22. The effect of traffic density on time attendances to fire and am- bulance calls still exists, but a long term solution was approved during the year, namely, to abolish the policy of building large stations and substitute smaller ones at more frequent intervals. Standard plans for 10 storey 2-bay stations are finalized, sites made available, and within two to three years some improvement can be expected in time attendances.
23. A number of fires in 'High Blocks' during the year emphasized the need to divorce still further search and rescue procedures at fires from those of fire fighting. Many ‘High Blocks' have populations exceeding those of large villages, and when buildings become smoke-logged, making stairways impassable, then well trained men under skilled leadership provide the only prospect of containing fatalities to the minimum.
24. The ever increasing population has resulted in the over-crowding of cating houses and restaurants in central arcas, and unacceptable life hazards have been created. Staff of the Fire Prevention Bureau will continue to co-operate with the Government Departments concerned in reducing hazards wherever practicable. The more satisfactory solution however, lies in more restaurants, and managements taking as much personal interest in the safety of their patrons and employees, as they do working profits.
COMMUNICATIONS
25. The development plan for modernizing radio communications in the Fire Service was, with a few minor exceptions, completed during the year, the whole system proving thoroughly satisfactory.
26. During the year the Postmaster General advised that the old single frequency V.H.F. equipment used in the Ambulance Service has now reached the end of its useful life, and as the availability of this means of communication has proved invaluable in redeploying ambulances, a new system must be acquired.
27. V.H.F. equipment proved particularly valuable during the fire season in speeding up communications between salt water supplies and fires, reducing (and, in many instances, making unnecessary) the use of fresh water.
ESTABLISHMENT AND STAFF CHANGES
28. The Department headed by a Director and Deputy Director is sub-divided into 4 substantially independent Commands; 3 Headquarters Groups; and a number of Operational and Specialist Divisions and
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