Fire_Brigade_1954-1955 — Page 9

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MARINE DEPARTMENT LIBRARY

the sub-fire station. Members of the Brigade exerted the whole of their efforts to bring the fire under control early but due to circum- stances and difficulties which were entirely beyond their control it was 3 hours before the fire was controlled and prevented from spreading. A very careful survey of all the operations was carried out by this department and it was ascertained that the following were the underlying factors responsible for the spread of the fire:-(a) A late fire call en- abling the fire to gain a firm hold on the flimsy buildings and structures, (b) Rapid spread of fire due to the highly combustible and flimsy structures with their contents, and assisted by a strong North-easterly breeze ranging at periods from 16 knots to 36 knots as recorded by the Royal Observatory and (c) The poor water supply due to no rain and extra-dry weather which had been in existence for some time prior to this outbreak.

Apart from the fire mentioned above, there were 31 other outbreaks of fires in squatter areas in the Colony. These involved large areas and resulted in heavy damage. The number of squatter fires has now been reduced compared with previous years. The formation of fire lanes has proved to be useful to the Brigade in fire fighting operations and in controlling fires as well as confining them to small areas. Due to the fire lanes fires are prevented from spreading rapidly and firemen are able to gain access to forward areas to combat the fire where the huts are congested and interlaced. The continuous efforts made by this department, working in conjunction with the Resettle- ment Department, in fire prevention measures in squatter areas have proved highly successful. Regular broadcast talks are given to bring home to the squatters the danger of fire and the necessity for fire prevention.

A.

There was no aircraft crash fire during the year.

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