FIRE

ENGINEERING

on

N

itators

INHALATION EXHALATION

NEGATIVE

- tty Exnaled

1 Dreath from

patient to

| atmosphere

he flow of oxygen to the patient (left) in a standard portable model Emerson Resuscitator and the flow of | eee breath (right) are shown diagrammatically above. Note the pattern of flow as controlled by the 3 valves. Oxygen coming to the patient never passes through any part of the mechanism that has carried exhaled breath. (There is back-and-forth breathing through the mask and mask-head, but these and the hoses are

‘

easily washable.)

If you happen to treat a patient who exhales disease germs, you can be sure that they will not be picked up in the mechanism by the in-flowing oxygen and carried to the next patient. Oxygen for the patient does not pass through the mechanism or the venturi.

This unique feature of Emerson Resuscitators is covered by U. S. Patent No. 2268172 and Canadian Patent No. 405705. Perhaps such cleanness is only occasionally of life-saving importance; but it is one reason why Emersons are known far and wide as the

“Simplest and Safest!”

SIMPLE TO OPERATE — ECONOMICAL OF OXYGEN — VEPSATILE — RUGGED

Made by the makers of Emerson Iron Lungs and other medical breathing equipment

FIRE ENGINEERING

etter

than ever...

When the FEDERAL STL Siren was introduced,

new features made it

the outstanding alarm siren. Continued study and experiment have lead FEDERAL STH-10 SIREN to further improvements

and now the FEDERAL STH-10, just introduced,

becomes the best!

The FEDERAL STH includes all the advanced features of its forerunner, the FEDERAL STL, but produces a better and more contrasting pitch;

more sound output, with more simplified construction.

Priced only slightly above conventional sirens, Write

the STH-10 with roof or pole mounting assembly for CATALOG 200 has reduced the total installation cost

to no more than conventional units.

Now, during the season of greatest fire hazard

growing communities need better sirens for fire or disaster warnings!

Replace or supplement your inadequate siren

with the big New FEDERAL STH-10 Siren,

the very best!

| SIGN and SIGNAL

for DECEMBER, 1956

FIRE

ENGINEERING

VOL.109 DECEMBER, 1956 NO,12

IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURES

Standardization—Simplification—Unification—An Editorial ... 1145 By Roi B. Woolley

Chiefs Debate Many Problems at Record-Breaking IAFC NNO, 6h cd bs dae os Sad Se are Da eee & oie enh sls 1146

Fire and Explosion Hazards of Industrial Chemical Processes .. 1150 By Paul F. DeGaeta and Arnold A. Weintraub

Sprinkler Systems—tTheir Relation to Salvage—

EE RT ek a koe, ails eo ts wid wets SIS Ss 1154 By Roi B. Woolley

General Alarm for Dallas Warehouse .................-.-- 1156

Aerial Tankers Help Fight San Bernardino Mountain Fire ..... 1158

By Cliff Dektar New Air Conditioned Fire Station Houses Three Rochester

NONE 5 Sek ns Sik Gigs Ose Sits ee eS Pd we wie Ie ns co 1159 Nevada, lowa, Fire Department—Combined City and Rural Fire

PeNNEEIOIINEE a sn FBG by alae wrk a ae SES Ord View os 1160

DEPARTMENTS ee NE ois 5. oie ko Waid GMS aie eee 1161 es pe er rr er ee 1162 PMN eae A aos Si eis op Cause uti eS eee el ee emneicie eee 1168 Re NIREEES SoS cs 5G aw sisi Sidin SM aig Sees seekers Svs 1172 By Paul C. Ditzel

ID het ny & ay ecu else eek we eee we en ee 1173 as eS ae ee 1176 I oa gc cht no U I R c'W iki da eG ws alee ee 1177 a Sa es Se ae ee ee ee eee Te 1182 The Watch Desk .....: PE OL OO ee re eee re et ee 1184 ORE I PTE er ea Sore rote 1186

Placement of Hydrants in Residential Areas

Published the fifteenth of each month by the Case-Shepperd-Mann Dept., Business Papers Division, The Reuben H. Donnelley Corp., 305 East 45th St., New York 17, N. Y., David L. Harrington, Chairman of the Board; Gaylord Donnelley, Vice Chairman of the Board; Curtiss E. Frank, President; Albert M. Andersen, Executive Vice President; Harold P. Harper, Vice President; Donald R. Amold, Vice President; Hamilton B. Mitchell, Vice President; Giles B. McCollum, Vice President; Edward A. O'Rorke, Assi t Vice Presid ; Karl G. Clement, Controller; James H. Evans, Secretary-Treasurer. Edward B. Wintersteen, Executive Manager, Business Papers Division. Publication Office: 109 West Chestnut St., Lancaster, Pa. Address all correspondence to 305 East 45th Street, New York 17, N. Y.

Eastern Representatives, Alfred J. Houghton, William J. Gibson; Chicago: 8 So. Dearborn St., L. M. Roche, Richard H. Baum; San Francisco: Mills Building, Duncan A. Scott & Co.; Los Angeles: 6000 Miramonte Bivd., August Haurin.

Subscription Rates: U. S$. and Canada, $3.50 a year; Pan-American and Foreign, $4.50; Single copy, . Printed in U. S. A. Second class mail privileges authorized at | ter, Pa., on January 27, 1956. Cepyright 1956, Business Papers Division, The Reuben H. D: Ht Com ti Entire

of this publication covered by general copyright. All rights reserved. ‘Title registered in U. S. Patent Office.

Radiation Mall Form 3579 for undeliverable copies to 305 East 45th St., New York 17, N. Y.

Season's Greetings:

The recent 83rd Conference of the International Association of Fire Chiefs brought together fire officials of over 21 countries. As they met and discussed the com- mon problems that face them it was evident that a genuine spirit of world friendship prevailed and that each man was motivated by a sincere desire to be of service to the people.

We believe that this is a tribute to the fire service and could well be an example to all of the words “Peace On Earth To Men of Good Will.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

Wai Pasetiaton

FIRE ENGINEERING—A CONSOLI- DATION OF FIRE AND WATER ENGINEERING, THE FIRE ENGI- NEER, FIRE PROTECTION AND FIRE SERVICE

1. HERBERT CASE General Manager

FRED SHEPPERD Editorial Director

ROI B. WOOLLEY Editor

DONALD M. O'BRIEN Assistant Editor

D. FERGUSON Managing Editor

KARL M. MANN Advertising Director

Audit Bureau of Circulations Associated Business Publications

Pike wé Ss

° 4 ry 17 “on a > mS, pa = ooh "4, <) ‘@ uae

Curs*

ce of n of r fire s. As com- m it spirit ! and by a ce to

ibute well

vords fa! Good

US

AAA,

Via

FABRILON

WITH

DOUBLE- SURFACE JACKETS _

OUTSIDE DoUBLE-

SURFACE

DOUBLE-SURFACE MEANS

DOUBLE-SERVICE

This is a magnified cross-section cut length wise through a FABRILON hose jack- et. The cabled warp strands are shown closely interwoven with FABRILON filler cords in FABRIC’s exclusive twill woven construction.

For every stitch that is inside there are two on the outside, which means that twice as much mate- rial is on the outside of the jacket, producing a smooth, double-wearing surface attained only in our twill woven FABRIC jackets.

FABRIC FIRE HOSE COMPANY

THE ONLY EXCLUSIVE MANUFACTURER OF FIRE HOSE IN AMERICA

SANDY HOOK CONNECTICUT

for DEC r EMBER, 1956 1117

“We finally got a real county-wide

fire-fighting TEAM

‘ ae |

WITH MOTOROLA 2-WAY RADIO”:

| Sever on

4 wHiTe FT, WORTH iJ Lore 2 PIRE CEPT ee, wil a ol APLINGTOM = SITY OF FORT WORTH r - 2. Cit INT Y ‘oo DISASTER #8 CENTER mor

SES

OR ~

in) ™

says Mason Lankford) president of the Tarrant County, Texa$,Voluntéer Fire Fighters Association

~

4 ig P re ue It took two disastrous fires near Fort Worth, Texas to Yew ax - pot that a small community fire department i is help- —~ lige o” to overcome a major blaze without outside help. | r tiesregee

It proved the value of mutual aid and the need for proper communications between scattered volunteer

departments.

So the Tarrant County Volunteer Fire Fighters Pump operator hears Instraceae Association came into being. Under Mason Lankford’s Sale oar ah of pura aggressive leadership, the association has grown from from weatherproof speak its original 13 units to a total of 28 active departments mounted outside the cab, ,

—all welded into a closely knit team with Motorola 2-way radio. There are 34 base stations (28 depart- ment stations, and 6 for industry, armed forces and civil defense), 98 mobile units and 27 Handie-Talkie Radiophones— making the system one of the largest of its type in the nation.

