The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1938-10-01
Loss Of Life During
Past Year Stressed
In Appeal To Public
City to Participate in National Observance Of Fire Pre-
vention Week, October Purpose Of Organized
Campaign Outlined By Local Fire Authorities

Probably the most spectacular fire
Of the year was the one which broke
out at ten o'clock at night on April
8 in the large apartment building In
the rear Of 70l South Main street.
You will recall that many families
were temporarily trapped, or until
the arrival Of the Fire Department
Fortunately, however, no lives were
lost, In spite Of the large number Of
children In the building at the time.
Mrs. Philomena Martone, living
nearby, and noticing the fire, and
hearing the screams Of the people
became so excited that she dropped
dead on the spot. Thousands Of peo-
pie rushed to the scene, and trafac
In that part Of the city was blocked
for a number Of hours,
Public Education
The idea Of Fire Prevention week
Is to enlighten the public on what
FIRE has done to the city In which
they reside. OF course the main
purpose is to seek the indulgence Of
the people In an effort to keep
down fire losses, and by so doing
save life and property. Much has
been said during the past few years
on the part Of the learned fire ex-
perts Of the country on the care Of
the home. The people have been
asked to check on their homes from
cellar to attic. And Of course that
Is what we would like to have the
public Of Waterbury do. Not long
ago In the cellar Of On apartment
house we found several dried up
Christmas trees stored close TO the
heating unit. We had them re-
moved forthwith, under orders Is
sued by the inspector. But the jan
itor little realized the danger at
tached TO such an act OF careless
ness. He said he thought they would
be safer there than In the yard, and
didn't think II necessary to take
them away TO some rubbish dump
ing ground. Acts Of carelessness like
this one cited, bring about fire, and
cause much uneasiness and harm 10
people residing In such place.
Statisticians tell us there are
$4,000, 600 dwellings In the United
States, and that fires In the home
have increased considerably during
the past ten years. The greater
number OF lives lost by FIRE are the
result Of fires In the home.
Inspections
Dwelling house inspection can do
much In Waterbury. People ought TO
inspect their premises from now
until after the end OF Fire Proven.
ton Week, so that they can really
get the benefit OF what Il means. BY
so doing, we expect that they will
continue these inspections during
the entire year. Rubbish and In
flamable materials should be re-
moved, and carried away. Most Of
us are afraid OF fire, and rightful-
ly so. Many OF us 90 Off to bed with
out O survey Of the cellar or heating
unit. And we do this continually
Notwithstanding the kind Of q
night It happens 10 be. For years
the Office Of the Fire Marshal has
been seeking the good will OF the
people, In It's effort TO have premises
inspected nightly before retiring.
We again appeal for this review
during the coming winter. II II IL
started now, we are sure II will be
continued every night while the
fires are burning.
The Waterbury Fire Dept. wants
no fire; II Is far better that II fune.
ton without being called into SER
vice for an actual fire. The damage
and harm that come with fire can
never be repaid by the insurance
carried.
Carelessness Is the cause OF many
OF our fires here In Waterbury:
therefore, we seek your aid In the
hope that we shall be more careful,
and by 30 doing, your property will
be preserved, and more people will
live longer.