Evening star., 1949-09-28
Council Warned
0fFire Hazards
Al Blair School
State Inspector Cites
Overcrowding and
Lack of Extinguishers

Charges by a State fire official
of insufficient fire extinguishers
and overcrowded conditions at
Montgomery Blair High School.
Silver Spring, were under study
today by county school officials.
The charges were in a letter re-
ceived by the County Council yes
terday from Capt. v. Brandt.
deputy State fire marshal. After
the letter was read, Council Presi-
dent Frederic P. Lee ordered iI
referred to the Board of Educa-
tion for investigation.
Capt. Brandt said an inspection
of the high school September IS
disclosed there are three fire ex-
in the main building,
two in the gymnasium and one
each in the cafeteria and kitchen.
He recommended % additional
extinguishers in the main build
ing, four more in the gymnasium
and a larger one in the cafeteria.
In addition, he urged the i'm
mediate removal from the cafe
terra kitchen of the extinguisher
containing carbon tetrachloride.
Warns Of Deadly Gas.
This chemical, he explained. "is
not recommended in any room
or confined area because Of the
deadly phosgene gas generated
when carbon tetrachloride comes
In contact with hot metal"
He said the inspection also
showed classrooms were over
crowded. He added the school
has a capacity Of about $50 stu
dents, but has an enrolment Of
approximately 1900.
Other recommendations called
for doors to inclosed fire escapes
to be kept closed at all times ex-
cept during the changing Of
classes. and the purchase of Q
f1reproof asbestos blanket for use
in the domestic science labora-
tory.
When told of Capt. Brandt's
findings, Assistant Schools Supt.
Edgar M. Douglass said the ex-
were installed last
year after a very careful survey"
of the school by Silver Spring fire.
men.
"We followed their recon-
mendations in all cases." he de.
clared," including the use Of car
bon tetrachloride."
Aware Of Overcrowding.
AS for overcrowded conditions,
Richard Carpenter, assistant
superintendent in charge of con-
struction. said practically all
county schools are overcrowded.
He declared new buildings and
additions to present structures are
being built as fast as possible.
The council approved appoint
ment by County Manager Irving
G. McNayr of Wallace A. Mac
Balm. Sc. a retired Philadelphia
fire captain, as county fire mar
shal. The appointment Is effec-
tive October Is at a salary of $4,-
800 year.
Capt. Joseph Nolte. commander
of the Silver Spring police sub
station, criticized the use Of uni
formed desk clerks as justices Of
the peace and committing maeis-
trateS.
He said the practice constitutes
poor public relations" because no
one is at the station to accept
collateral or Ak bond when tho
desk clerk, who also acts as justice
of the peace, is off or sick.
Mr.. Lee pointed out such a sys-
tenn has been in effect about 10
years but said the council would
consider setting UP a separate
justice of the peace system at its
legislative session next May.
Action on Bridge Ordered.
Mr.. McNayr said the county at
torney's Office has been instructed
to obtain the necessary rights-of-
way for approaches to a new bridge
over the Baltimore & Ohio Rail-
road at Rockcrest, outside Rock
vile. He told the council the rail-
road has promised to build a new
bridge If and when the county
installs the approaches.
County Attorney David Mac
donald announced about 100 tax
delinquent properties will be sold
at auction at 10 am. October Il
at the Rockville Courthouse.