Mr. Lankford says, “the prime use of our Motorola system is to help us get equipment moving faster, before the fire gets a foothold or goes out of control. But there are many other applications. For instance, Handie-Talkie portables enable fire-fighters to com- , municate with each other at the fire, wherever they are, Dual frequency base station

and coordinates the work of boats in rescue and re- transmitter in town of Lake covery operations. With Tarrant County encircled eee — fire and with radio equipped fire equipment, everyone in the atin various communities sleeps better at night” Small communities or large cities, Motorola 2-way Handie-Talkie portable enables radio is ready to help you multiply your efficiency and Chief A. T. Huffines to move give greater protection. Learn all the benefits. Write, about freely as he directs N phone or wire Motorola today. operation. te th @eeeeseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet y ex Motorola consistently supplies more mobile and portable ° A as radio than all others combined. : an = RE ° Proof of acceptance, experience and quality. ’ he 2-WAY FI RADIO ° The only COMPLETE radio communications service— ° dr vs specialized engineering...product...customer ; service... parts...installation... ‘ D MOTOROLA £ SUBSIDIARY OF MOTOROLA. INC INC maintenance... finance...lease. ¢ B ete ; es “The best costs you less—specify Motorola.” 7 th ‘Bit’ eeeeeeeveeoseeeeeeeseeeseeeeeeeeeeeseeeeee so? sh

1118 FIRE ENGINEERING fo

* =

f *

ING

ceeeeeeweeeeeeeenee

_BEGoodrich

New treatment protects hose against mildew and rotting

OISTURE causes mildew. And

mildew quickly ruins unpro-

tected fire hose by causing weak spots that burst under pressure.

Excessive moisture is what they have plenty of at Ocean Beach, New Jersey. A heavy mist rolls in there every night and literally wets down the town. Fire hose doesn’t have much chance to dry out.

That’s why the Ocean Beach Fire Department was one of the first to buy B. F. Goodrich hose, protected with the exclusive Superseal treatment. And it's paid off. Chief Kenneth Reck, shown at right above, says, “Our

for DECEMBER, 1956

Superseal-treated hose has remained in excellent condition.”

B. F. Goodrich hose, with Superseal protection, actually has 10 times more resistance to mildew attack and rotting than other treated hose. What’s more, this special chemical treatment also pro- tects against moisture absorption and freezing, increases the hose’s resistance to fire.

Unlike ordinary treatments that just coat the surface of the hose, Superseal solution penetrates every cord in both the inner and outer jacket, prepares the hose for all sorts of weather.

And most important, the B. F.

Goodrich Superseal treatment that brings you extra safety and longer hose life, costs no more than ordinary treat- ments. Your B. F. Goodrich fire hose distributor can give you more informa- tion, or write B. F. Goodrich Industrial Products Co., Dept. M-824, Akron, 18, O.

B.EGoodrich

INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS

1119

Lightweight uniforms of

stay neater...resist abrasion at points of wear DACRON

REG. U. S. PAT. OFF,

All through a busy, strenuous day his lightweight uniform of ““Dacron’’* polyester fiber and wool keeps its neat appearance. “Dacron” helps uniforms resist wrinkles... hold their press—even in wet weather. Made in comfortable tropical weights, these handsome uniforms have outstanding durability at tra-

ditional wear points: elbows, pock- ets, knees and cuffs. Less need for pressing and easy spot removal help reduce maintenance costs, too. It always pays to ask for “Dacron” and wool in summer uniforms! E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. (Inc.), Textile Fibers Department, Wil- mington 98, Delaware.

DACRON and wool

REG. U. S. PAT. OFF.

REG. U.$. PAT.OFF

BETTER THINGS FOR BETTER LIVING... THROUGH CHEMISTRY

*“Dacron” is Du Pont’s registered trademark for its polyester fiber. Du Pont makes fibers, does not make the fabric or uniform shown here.

FIRE ENGINEERING

NEW FOILLE AEROSOL SPRAY

... speeds and simpl Was

BURN TREATMENT

Instant application of the dressing to the burned area, regardless of size or location, is the first | need in burn emergencies. You answer this need the minute you install the new Foille Aerosol Spray in your operation.

At the touch of a finger, this handy device sprays a cool, soothing mist of Foille over the injured area in seconds. The aerosol action directs the Foille to the injury no matter where it is located. This eliminates the painful and time-consuming methods required for applying salve-type dressings.

The aerosol spray technique lets Foille start its work faster, more effectively. Foille’s anti- septic and cleansing action reduces the chance of infection—shortens healing time.

siete d

NEW FOILLE BURN KIT

This kit contains four 10-ounce Foille Aerosol Sprays, easy-to-use Type D first aid dressings and accessories. This material is stored in an All-Weather case of 20 gauge steel. Continuous piano-type hinge with stops, mounting brackets, and complete instructions make it ideal for quick, easy use in burn emergencies.

M-S-A Foille Burn Kit, Aerosol Spray Type, complete, FA-12945 Foille Aerosol Spray (10-0z.)........ ewaes oees-FA-35241

Place your order today!

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 201 North Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh 8, Pa. At Your Service: 76 Branch Offices in the United States

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES CO. OF CANADA, LTD. Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Sydney, N.S.

Representatives in Principal Cities in Mexico, Central and South America Cable Address: “MINSAF” Pittsburgh

Call the M-S-A man on your every safety problem . . « his job is to help you

TYPICAL GENERAL ELECTRIC AUTHORIZED SERVICE STATION is Lane’s 2-Way Radio Service in New London, Conn. Owner Al Lane has been in electronics service for over 30 years—now provides maintenance for more than 200 customers’ mobile units.

MOBILE TWO-WAY RADIO SERVICE SHOP, completely equipped, that Lane uses for fast, efficient servicing on two-way systems. Lane’s preventive maintenance program includes monthly checks on all mobile and base station units—of all makes.

KEEP TWO-WAY RADIO SYSTEMS AT TOP EFFICIENCY WITH GENERAL ELECTRIC AUTHORIZED SERVICE

General Electric Authorized Service Stations are independent local businessmen, factory-trained to maintain your two-way radio system’s full-time operating efficiency at the lowest possible cost.

Whether you now operate a two-way radio system, or are contemplating the installation of one, it will pay you to investigate the prompt, thorough and economical serv- icing programs offered by more than 500 General Electric Authorized Service Stations throughout the nation.

Like any investment, a communications system requires planned management to yield a satisfactory return. Such return on your two-way radio system re- quires planned maintenance. General Electric’s Author- ized Service Stations use experts, factory-trained to provide service that protects your investment by pre- venting loss of communication.

Licensed Experts. Tobe franchised as a General Electric Authorized Service Station, an independent operator

FOR SALES AND SERVICE see “Radio Communication Equipment” in your Yellow Pages. Or, write: General Electric Co., Communication Equipment, Section X59126, Electronics Park, Syracuse, N. Y. In Canada, write: C.G.E. Electronics, 181 Lansdowne Avenue, Toronto.

must be fully licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to perform checks and maintenance on radio communication equipment. He must have the highest reputation in the community for fair dealing and good workmanship, and must carry adequate stocks of fac- tory parts to assure quick repairs in emergencies.

(ma cl)

Once franchised, General Electric Authorized Service Stations are enrolled in a continuing program of service training. In addition to factory-training sessions, all stations are regularly supplied with latest maintenance instruction manuals, bulletins, and hints on servicing all makes of two-way radio equipment. Also, General Electric employs highly skilled Communications Engineers in major cities, experts who are immediately available to any independent Authorized Service Station, or cus- tomer, for consultation on any communication problem.

Progress ls Our Most Important Product

GENERAL @@ ELECTRIC

FIRE ENGINEERING

ons dio est 0d ac-

NG

HOSE REEL FEATURES

AGAIN PROVE THE ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE OF

Two hose reels are supplied as standard equipment on every American Fire Truck

for DECEMBER, 1956

Inset on reel shows superior AFA construction. Collapsible, se/f- adjusting spring steel drum lou- vers flatten when pressure ex- pands hose. Design prevents damage to hose and couplings— increases hose life.

Special convex reel wheels with wide rolled edges protect hose. Hose comes straight from coupling — not sharply bent — thus lasts longer. This is AFA engineered ex- cellence!

Hand crank rewind* equipment includes top-quality reels, same fine design as other models.

*Optional features at extra cost.

| at Md a ed et de ee OE

American Fire Trucks

From bumper to rear step, American Fire Trucks are packed with engineered features that firemen like! Examine these fine AFA- built hose reels, for example. See how every detail helps give you faster operation, smoother performance and greater con- venience than any other reel built!

As pioneer builders of the first successful electric rewind hose reel, American has continued developing, improving and action-testing to increase the useful benefits these units afford you at any fire.

