Fire_Brigade_1952-1953 — Page 8

FALSE ALARMS

6. Considering the total number of calls received, the incidence of false alarms was not high, and, as can be seen, slightly over 50% of these calls were given with good intentions.

7.

Although valuable assistance was rendered by the Police, difficulties are still experienced in tracking down wrong doers who maliciously give false alarms.

8.

CAUSES OF FIRES

Negligence or carelessness is still by far the most common cause of fires. The majority of the 190 house fires were attributable to the careless use of kerosene stoves which at one time became a popular means of cooking on account of the prevailing high price of wood fuel.

9. Faulty electric wiring was the cause of a large number of electrical fires.

10. The improper storage of cinematograph films and film scraps, which had been the cause of a number of fires in godowns and film stores, caused considerable concern. Action was taken by the Brigade to advise the owners of all approved film stores and all consignees of films to take every possible precaution to prevent the deterioration and decomposition of films. Periodical inspections were made by officers of the Brigade to ensure that films were being properly stored and that the instructions given were being correctly carried out.

11. There were two known cases of arson. The offenders were arrested and convicted.

CASUALTIES

12. The recorded death toll resulting from fires was 5, as against 11 for the year 1951-52. All occurred before the arrival of the Brigade. A total of 21 persons were rescued from burn- ing buildings by members of the Brigade. 63 persons were sufficiently seriously injured at fires to require treatment in hospital.

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