Sessional_Paper_1921 — Page 55

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Standpipes, Nozzles, 58 standpipes and 69 nozzles.

Each Machine carries

No. 1. Machine 2,000 feet of hose.

No. 2. No. 3. No. 4.

22

1,400 800

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800

The plant required to deal successfully with large outbreaks of fire or with two or more simultaneous outbreaks, such as have occurred on several occasions recently is as follows:-

(a) 2 Motor Tenders

(b) 6 Motor Pumps 4 with extension ladders

VICTORIA. KOWLOON.

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2

(c) 2 Turntable Ladders (85 feet Extension ladders)....

(d) 3 Way heads for connecting suction direct to mains (one per pump).

(e) Hose, Standpipes, etc., in proportion to number of appliances,

(f) Nozzles. New nozzles with sprays and control as required. (g) Couplings.

(1) Hose Reels and Hose Despatch Boxes-Nil.

() Searchlights and Electric Torches as required.

(k) Street Fire Alarms. (Victoria only at present: at important point). (1) Smoke Helmets.

Taking the items in their order :---

(a) Motor Tenders,-No: 2.

One tender is ok but still quite serviceable (Victoria). It carries a 50 feet ladder which will require renewal shortly as it is nearly Worn out. Provision for this exists in the 1921 Estimates.

A tender is being provided in Kowloon by remodelling a large touring car recently acquired,

(b) Motor Pumps (Turbine),-No: 6.

3 are already in use. 2 of them are almost new. 2 are on order from England (Dennis pattern) and provision for these has been made in the 1921 Estimates. A supplementary vote will be required ($16,000) to cover increased prices and difference in rate of Exchange. 1 further pump is required and should be provided for in the 1922 Estimates. This will give 4 pumps for Victoria and 2 for Kowloon which should be ample.

(c) Turntable Ladders,---No : 2.

These ladders are necessary to increase the elliciency of the Brigade in dealing with outbreaks in large buildings. The Brigade has none at present. They are worked electrically from a turntable on the chassis and are fitted with a nozzle which is fixed to the top rung of the ladder. The hose is connected to the nozzle and the fireman takes his place on the ladder before it is extended. The fireman works from the top of the ladder which is not placed against a wall and thus saves the running of hose through adjoining buildings and consequent damage by water. The ladder can be used as an escape in the usual manner. The length of the ladders used by the London Fire Brigade when fully extended is 85 feet. The Public Health and Buildings Ordinance provides for the supply of adequate escapes in large premises and these must necessarily be the direct means of escape in all buildings exceeding 4 stories as fire escapes cannot » effectively used for the upper stories of such buildings. Fixed escapes should be provided on the verandahs of the buildings where such exist. They should take the form of iron or re-inforced concrete staircases from floor to floor. Vertical ladders are dangerous.