In line with our policy of offering a choice of chassis, choice of midship or front-mounted pump—and other features to suit your community’s needs — you can choose these hose reels with electric, hand-crank, or hand-operated rewinds.

Why not get full details?

Contact your nearest American representative soon!

Main Office: Main Street Road, Battle Creek, Mich.*Plants at: BATTLE CREEK, MICH.eMARSHALLTOWN, IA.eSTRATFORD, ONT.

1123

New fire-fighting nozzle gives high or ow velocity jet of foam. Now widely used.

Photomicrograph Mag. X30 shows close-knit bubble blanket of foam.

The type of dangerous oil fire that is

KILLED QUICKLY BY | Nicerol

Nicerol, with pH 6.8 to 7.3, does not corrode drums

or valuable equipment. It does not form sludge.

3 gallons of Nicerol NLXX (3%) Foam Liquid with foam—

100 gallons of water, fresh or salt, forms 1,000 gal-

lons of close-knit foam (see photomicrograph above).

A Nicerol test can cost you nothing this way:— AND IT STAYS DEAD Write the one word SAMPLE on your official

stationery and we will send you, freight pre-paid A dense blanket of adhesive, cohesive foam anywhere in the U.S.A. or Canada, a 5-gallon can of | which actually follows the fire—stifles it, Nicerol NLXX (3%) for $20 C.O.D. (or enclose draft). outlasts it. and prevents flashback — that's The $20 cost of this sample will be deducted from Nicerol, most widely used foam compound your first 100 gallon or larger order for Nicerol. in the world.

Full technical and commercial details available from :—

GEORGE REYNOLDS & ASSOCIATES, P.0. BOX 395, THORNWOOD, NEW YORK. THE GENERAL DETROIT CORP., P.0. BOX 263, DETROIT 32, MICHIGAN. THE GENERAL PACIFIC CORP., 8740 WEST WASHINGTON BLVD., CULVER CITY, CAL.

1124 FIRE ENGINEERING

ONLY IN CONTINENTAL RED SEAL WILL YOU FIND ALL ‘THIS:

@ FULL-LENGTH WATER JACKETS © PATENTED INDIVIDUAL PORTING

® TOCCO-HARDENED COUNTERBALANCED CRANKSHAFT

° auoy ste vave sor aces 66s With Equipment Using es ate ona CONTINENTAL POWER

@ PATENTED OIL AND DUST SEALS ‘ EXCLUSIVEL Y @ POSITIVE ROTATION EXHAUST VALVES

Fire apparatus is subjected to the sort of usage which under- scores the need for extra care in its choice. Here, as in any field where round-the-clock reliability is a must, it’s wise to standardize on a leading make—a make that features Continental Red Seal power. Red Seals are the product of more than a half- century of specialized experience. Every model is engineered expressly for its work . . . and backed by service and genuine Red Seal parts throughout the globe.

MORE POWER TO YOU FOR THE TOUGH JOBS EVER SINCE NINETEEN HUNDRED TWO

}

WINNER

[ontinental Motors [orporation

ms & § Kk. 6 ON es Mm Lea GA

6 EAST 45TH STREET, NEW YORK 17, NEW YORK + 6218 CEDAR SPRINGS ROAD, DALLAS 9, TEXAS + 3817 SOUTH SANTA FE AVENUE, LOS ANGELES 58, CALIFORNIA + 1252 OAKLEIGH DRIVE, EAST POINT (ATLANTA) GEORGIA

for DECEMBER, 1956 1125

“NEXT TIME, TRY HEWITT-ROBINS ‘DACRON? FILLER, THE LIGHTWEIGHT, EASY HANDLING HOSE!”

Hewitt-Robins manufactures ali types of Municipal and Industrial Fire Hose. + Du Pont T. M.

HEWITT-ROBINS « STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT Hewitt Rubber Division, 240 Kensington Avenue, Buffalo 5, New York

FIRE ENGINEERING

af

JT

ING

:

7 rf, Pa

*Approved-Type, Fitted, Hard Suction Hose Available At Slight Extra Cost.

a

w! NP the “LITTLE BEAN” high-pressure fog fire-fighter

Here’s the compact new unit that puts two lines of John Bean High Pressure Fog into instant action — either while stationary or on the run. Built for speed, compactness and easy han- dling, it is ideal for the fast knockout of forest, grass and brush fires — for airport protection — for any type of fire where minutes count.

Both municipal and rural fire departments are using it with outstanding success as an eco- nomical general purpose unit. City departments find it ideally suited as a “first out” truck, particularly for still alarms. It can also be used for industrial applications.

See the “Little Bean” in action and you'll see a score of your fire fighting problems solved.

SPECIFICATIONS HIGH PRESSURE PUMP: 60 GPM with 850 PSI at CHASSIS: Apparatus can be mounted on most stand- ; the pump; 650 PSI fog at both guns simultaneously. ard one-ton truck chassis. : TAS DERE Salem TES TE gyaguere gouge. BODY: Careful tailoring and reinforced construction ;

features produce eye appeal and rugged service. Other body features include 60 cu. ft. of weatherproof com- § partment space for safe stowage and full rear platform § with approved non-skid tread plate.

DRIVE: Transmission power take-off allows pump to be operated at full pressure with truck in motion.

TANK: 250 gallon tank, cross baffled to prevent water surge. Copper bearing 10-Gauge steel with corrosion

resistant coating — six-inch filler opening — removable top for easy access to all sections of tank.

HOSE: Two 100-foot lengths of high pressure hose on each reel. Swivel connections to guns and reels. Stand- ard suction hose* in one 30-foot length (or two 10-ft. lengths) complete with strainer.

REELS: Two drum type, spring loaded, high pressure reels, 200-ft. hose capacity each. Horizontal and verti- cal guide rollers for fast, easy hose pick up.

GUNS: Two patented Bean High Pressure Fog Guns with easy pattern control from fog to straight stream.

ACCESSORIES: A full range of accessory items are available to meet your requirements.

for DECEMBER, 1956

A John Bean representative can arrange for a demon- § stration of the “Little Bean” Fire-Fighter in your com- §

munity (a few localities excepted). Write for details.

For information on John Bean's complete line of Fire- §

Fighters, ask for Catalog L-1171.

JOHN 7 BEAN

Lansing 4, Mich. San Jose 1, Calif. ORIGINAL HIGH-PRESSURE FOG FIRE-FIGHTERS

A PRODUCT OF FOOD MACHINERY AND CHEMICAL CORPORATION

1127

Minutes Ago This Jet Was Ablaze

This Jet Fighter skidded over half a mile and burst into flame at Worcester airport. In minutes Rockwood Double- Strength FOAM was blanketing the blaze. A dangerous fire was soon under control — because the airport and Worcester Fire Departments were prepared.

As you know, the danger of highly flammable liquid is not confined to air- craft. Every day tank trucks carrying volatile fuels move in and out of your city. Rockwood Double-Strength FOAM can help protect your city from this potential danger.

Rockwood Double-Strength FOAM

applied with a Rockwood FW Eductor fights flammable liquid and other fires of the same type fast and sure. Three parts mixed with 97 parts water forms a solid FOAM blanket that quickly reseals itself. The Rockwood Eductor with the new FW metering check valve and the Type SG60 nozzle applying the FOAM make short work of fire.

Be prepared. Put this fire fighter to work. Specify Rockwood FW Eductor when you order a truck. Write Rock- wood Sprinkler Company,

1547 Harlow Street, fea” Worcester 5, Mass.

ROCKWOOD SPRINKLER COMPANY

Engineers Water .. . to Cut Fire Losses

Distributors in all principal cities

The Variable FW Metering Check Valve on the Rockwood Eductor is highly versatile (standard equipment). Both are incorporated in a single unit. Material is metered into the hose line in any proportion from 1% through 6%.

FIRE ENGINEERING

1e

le

Five Mack pumpers recently delivered to New Orleans are shown lined up in Eads Plaza at the foot of famed Canal Street. These new type B-95, 1000 GPM units are just five more reasons why Fire Department Superintendent Howard L. Dey considers his Macks...

best in the department

Protecting the famous French Quarter in the heart of downtown New Orleans poses a tough problem. In this picturesque section the streets are very narrow and many of the buildings, though well preserved, are hundreds of years old.

As far as Superintendent Dey is concerned, Macks are the best answer. ‘“Their performance has been excellent ... Macks are the easiest to operate...simplest to maneuver in narrow streets...completely dependable for our tough fire protection problem.”

Your fire protection problem may differ from

OMPLETE LINE OF PUMPERS—500 TO 1250 GPM...SQUAD AND HOSE WAGONS...65’, 75’, 85’ AERIALS...

for DECEMBER, 1956

New Orleans’, but every department has its own hazards to face. So the next time you buy, choose Macks for the extra assurance you get with apparatus that’s built without compro- mise on design or quality of components. Mack Fire Apparatus, Plainfield, New Jersey. In Canada: Mack Trucks of Canada, Ltd.

