The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1922-11-08
FIRE Underwriters
ANNOUNCE SUMMARY
OF LOCAL CONDITIONS

Fire-fighting facilities, review OF
the city in general and the structural
conditions and hazards are included
in general summary of conditions
along the line of fire loss in the city
which has been prepared by board
of fire underwriters which recently
visited Richmond.
The review Of the general condition
of the city in this regard states that
the improved streets are in good con-
dition but that the others are only
fair or in poor condition. 1t also says
that weather and climatic conditions
here are somewhat unfavorable to the
advance of loss by fire in that high
winds, and hot, dry seasons are ire
uuent. The number of fires is great
but the loss per fire is low and the
per capita loss OF life almost ineon-
siderable.
In commenting on the water supply
as one of the chief fire-fighting fac1l-
tiles the report stated that the supply
was privately owned and controlled
but that it is in good condition. me
only fault to find with the department
itself was the fact that the ladder
service and heavy stream appliances
are deficient, that building inspections
are infrequent and the records 1neom-
plete.
In criticising the fire alarm system
the review says that the alarm boxes
have some unreliable brush breaks,
are inconspicuous, are not provided
with red lights and the distribution
good to very poor Auxiliaries in the
way of marshal power. telephone serv-
ice and substantial aid were reported
lin good condition.
In summarizing the fire-fighting fa-
Ctlities, the report says that the depart
Hasnt Is fairly we'll equipped but weak
in men; that the fire alarm system Is
inadequate and unreliable.
Building laws are deficient mere ana
structural conditions are weak, accord
ing to the review. In regard to the To-
cal conditions with respect to explos
ives and inflammabIes, the report says
that Richmond is fair to good although
the laws are inadequate in some in
stances. In regard to electricity the
report says that the new wiring is
good but the old work is very poor and
flags the overhead obseructions in the
alleys.
Summarized Hazard.
In summarizing the contlagratlon
hazard the report says: I'm the prln
cipal mercantile district, severe indi
vldual or group fires are probable ID
most blocks, but these should be con
fined to the block of origin or, extend
only to portions of adjoining blocks. In
manufacturing and minor mercantile
districts, serious individual or group
fires are probable. In the compactiy
built, shingle-roof, frame residential
districts there is the usual flying
brand hazard.
The board made several recommen
dations to the local department and
the city. They are enumerated as tol
lows:
That the platoon strength OF hose
companies one and three and engine
company two and ladder one be in
creased to four men each; and that ad
equate provisions be made for requir
ing their response to fires when called
Want Training Provided
That a suitable drill tower and nee
essary equipment be provided, WHERE
members, especially new men, may re
ceive more effective training in the ap
pliances and tools, including th'
handling of hose on stairs, salyag'
work and life saving; these drills to b.
in charge of competent officer, I
graduate from a drill school.
That the reliability of service be In
creased by placing circuits under
ground wherever possible, using rub
ber-insulated copper wire in lea
sheath in conduits with signaling Gil
cults only.
That street boxes be installed s
that a box shall be within 500 feet Q
every building in high-value district:
and elsewhere within 500 feet of ever
building in the closely-built section!
That interfering boxes and boxe
with brush breaks be remodeled or re
placed; boxes installed in the futur
to be of successNn type, with har
silver or platinum contacts, prope
protection against abnormal current!
Morse key, and with glass panel
keyiess single acting doors, or key
atfanhad under guard