The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-03-17

We want the careless custom given up this year." warned the chief. If 1t is necessary to burn rubbish on your own property, do 1t in a manner not offensive to your neighbor. This is q time, aft CT what all of US have undergone, to be just little bit considerate of our neighbor in the burning of rubbish, and the throwing of refuse in and about vacant lots. We are all living on edge, and let us try and make life so that we have the friendship and good will of the people who live near us, and who are interested in our effort to have the real old fashioned feeling of good fellowship prevail in the sec tion where our home is located"
 Fire Chief Heitman issued @ statement today, urging all prop erty owners to rid their premises of dead grass and brush still stand ing from last year. As soon as spring comes the chief pointed out, these dead growths dry out, and they may be ignited by any chance spark, such as carelessly thrown cigarette or by any of the many other ways.
 Chief Heitman went on to say that most citizens regard grass fires as of little consequence. Quite the contrary is true, since fire in dead grass and brush travels quickly, and may easily spread to homes, garages and other build ings before firemen are called. High winds in spring time help greatly to spread fire, carrying sparks into grass that may be some distance away from the original outbreak of fire.
 He cited instances in many cities where grass fires have broken out in several places simultaneously. requiring the presence of nearly all the fire department to extinguish them and said that the same thing could easily happen here. This would weaken the department if fire should break out in some building or residence, and would delay the response of enough men and apparatus to put out the build ing fire with small damage.
 Chief Heitman appealed to the citizens to cooperate by removing dry, dead growth from their lots before warm weather dries it out completely. He placed special em- phasis on request to owners of lots, who sometimes neglect them while at the same time the prem ises on which they live are kept in perfect order. Grass fires are often caused by the efforts of citizens to burn their lots off, the chief point ed out, and this method should never be employed. Too often the original fire gets completely out of control, and may possibly ignite the clothes of the worker, who would naturally try to beat it out. Small boys also cause their share of grass fires when they build bon- fires in vacant lots.
 The usual spring rainS it was said, are not sufficient to keep the grass damp enough to avoid the fire hazard. Even after heavy rain, warm sunshine and stiff breeze will dry out the growth in a few hours and make it in- flammable. The only safe proced- ure is to remove all growth (and rubbish) completely. Not only will this render property free from fire, but 1t will beautify it, and the com- munity in general. There is also the economy angle, the chief point cd out. Every time the fire appara- tus leaves the station on fire run, it costs money-not only in gaso- line, but in wear and tear on the truck, tires, hose and other equip- ment. Each run to a grass fire costs money that could be used very we'll for other purposes.
 When spring house e-cleaning time comes," concluded Chief Heit- man, "extend your operations to your yard or lot. It will pay divi- dends in safety, appearance and economy