MACK

first name for

FIRE APPARATUS

4195

COMBINATION LADDER TRUCKS

1129

MIDWESTEAR n Clothing for FIREMEN _ 6% as

The Original STRIPED SAFETY COAT

sx New Yellow Rubber Stripes!

; IPR, ; yy Maximum Visibility! heal a yx Maximum Durability!

yx Exclusive Safety Features!

| = YOU deserve the BEST PROTECTION OBTAINABLE for

ae ee ed 1 fs your hazardous work of protecting life, and property against — ee fire. The Mackinaw Safety Coat with new yellow stripes is the answer! age i visible stripes are rubberized as part of the material . . . not painted, glued or sewed on. Tests in- dicate that the new yellow, like black, retains its natural color and has the same durability.

There are many imitations but no substitute for the superior quality, design, fabric texture and safety features you get by specifying MIDWESTERN!

MIDWESTERN COMBINATION SAFETY SUIT

The Midwestern Rubberized Coat and Bunker Pants make it easy for firemen to keep both warm and dry even in the most severe weather. Close fitting collar and elastic inner sleeve keep out sparks and water. Detachable wool lining. Pants have double-stitched seams, reinforcing rivets at points of strain, large roomy pocket space.

For complete information on our full line of safety clothing for firemen, see — Midwestern dealer. A letter to the factory will also bring you literature and materials for your inspection.

WOME GENUINE WITHOUT THIS TRADE MARK

MIDWESTERN SAFETY MFG. CO. mackinaw, illinois Manufacturers of the Famous MACKINAW Safety Coats

FIRE ENGINEERING

mn art BT OO

ell

FULLY POWER-CONTROLLED — Close-up of pump operator’s panel shows arrangement of the push-button controls for fast, efficient operation. All controls are identified and panel is well-lighted for night operation.

from HOWE

Incorporating, as always, the latest improved equip- ment, Howe built the FIRST pumper featuring the Waterous Electro-Matic fire pump, the only fully power controlled fire pump. The new Waterous Electro-Matic pump features electrical shifting, push button priming and electrically operated transfer valves—also elec- trically operated 244” discharge valves optional. Spe- cial design impellers and scientifically contoured water- ways produce more volume in less space. The complete pump may be removed from top or bottom for servicing, or internal parts may be serviced from underneath. Gears are helical, constant mesh type. Here is added perfection of operation in Howe Pumpers. Before you buy .. . contact Howe.

IDENTIFICATION OF ITEMS

1—Electro-Matic transfer valve §15—Engine cooler control control 16—Tank suction valve control 2—Oil pressure gauge 17—Pump drains 3—Water temperature gauge 18—Primer oiler tank filler 4—Compound gauge—Vacuum 19—Large suction inlet and pressure 20—2',” gated suction inlet valve 5—Tachometer—Engine speed 21—Hose drains

indicator 22—2'%.” gated discharge valve 6—Pressure gauge 23—Electro-Matic discharge valve 7—Starter switch controls 8—Ammeter 24—Automatic Vacuum Clutch

9—Push button primer control 10—Tank fill valve control 11—114” outlet controls 12—Reel valve control 13—Hand pump speed counter outlet 14—Tank level gauge

control 25—Pressure relief control 26—Throttle control 27—Automatic pump prime indi- cator 28—4%”" Quick release holder for suction fittings

| Member FAM (Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association)

for DECEMBER, 1956

“dependable fire apparatus since 1872”

FIRE APPARATUS COMPANY Dept. FE-12, 1400 W. 22nd St., Anderson, Indiana, U.S.A.

ORLANDO, FLA.— Durable hose of “Dacron” is used because it coils easier . . . takes up less space.

COLUMBUS, O.— Hose made with “Dacron” is

preferred because it’s light—easier for climbing.

CHARLESTON, W. VA.—Hose of “Dacron” is employed because it gets into action quickly ... dries fast.

BIRMINGHAM, ALA. Fire Department reports: Lighter, more flexible hoses of “Dacron” adapt well to latest fire-fighting techniques.

Birmingham Fire Dept. reports:

“Hose made with DACRON handles easily, resists mildew”

The Birmingham Fire Department uses more than 20 miles of hose made with ““Dacron’”* polyester fiber. The switch to “Dacron” was ordered by Chief Hoyt M. Ayers in 1955. Chief Ayers finds the new hose lighter and more flexible—two vital qualities mean- ing easy handling, fast action.

Used as the load-carrying “filler” cord, “Dacron” enables manufacturers to make stronger, lighter-weight hose that is easier to handle even at full pressure—pulls smooth- ly around obstacles and lends itself to lat-

REG vu S PAT OFF

est fire-fighting techniques. Because it is not weakened by mildew, “Dacron” helps reduce hose loss, particularly in warm ali. mates like Birmingham’s.

Du Pont-makes “Dacron” and supplies the yarn to all leading fire-hose manufac- turers. The combination of the unusual ad- vantages of “Dacron” and hose manufac- turers’ skill has resulted in a superior fire hose. The next time you need hose, be sure it’s made with “‘Dacron’’. E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. (Inc.), Wilmington 98, Del.

**Dacron” is Du Pont’s registered trademark for its polyester fiber.

For Better All-Around Performance Specify Hose Made with “Dacron”

1132

POLYESTER FIBER

ADVANTAGES OF FIRE HOSE MADE WITH “DACRON”;

© Lighter © Stronger

e Dries faster @ More flexible

e Cuts loadingtime «© Saves space

RE6.u.s. PAT.OFf

BETTER THINGS FOR BETTER LIVING «++ THROUGH CHEMISTRY

FIRE ENGINEERING

S}IDJaP aSpajdwior 104 J2YIVON hI

SIBPJIMIBPUL) S414 JO Pseog jeUuoIHeENY ayy Aq paydasce aq of eddy siuy yo wayshs 4su14

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CCCrIrT] LNIWLYVd30 Suis

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& av 0002 MIN Si] WlIM

JINUNILNIVW ATLSOD ON “See S7TFIFHM FOOD ON ‘uolg2a40ud yupjd pup ‘Ayiunsas

jouoizpu ‘asn jodisiunw 403 paubisag

*-wa4ysAs uolypoiunwwos Asuabsawa 7 ZI ahi - Z| (1 () asoduind-jonp 214pwWoynD Aqjny 4say sy

IILVW-0-NOHd AHL Syvaue SNONI JHI- yar MOY,

for DECEMBER, 1956

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270 hp WAUKESHA 145-GKB High Output FIRE FIGHTER Engine —six cyl- inders, 5%-in. bore x 6-in. stroke, 779 cu. in. disp!., with counterbalanced and vibration dampened 3'-in. 7-bearing hardened crank- shaft; dual downdraft carburetion; dual igni- tion; precision extra high capacity bearings; removable wet type cylinder sleeves, aluminum pistons, overhead valves with Stellite-faced exhaust valves and seats. Arranged for full electrical equipment and all modern acces- scries. Get descriptive Bulletin 1594.

RLAa «

Yliheshe

<_<

TN) SUCCESSOR TO BOYER FIRE APPARATUS CO. a a a

The 270 hp 145-GKB Waukesha Fire Fighter Engine gives this new Universal Quad 1000 gpm Pumper its quick getaway, fast run reliability and power plus pumping dependability. Custom-engineered, and built by the Universal Fire Apparatus Corp., Logansport, Ind., and Available Truck Co., Chicago, Ill., and delivered to Sycamore, Ill. @ Truck has 220” wheel base; 27000 Ib. GYW. Its Waukesha power plant is equipped with dual battery and magneto ignition, 100 Amp. alternator; dual fuel system with mechanical and electrical fuel pump. The fire pump is a Hale ZMF 2-stage centrifugal, 1000 gpm @ 150 psi., with five 2Y2'’ discharge outlets. Truck also carries 240 ft. of aluminum ladders, 1500 ft. of 2'2”’ fire hose, and 400 gal. booster tank. Send for Waukesha Fire Fighter Engine bulletins. Waukesha Motor Company, Waukesha, Wisconsin, New York, Tulsa, Los Angeles.

