Fire_Services_1961-1962 — Page 7

INTRODUCTION

THE variety of hazardous trades in the Colony and the high density of population provide a situation in which the outbreak of serious fire is a constant danger. The risk is often aggravated by congested streets and steep, narrow thoroughfares where conventional fire appliances may often operate at a disadvantage.

2. Through the clearance efforts of the Resettlement Department, the number of fires in squatter areas has been gradually reduced but new difficulties have arisen through the rapid growth of multi-storey buildings. The height of these buildings has given rise to problems which demand revised techniques in fire-fighting and significant changes in organization throughout the Service. More powerful pumps are needed to maintain sufficient pressure, and the maintenance of equip- ment is of great importance when a hose bursting high from the ground is capable of causing damage more costly than that from fire.

3. Communications between personnel has become a far more com- plex problem. At street level fires, a Section Commander is usually readily seen. In high and smoke-filled buildings, where breathing apparatus is so often necessary, Commanders are more difficult to locate. Resort has often to be made to sign language and failing this, key men may temporarily have to abandon operations and go to lower levels to receive instructions. Lifts may offer a fast method of trans- porting men and equipment, providing the power supply continues, but they can prove highly dangerous and form yet another occupational hazard for both firemen and the public.

4. Air-conditioning equipment, even with a built-in safety system, may, particularly at night, provide a medium for a rapid build-up of heat and result in attention being drawn from the true centre of the fire. To meet this problem, a Thermocouple is being designed to be used in conjunction with a galvanometer in locating the source of greatest heat in a smoke-filled building. This will enable water to be directed more accurately at the seat of the fire.

5. Developments in the techniques of fighting fires demand, in turn, new thoughts on the training of personnel and the structure of the Service as a whole. As only the young and fit can stand the strain of

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