydrants operated
 turing the national board inspection Fsre in good condition.
 Fire Department.
 .The fire department is a well or kAnixed force, commanded by a con- tetent and progressive officer, but Is 10 small to give the degree of pro- toction needed and the manual force
 deficient in total number of paid hen. Financial support for main |onance is only fair, but appropria- ttons for needed improvements have keen fairly liberal in the last few koers. The appointment of members bther than chief office, under civil lenvice regulations is a good features but the requirements are too low. f;alr Provisions are made for pensions and Eelief but no age limit has been Idopted and few of the men are old.
 Accompanies are undermanned and |trength is poorly maintained paru- sularly during the meal period. They re generally well located to the protection of the high value and close U built district, but because Of the lApid growth of the city, more com 1genies are needed.
 x The general use of com blnatlon Aose wagons provides good chemical vervice. The carrying of short ladders ,n hose wagons is a good feature, but he number of ladder trucks is in- nfhcient. The replacement of the manually raised serial truck ,y an automobile quick-raising aerial truck, and the purchase of one ad- ritional service truck would provide mainly adequate ladder protection. Apparatus is of good type and in good ,ondition and fairly we'll supplied with modern appliances, except salvage ,uuipment. The appliances for hand ing large streams are fair.
 .'The automobile engines are in .pod conditions, but one of the pump ng engines is too small and the otal capacity is inadequate and, as Erected by the test, the operating .rews are in need of more frequent md thorough training in operating ,ngines at full capacity. Poor provis- ons are made for delivering fuel to the engines.
 "The supply of 1-2 inch and 3 Inch hose is we'll cared for of good mount is inadequate. Under the pres mt conditions Of partial dependence pm hose streams from hydrants a more
  prove fire methods. Hose drying facilities are provided in all stations.
 Poor supply of tools for repair work are provided; no repair shop is and extra apparatus parts are lacking. Fire stations are In lair to good condition and of mainly rood constructions: sleeping quarters and apparatus floor at headquarters ere crowded. Additional space could ke provided by removing the old horse stalls. Continuous watch is not at any station.
 "Discipline is good and there are but few infraotion of the rules. The drill school Is commendable feature md tends to develop individual pro- Rcaency, but does not include callmen.
 e"The response to box alarms is generally we'll arranged and adequate. 1Dcopt In outlying sections where runs of three to three and one half miles are frequently necessary; for telephone alarms response is made uuate, Fire methods are good and some attention is paid to preventing water damage, but no salvage work is attempted.
 '"The introduction of building in Bpection is a. commendable feature. but they are not frequent enough to secure full value from the work. De- partment records are mostly com plete and well kept.
 "The Improvements made since the previous report have strengthened the department both in manual force and in quickness of operation, but a material further increase is necessary