FIRE Fil

~chier POWHATAN’S wew DURA-FOG NOZZLE

p> A Strong Husky Nozzle >» Maintenance Free p Greater Reach

Rubber bumper

for protection and non-slip grip. “Clicks” into straight stream

or desired fog pattern. Stream can be selected by sight or touch. Floating gland type shut off. Shock absorbant shut off mechanism. Sure grip base and sturdy handle.

p> Finer Dispersion p> Denser Curtain

p Each Nozzle Sold Has A 100% Performance Test

*~ So Called Because of its Durability

STRAIGHT STREAM | 30° FOG PATTERN |60° FOG PATTERN |90° FOG PATTERN

NOZZLE PRESSURE

GPM

REACH

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REACH

100 PSI

57

85’

60

40’

65

30’

125 PSI

62

105’

65

43’

68

35’

We have been manufacturing fire protection items for the past 64 years. If you do not have one, write for our cata- log “‘A’’ which shows Powhatan’s complete line.

| POWHATAN

BRASS AND IRON WORKS

REG. U.S.PAT. OFF.

for DECEMBER, 1956

RANSON, WEST VIRGINIA

New Waterous Electro-Matic* pump gives you faster action because it’s fully automatic!

Waterous, the first fire pump with power controls for all major pumping operations. The Electro-Matic saves you’ many of those first critical moments because it is fast, simple and easy to operate. Electro-Matic mre We oe Sa WAT, et shift control engages with the flip of a switch located in the cab. A simple gna io ——— available in push-button controls each discharge valve—opens and closes them either

fully or partially, a dial shows the exact valve setting. Changes between *“‘volume”’ and “‘pressure” are fast and safe. The Electro-Matic transfer valve operates smoothly, independent of motor speed or pump pressure— panel-mounted buttons control it. The Electro-Matic gives you faster, safer pumping in every way—the utmost in modern fire fighting.

New design of the Electro-Matic requires less space, weighs less and offers extreme mounting flexibility. Newly engineered waterways and impellers give greater performance and efficiency under the widest possible range of conditions. Famous Waterous 2-piece, horizontally-split case and oil-lubricated impeller shaft bearings located outside of water chamber have been retained for greater dependability and ease of maintenance. Developed after years of careful research and testing, it’s the greatest fire fighting development in years—Electro-Matic by Waterous.

Pat. Pend,

FREE BOOKLET will give you complete details on Electro-Matic controls, design, maintenance ease and adaptability to all modern equipment. Obtain by writing to:

waTEROUS éi1o-Matic

Dept. 301, 42 Fillmore Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota etion opplied for

FIRE ENGINEERING

NeW 1000-A

SERIES DUO ALUMINUM

7 FIRE LADDER

with Exclusive DUO-SAFETY

f& TONGUE and GROOVE CONSTRUCTION & @ NO HOOKS or GUIDES to injure hands! , @ NO JACK-KNIFING!

Ay tL

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Other Features:

(A) EXTRA STRONG Light Weight Channel Construction (c=) aed, ict: oe -§ fond i fey 1m f WELDED

- nn ca ae ' to Outside Channel em ————| \ (Cc) RUNGS INTERNALLY = | , EXPANDED =s A y on Both Sides-of-Rung Plate

ion ‘ (>) NON-SHEARING RIVE rest . + «and, of course, all non-alumin

; metal parts are plated for longer, nc ‘ ) rusting service.

The 1000-A SERIES Offers Another Choice of an ALUMINUM LADDER for PUMPER USE

Series 1000-A has the identical construction, in 1000-A) and 3 (Series 1025-A) section ladders, in

lighter weight, as the Duo-Safety 900-A Series, lengths up to 30 feet, and expands the Duo-Safety and is a substitute for the famous 700-A Series. line of aluminum ladders for pumper use to offer This sensational new ladder is available in 2 (Series a ladder for every requirement.

DUO-SAFETY LADDER CORP. OSHKOSH, WIS., U.S.A.

In Canada: La France Fire Engine and Foamite, Ltd., Toronto

COLUMBUS, GHIO

meaner

EO Innis Road Warehouse and Factory

We have used ADT Automatic Protection | Services in Columbus for twenty years. When we built our new warehouse recently, ADT Protection was “automatically” included in our plans. We believe that it is giving us the best | possible protection against fire and burglary, as well as saving us up to $11,000 annually for

our two locations.

Gerald Corbett, Insurance Department

Mr. Corbett’s statement attests the exceptional efficiency and economy of ADT Automatic Protection in helping to assure con- tinuity of operations. Both Columbus properties are protected by combinations of Central Station Sprinkler Supervisory and Water- flow Alarm, Burglar Alarm, and Heating Supervisory Services.

Thousands of business executives from coast to coast express sim- ilar satisfaction because they know that ADT Automatic Protection gives greater security for property, profits, and employees’ jobs than other methods, and at less expense.

May we show you what ADT cam do for you”

Whether your premises are old or new, sprinklered or unsprinklered, an ADT specialist will be glad to show how combinations of auto- matic services can protect your property. Call our local sales offices if we are listed in your phone book; or write to our Executive Offices.

Controlled Companies of

AMERICAN DISTRICT TELEGRAPH COMPANY A NATIONWIDE ORGANIZATION

Executive Offices:

155 Sixth Avenue, New York 13, N. Y.

SHOE CORPORATION OF AMERICA

protects its property Chitemittically... gets better FIRE and BURGLARY protection and...

SAVES $11,000 A YEAR

Office and Warehouse North Fourth Street

Visit the ADT Exhibit Booth 1447

Plant Maintenance and Engineering Show, Cleveland, Ohio January 28-31, 1957

FIRE ENGINEERING

Greetings

to the ever increasing family of MAXIM users at this Christmas season. After all—we who fashion and build each sturdy piece of MAXIM apparatus—always feel a close, warm relationship to you who use and depend on our apparatus.

MAXIM MOTOR COMPANY - MIDDLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS

> for DECEMBER, 1956 1139

eS

ae

WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE IN THESE TWO?

Provar treatment! That's the difference.

Saturated with water, both samples were exposed to moist atmosphere, under conditions favorable to growth of mildew . . . for six months, day and night. The unretouched photos dramatize the effectiveness of the treatment.

Provar is an exclusive process developed by Republic

Rubber for prevention of mildew and rot on Fire Hose. The six-month test confirmed the many, many service records that Provar treatment will not wash out or lose its effectiveness.

Illustrated below—the,four fine grades of Municipal Fire Hose made by Republic Rubber. All are supplied with Provar protection against mildew and rot.

GOOD FIRE HOSE BY REPUBLIC RUBBER

ee

CHAMPION—Dacron filler, test pressure of 600 Ibs. Best grade

pressure of 400 Ibs.

Fire Hose made.

TOWER — Dacron filler, test pressure of 400 Ibs.

INDUSTRIAL

pate

CHARIOT — Cotton yarn, test ©TARGET—Cotton yarn, made to

REPUBLIC RUBBER DIVISION

LEE RUBBER & TIRE CORPORATION, YOUNGSTOWN 1, OHIO

RUBBER PRODUCTS

FIRE ENGINEERING

meet demand for heavy-duty hose at moderate cost.

Nuclear energy takes over the fire watch...

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

AMONG ORGANIZATIONS WHICH HAVE INSTALLED PYR-A-LARM SYSTEM ARE:

NUCLEAR FIRE DETE

Douglas Aircraft Co. Tung-Sol Electric, Inc.

Convair Div., General Dynamics Corp. U. S. Bureau of Standards U. S. Department of the Navy Westinghouse Electric Corp.

New York City Transit Authority

The MILLION DOLLAR MINUTE...

PYR-A-LARM It’s difficult to put a value

on time but certainly it would be hard to find minutes more valuable than those lost between the invisible be- ginnings of a fire and its detection. Now nuclear energy saves those precious minutes. PYR-A-LARM detects fire in its incipient stages, long minutes before thermal devices, because it is sensitive to the invisible air-borne combustion

products that precede heat and flame.

It could easily spell the difference between an unimportant

flare-up and a million dollar fire.

Each PYR-A-LARM detector head contains an outer or detecting chamber, an inner or reference chamber and a cold cathode tube. The air in both chambers is made conductive by special radium foils. As products of combustion enter the detector chamber, they upset the balance between the two chambers triggering the cold cathode tube. The tube in turn relays the signal to control cabinets which are designed to actuate audible and visible alarms, release extinguishing systems, shut down equipment and perform other functions.

If you would like a demonstration in your office of the advantages of the PYR-A-LARM system or further information mail the coupon below.

Approved by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and Factory Mutual Laboratories.

PYROTRONICS, Post Office Box 390, Newark, N. J.

(J Kindly send literature describing PYR-A-LARM.

( Please contact me to arrange a demonstration in my office. ES Sa ee Per ae re PD Naat cyte cs sesantires 4 I oS She cre ean vind vines 5S

Save Money with HIOIMELITE Pumps

your pumping fast . . . and without tying up man power and vital high-cost equipment.

Why not, right now, write for our new fire department bulletin and see how Homelite Pumps, Generators, and Chain Saws are saving money for fire departments in many other ways.

Here is the simplest, lowest cost way to dewater flooded areas.

One man lifts a Homelite Pump off your truck and car- ries it to any spot you need it. Quick starting ... and with the fastest possible self-priming . . . that Homelite gaso- line-engine-driven pump will handle water, thick with solids, at the rate of 15,000 gallons per hour. It will do

Manvfacturers of Homelite Carryable Pumps » Generators Blowers « Chain Saws .

<Sevice

PEN D4g

MELITE

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Canadian Distributors: Terry Machinery Co., Ltd., Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa.

FIRE ENGINEERING

Seagrave

—always will be “The Greatest Name In Fire Apparatus" . .. because there never will be any compromise with QUALITY!

Today there is a tendency to cut quality to meet competition. But fire apparatus can never be efficient and dependable and be of shoddy construction at the same time.

At Seagrave there is no cutting in quality and that is why we continue to be the leader in the quality field. To maintain these highest standards we keep complete control over mate- rials, engineering and construction. Seagrave V-12 engines, all bronze centrifugal pumps, all steel bodies, safety frames, ladders and other principal parts are designed by Seagrave engi- neers and produced in the Seagrave factory. Any necessary service during the long life of the apparatus is supplied by Seagrave trained mechanics.

This is why the name SEAGRAVE on fire apparatus always has been and will continue to be a guarantee of quality. It is your best assurance of efficient, dependable, trouble-free fire

service for year after year.

THE SEAGRAVE CORPORATION, COLUMBUS, OHIO—Leader in Quality Since 1881.

MAIL THE SEAGRAVE CORPORATION | DEPT. FE—Columbus 7, Ohio. THIS

Send me a copy of your 75TH COUPON | ANNIVERSARY BOOK. | Name __ i a Street Address __ ; pence State -

for DECEMBER, 1956 1143

Roo \ i el

Fire Chief Gann Nalley, and Mayor Mann, welcome the modern Gamewell Fire Alarm system installed to protect the lives and property of their fast-growing community.

LITTLE ROCK, ARK., REPORTS...

(sr | ;

P a Reduced towest Yearly age New

aT WELL SYSTEM

Fire FACTS

in Little Rock

Original Gamewell system served Ty for 42 years. 202 new boxes located in high value dis- tricts.

me og of 35 boxes per square mile of built-up area.

Class A Form 4 switchboard, with operator’s console, Loud Speaker Inter- communication and paging system serving 11 fire stations, and fire station recording and alarm sounding equipment.

Industrial plants to be safeguarded through Gamewell “‘Master Box Plan” for extra protection of workmen and industrial plants. Complete system installed, de- preciated and maintained for less than $70.00 per box per year. Ad- ditional boxes can be installed and maintained for substantially less than this figure.

member 4

Re ff System Camere Twp,

econ count!

1144

On April 14, 1956, Little Rock joined the ever-increasing list of com- munities which have thoroughly investigated all types of fire alarm sys- tems — and selected Gamewell. Here is what they found:

@ Average annual cost would be as much as 2% times cheaper than leased voice type service.

@ Gamewell system sets into operation, automatically, the dispatching facilities for the entire fire defenses — including all required central office equipment. The fire alarm system is tailored exactly to the Fire Chief’s needs and city’s fire defense plan.

e@ It contributes to improvement of city’s fire insurance rating from Class IV to III — a saving to property owners of some $100,000 a year!

This new 202-box system was planned for coverage of high value districts

and will be expanded to protect the fast-developing outlying areas — addi-

tional boxes quickly added at very low cost.

Get ALL The Facts! You can bring these same advantages to your

community. Just ask fora FREE Gamewell Survey. And, most important,

be sure you have all the facts on costs and completeness of vital municipal fire alarm protection — send for the Gamewell Booklet,

“Conversation or Organization”. Write:

THE GAMEWELL

COMPANY _Newton Upper Falls 64 Massachusetts

THE BOX IS POSITIVE REDUCES HUMAN ERROR

FIRE ENGINEERING

VOL. 109, NO. 12

DECEMBER, 1956

STANDARDIZATION — SIMPLIFICATION — UNIFICATION

One of the besetting sins of this great nation is our inability to reach agreement on matters affecting our own welfare, This is exemplified by our complex and conflicting traffic laws.

The fire service has suffered heavily from this lack of uniformity and standardization. For over half a century we have labored under the handicap of a multiplicity of hose threads. Many a conflagration might have been halted had there been standardiza- tion of this essential to large-scale fire fighting.

Today the fire service faces new problems of uni- formity and standardization which, if not resolved promptly, will plague us on an increasing scale in the days ahead.

One deals with the right-of-way of fire and emer- gency vehicles over our city, county and state thor- oughfares. Not only are present state and local laws dealing with the movements of such vehicles anything but uniform, in many instances they are so archaic and confusing as to be a positive detriment to efficient fire fighting.

Closely related to this conglomerate picture is our use of warning signals and devices. Some cities ban the use of sirens; others require fire department ve- hicles to stop at red lights. A few have ruled out the use of bells on apparatus and chiefs’ cars.

Identification of street fire alarm boxes is another detail which varies with localities. Some identify them with red lights; some use orange lights and a few have adopted blue lights. With the advent of telephone street boxes still more confusing color and design patterns are being introduced.

Right now, some enterprising cities are experiment- ing with traffic control. One suggested solution, at least for fire apparatus travel, is the “fire lane.” This is to mark off the center lane of one-way thorough- fares in yellow, or some other color distinctive from

normal traffic markings, and to educate motorists to clear this lane upon hearing siren or bell.

The idea has merit, and it works—or at least, the experiment in New York City has worked. But it isn't going to help if traffic authorities and the fire service cannot get together on some uniform stand- ards for this and other traffic controls, such as the electronic systems described in the October issue of FrrE ENGINEERING.

Other examples of the need for uniformity and standardization in the fire service are found in our communications. In today’s fire service—and to the public at large—a false alarm covers a multitude of sins and misunderstandings, depending upon the re- port you read. In some cities a false alarm includes alarms of all types except actual fires or emergencies. In others, it refers only to alarms of bad intent—mali- cious alarms. There is no standard nomenclature, or method of classifying alarms. Little wonder that the false alarm record of boxes in many cities appears out of all reason. And as for any uniform punishment for false alarm offenders, “there ain’t no sich animal.”

These are but a few of the many situations in the fire service in which unification and simplification are devoutly to be desired. The question is what can we do about it!

Perhaps one answer is to extend the idea of uniform recommended standards such as are approved by the National Board of Fire Underwriters, National Fire Protection Association and International Association of Fire Chiefs, to cover these situations. We have seen what can be done to simplify and formalize fire pre- vention and building codes. We have seen what in- dustry has accomplished through application of effi- ciency methods, of which standardization of operations and materials has played and is playing such a vital part. It is time the fire service followed suit.

Ir ‘Ss. meee i

Editor

Chiefs Debate Many Problems At Record-Breaking IAFC Conference

Success of field inspections in reducing nation's

life and property losses is tempered by concern

over ill-considered publicity on integrating

municipal services. Strong resolutions adopted

ONE FINDS ONESELF groping for ad- jectives to describe the 83rd Annual Conference of the International Associa- tion of Fire Chiefs, held in Miami, No- vember 11-15—so many factors stand out to set this gathering apart from and above all others that have gone before.

Gauged by size, it had few equals: A total paid registration of 1247 and at- tendance of 2496; an exhibit hall jammed to the limit, with 123 exhibitors (and more outside ); a business and educational program participated in by several score national and international authorities on the major problems facing the world’s fire fighters.

Of course, the City of Miami, its superb fire department and its climate, had much to do with it. The moon was just right over Miami, And so was the sunshine. If the Dinner Key Auditorium was somewhat distant from most of the hotels (which also rated tops), that han- dicap was overcome by efficient, cour- teous hospitality cars, driven by mem-

1146

bers of the Department. If presiding officers at business sessions had difficulty mobilizing the delegates for the sterner stuff of the conference, it was because they had a tough time competing with all that Miami—and the exhibits—had to offer in the way of counterattractions. After all, there is only one Miami.

High international flavor

Never before in the 83 years of the Association was the internationalism of fire fighters so manifest as in Miami's meeting. The presence of dignitaries from all parts of the world and their participa-

tion in the affairs of the conference, com-.

ing at a time when the threat of cataclys- mic war hangs heavy over the world, provided the serious note to the delibera- tions.

The visiting chiefs were escorted by selected officials of this country and Canada, including Chief Raul Gandara of Puerto Rico, Kyle Laughlin and George

Richardson, acting for the Federal Office of Civil Defense and William Scott, Fire Marshall of Ontario. The participation of these important visitors may best be described in the following words of Marshal Scott.

“Never before in history,’ he com- ments, “have fire chiefs faced a greater threat of fire from ordinary peacetime hazards or the emergency of potential war.” At its 1956 Annual Conference, membership of the International Associa- tion of Fire Chiefs showed as never be- fore, that they were prepared to unite internationally to handle their respon- sibilities of fire defense. Fire chiefs from 21 nations including the Caribbean area, Central America, South America, Japan and the members of the Nato Civil Defense Fire Committee who met simul- taneously in Miami, gathered together to discuss their common problems.

The 7,500 and more members of the International gave their official support to Nato’s efforts to preserve the world against the fire and other destruction menace of nuclear warfare by voting honorary life memberships to the attend- ing fire chiefs of England, France, Italy, Holland and Belgium, in the persons of H. M. Smith of the British Fire Services, Col. Jacques Chanteaud of Paris, Chief O. Piermarini of Rome, Gen. D. R. A. van Langen of Holland and Major Ed- mond Rombeaut of Antwerp.

FIRE ENGINEERING

a im

— er © Bey CL

ee ee ee ee ee ed

ee a =a ee a |

Impressive memorial service

Actually the Conference got under way Sunday, November 11 with annual meet- ings of the Southeastern, Great Lakes and Missouri Valley Divisions. The Sun- day IAFC Directors’ Meeting at the Biscayne Terrace Hotel was followed by a dinner at the Key Biscayne, at which the officials were guests of Chief Newton L. Wheeler.

The official opening of the conference was presided over by Chief William Fitzgerald of Seattle, President of I A F C, on Monday morning, with the memorial services following the usual routine formalities. Mayor Randall N. Christmas of Miami welcomed the dele- gates as did host Chief Wheeler.

Chief Wayne E. Swanson of Rockford, Ill., First Vice-President, IAFC, respond- ed to the address of welcome, after which the memorial address was given by Dr. James W. Parrish, pastor, River- side Baptist Church, Miami. Appropriate musical selections were rendered by the Miami Fire Department Choir directed by W. B. Fife. The roll call of the de-

ceased was read by Jay W. Stevens, Ex- exutive Secretary, IAFC. Each name on the list of deceased—87 in all—was rep- resented on a panel by a white officer’s helmet suitably inscribed, which was re- moved as the name was called.

Chief Fitzgerald appointed the con- ference committees at the opening busi- ness session, Monday afternoon. Reports of committees, the Secretary Manager and divisions were received. The techni- cal sessions then got under way, with Percy Bugbee, General Manager of the National Fire Protection Association, de- livering a blast at questionable fire protection devices which are sold to property-owners “under a technique capi- talizing on fear.” He noted that some fire chiefs have lent their names to pro- motion of the devices. He was especially critical of gimmicks in the field of home fire extinguishers, home fire alarm sys- tems and fire retardant treatments and he urged chiefs to “stamp out these rackets.”

The first panel discussion followed, with Chief Wayne Swanson moderator. The subject was the highly controversial

one of “Integration of Fire and Police Services.” Participating were City Man- ager William J. Veeder of Fort Lauder- dale, Fla., and H. G. Pope, Executive Director, Public Administration Service, Chicago, who took the affirmative, and Fire Chief William Miller, Los Angeles and Police Chief Walter E. Headley Jr. of Miami, who spoke for the opposition.

Chief Miller emphasized the great progress that has been made by the fire service in fighting fire since 1900, what has caused this progress, and the impor- tance of leaving fire protection in the hands of men trained and qualified to perform it. “The point under discussion is not whether the fire service should be further advanced,” he said, “but how this can best be done. Can it be better done by highly trained, well qualified sincere men dedicated to an individual service or . .. by men trained to do two jobs at the same time?” Both the NBFU and IAFC have voiced strenuous oppo- sition to combining police and fire, he emphasized and added, “It would be in- teresting to know why the public admin- istration service chose to combine the

Officers and Directors of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Seated (left to right): Chief G. A. Mitchell, Opelika, Ala, Treasurer; Jay W. Stevens, San Francisco, Cal., Executive Secretary; Chief W. Fitzgerald, Seattle, Wash., Immediate Past President; Chief Donald Charles, Char- lotte, N. C., First Vice President; Chief Wayne Swanson, Rockford, Ill., President. Standing (left to right): Chief Gray Burnett, Ottawa, Ont., Past President; Chief William Taylor, Burbank, Cal., Director, Pacific Coast Inter-Mountain Division; Chief Earl McDaniel, Lexington, Ky., Director, Southeastern Division; Chief Thomas Gorman, Quincy, Mass., Director, New England Division; Chief Louis Zimmer, Maplewood, N. J., Director, Eastern Division; Chief A. H. Lintelman, Baytown, Tex., Director, Southwestern Division; Chief Reynold Malmquist, Minneapolis, Minn., Second Vice President, |AFC, Director, Great Lakes Division; Chief Ray Tiller, Waterloo, la., Director, Missouri Valley Division; Fire Marshal William Scott, Toronto, Ont., Director, Canadian Division; B. Richter Townsend, New York City, Secretary-Manager

for DECEMBER, 1956

1147

i

my: *. * ‘ag, Mu

Opening of the impressive memorial service. Each white helmet represented a de-

ceased member and carried the words ‘‘In Memoriam" on the shield. As the names were read,

a helmet was removed for each individual

fire and police services. Why not the police and health service or why not the fire and building department or why not just combine all services? If it is possible to have a super-dooper public safety officer who can also be a fire inspector, why could he not be a health inspector, building inspector, a dog catcher... . As a matter of fact, the street sweepers might just as well make health inspec- tions, fire inspections, building inspec- tions and enforce the law as they go sweeping down the street.”

Chief Headley also criticized the plan as impractical. Mr. Veeder, and Mr. Pope, however advocated the idea, as consoli- dation “provides greater utilization of manpower’ and gives recognition to the “basic unity of purpose in both police and fire fields.” Both proponents under- went strong pointed questioning but as the local press concluded “the great ma- jority of chiefs were against the plan.”

Mayor Randall Christmas extends Miami's official welcome to President Fitzgerald

1148

Fire service in disasters

Chief Henry G. Thomas, Hartford, Conn., former president IAFC, moderated a panel which discussed “Planning for Major Disasters.” The participants were: for Civil Defense, Lloyd Layman, Di- rector Fire office, FCDA; Red Cross, John R. Russell, Deputy National Direc- tor, Disaster Services; and Fire Service, Chief Thomas Collins of New Haven. All of these speakers had shared in major disasters. Their conclusions summed up, were that the first and most important emergency service required for disasters of whatever kind is the fire service.

Tuesday’s technical sessions were high- lighted with a talk by E. L. Koepenick, Secretary-Treasurer of the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association who said the lack of standardization in fire equipment is increasing the cost of apparatus to cities and complicating the insurance rat-

ing problem. “Some state bureaus,” he said, “have set up their own specification requirements to enforce their own ideas or preferences, regardless of the wishes of the fire department or the increased cost.”

Harry Schlegel of the New York News told the delegates about the plan in effect in counties surrounding New York City whereby volunteer departments compete for trophies awarded by his paper for outstanding fire fighting, rescue or other services.

Fire Chief Edward Connors of the New York Fire Department explained the remarkable strides made by his de- partment under direction of Fire Com- missioner Edward F. Cavanagh Jr. in reducing the number of fires, and cutting loss of life and property by means of stepped-up field radio inspections. Some details of this operation have been de- scribed in Fire ENGINEERING, which will bring its readers other developments at a later date.

“New Hazards Facing the Fire Serv- ice” was the title of a paper by Dr. Mathew M. Braidech, Director of Re- search, National Board of Fire Under- writers, which should cure fire fighters of any idea of complacency in their ac- complishments. “The fire service must try to keep abreast of these new hazards by continually improving firemanship, strategy, techniques and equipment,” he said.

The importance of private fire alarm systems, with emphasis on supervisory service, in preventing even greater fire losses was stressed by Arthur W. Sullivan, of the American District Telegraph Com- pany, New York City.

Another panel discussion which was warmly debated covered the subject “Should Paid Firemen Be Permitted Out- side Employment.” The Moderator was Chief Reynold C. Malmquist of Minneap- olis and his panel included Chief Edward J. Blohm, Detroit, Mich.; A. J. Mullaney, Fire Commissioner, Chicago, IIl., and Chief Keith E. Klinger of the Los Ange- les County Fire Department.

There was almost universal opposition

Two of the panels which participated in the Miami Conference program. Top: The panel on Integration of Police and Fire Services; bottom: the panel on Planning for Major Disasters

FIRE ENGINEERING

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to the idea in substance although there were differences of opinion as to how the practice (where followed) could be eliminated. It was disclosed that labor leaders are not solidly in favor of dual jobs for firemen.

Wednesday’s technical sessions in- cluded three panels and three individual papers. These latter were delivered by Chief Fred W. Kempf, Chicago Insur- ance Patrol, substituting for Elmer Reske, Manager, Cook County Inspection Bu- reau, who was called home by serious illness in his family, whose title was “The All-American Team”; Fred W. Heisler of Oklahoma A & M College, whose topic was “What Fire Chiefs Should Know About Training,” and George E. Hink, Deputy Commissioner and Fire Chief, Philadelphia, who described his citys “Pattern for Preparedness.” The latter went into some detail accompanied by visual illustrations to describe the de- partment’s plans and policies for disasters —and the mechanical facilities, many of them developed by the Department, to cope with emergencies. FirE ENGINEER- inc has described much of this equip- ment, and its operation. The photographic accompaniment was by the department’s official photographer, Lieutenant Robert Kennedy.

Volunteer panel

Chief Donald S. Charles, of Charlotte, N. C., second Vice President, IAFC, moderated the panel on “Volunteer Fire Department Problems.” He was ably aided by Chiefs J. W. Johnston, Alle- gheny County, Pa.; Ivan L. Pearson, Mc- Minnville, Ore.; P. H. Cranford, Conroe, Texas, and Russell D. Salak, Schuyler, Neb. These chiefs are all members of the Association’s Volunteer Committee. Delegates fired a barrage of questions at the panel and, for the most part, got their answers back, with interest.

Another controversial subject received an airing when a panel on communica- tions discussed fire alarm boxes vs. tele- phone. Panel participants were Grenfell Swim, Executive Vice-President, Game-

International groups at the Miami Conference. Top: Chief Raul Gandara of Puerto Rico and members of the Central American group. Center: Chief N. L. Wheeler with representatives of Santo Domingo, Colombia, Jamaica and Uruguay. Bottom: Chief H. M. Smith, London; Chief O. Piermarini, Rome; Chief N. Shinoda, Tokyo; Chief E. Connors, New York City and Chief

A. Der, Buenos Aires

well Company, who spoke for the fire alarm box devotees; Paul McCandless, Southern Bell Telephone Co., Miami, who advocated telephones and Chief Thomas P. O’Brien, in charge Bureau of Com- munications, New York Fire Department, who submitted the opinions of the “fire alarm forces.” The Moderator was Roi Woolley, Editor, Fire ENGINEERING and chairman of the Association’s Committee on Communications.

Two of the member associations of the International which held meetings at the same time. Above, the Great Lakes Association and below, the Missouri Valley Association

for DECEMBER, 1956

Mr. McCandless, whose company, to- gether with Gamewell and other fire alarm and communications concerns had outstanding exhibits at the Auditorium, was enthusiastic about the Miami “emer- gency phone” installation, and he based his arguments on this system. As in the subject of integrating fire and police de- partments, the balance of opinion ap- peared to be in favor of sticking to present methods and systems.

Water fog panel

The third panel of the day reviewed “The Use of Water Fog and Wet Water in Interior Fires” and the panel members included Chief Irving Merrick, Pough- keepsie, N. Y.; Robert Byrus, Direc- tor Fire Service Extension, University of Maryland and Joe I. Fetters, University of Missouri. Emmett T, Cox, Western Ac- tuarial Bureau, moderated the discussion which was highly favorable to fog and wet water and disclosed applications of both in fighting fire hitherto not generally known.

The annual banquet was held at Bay- front Park Auditorium. Chief George Mc- Alpine, chairman of the Membership Committee, presented the following cash awards for members secured: $100 to Chief Russell D. Salak, Schuyler, Nebr., $50 to Chief C. M. Williams, St. Louis Park, Minn., and $25 to Chief T. G. Len- non, Saskatoon, Sask. Chief and Mrs.

Continued on page 1194

1149

Fire and Explosion Hazards of

Industrial Chemical Processes

By PAUL F. DeGAETA AND ARNOLD A. WEINTRAUB

OUT OF WORLD WAR II and the first decade of the postwar era, which was carried along to some extent on the inertia of the frenzied war period, have come unprecedented development and expansion of the chemical industry.

Chemical production has expanded at an average of 11 times the national popu- lation rate, over three times the composite United States industry and has doubled its own size in the last eight years. Ac- tivity in the petrochemical field skyrock- eted, for instance, because manufacture of fuel from crude petroleum raises the return by 250 per cent, while conversion to synthetics jumps the value to 1200 per cent.

Products that have appeared during this period number in the thousands. Since 1940, substances like hydrazine, titanium, sulfur hexafluoride, acrylonitrile fibers, polyethylene, penicillin and butyl rubber took their place on the roster of commercially marketed innovations.

In this vast growth of an industry pro- ducing plastics, synthetics, jet fuels and petrochemicals, new fire hazards have been introduced and in many cases the old ones have been intensified. Complete safety measures have not always been adopted in the desire to market new de- velopments as rapidly as possible.

The giants of industry, in an attempt to properly operate and supervise newly devised equipment and techniques, are in constant competition for the short supply of skilled engineers and scientists. Undoubtedly lack of personnel is limiting even this great expansion and when ad- ditional engineers are available, a more complete attainment of the full potential will be achieved to further intensify our problem.

In the course of this article, it is our purpose to discuss just a few of the fac- tors in chemical industry that can and have caused destruction by fire.

Laboratory Examples

From’ the laboratory, where small quantities are used and conditions are easily controlled, we can get an idea of the hazard of specific reactions in indus-

Perhaps you remember from your school days a song that is on page 98 of

1150

Gartlan and Donnelly’s, “High School Songs For Every Occasion.” It goes some- thing like this:

“In chemistry one fatal day A youth was slowly working. He was one unaccustomed To any trait of shirking. Instructions were as naught to him Because he wished to see The effect of H:SO, On KCIO,.

After a little experimenting, it contin- ues:

“Here goes again,” cried out the lad, “With concentrated acid.”

His face was calm, his features had Composure simply placid.

New KCIO; he takes The quantity increases.

He pours on H:SO, They picked him up in pieces.”

Every school boy is cautioned about this reaction and it is obviously of great-

est importance that sulfuric acid and po- tassium chlorate be stored separately so that there is no possible chance of con- tact, even by accident.

Standard warnings also indicate the danger of iodine and ammonia in close proximity. In the laboratory they can be combined with the formation of NH;,NI: which is commonly called “Nitrogen Iodide.” When wet, the substance can be handled with safety. On drying, however, it will violently decompose at the slight- est disturbance.

Not completely convinced at the ad- monition that this substance will detonate at the “touch of a feather,” several stu- dents actually prepared a batch of nitro- gen iodide and permitted it to dry on a piece of filter paper. They pulled the wings from a fly and set it free on the paper. Fascinated eyes followed the fal- tering steps of the unhappy fly as it ap- proached the barely perceptible chemi- cal mound. When it started to hobble over the compound, the explosion oc- curred and the fly was no more as the

seme

Five workmen died and 22 others were injured, 16 critically, in dust explosion in the Phenolic Resins Department of the Bakelite Company plant, Bound Brook, N. J. The plant used finely divided organic solid materials such as woodflower and the blast reportedly origi- nated in a phenolic dust collector. Fire followed explosion.

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unstable nitrogen iodide decomposed, giving off violet iodine vapors according to the reaction:

2NH;,NI; > 2NH; + N: + 312

Fluorine, one of the most active ele- ments known, has been taken out of the realm of rarity to be developed as an in- dustrial chemical. In the laboratory, dis- solved in water to form hydrofluoric acid, it must be kept in containers of lead, rubber or wax because it will dissolve glass. The fact that it is so active, ex- ploding even in the presence of water vapor, made practical applications im- possible for a long period. Recent de- velopments in the technology of chemical control have harnessed this dangerously corrosive gas and channeled its reactions toward the production of new and useful chemicals,

Temperature and pressure conditions

As in the laboratory, any reaction on a commercial scale is perfectly safe as long as it proceeds in accordance with the initial planning and design. In order to keep potentially hazardous reactions un- der control, there are specific criteria which must be considered. It is usually the failure to keep within proper limits one or more of these critical factors that results in fire and explosion.

Temperature and pressure are among the most vital conditions which must be controlled.

At a plastic finish and cotton, wadding factory in Newark, New Jersey, tetra- nitromethane, an oxidizing agent, was be- ing prepared in the laboratory. Acetic anhydride and anhydrous nitric acid were used in this reaction and the com- bination was carried out in cooled steel mixing tanks. A shattering explosion wrecked the laboratory and severely dam-

aged the two adjoining buildings. In- vestigations revealed that one of the likely causes of this explosion, which killed two, was the failure of the cooling device to control the reaction properly. Reaction temperature increased and caused the explosion of acetyl nitrate or the diacetylorthonitric acid, both inter- mediate products of the reaction.

Uncontrolled temperature, which speeds up the reaction beyond the de- signed limits, was responsible for further damage in a Fitchburg, Mass., paper coating plant. An aluminum powder, oleic acid, naphtha, casein and isopropyl alcohol mixture was being processed in an 800-gallon tank. Although the reaction proceeds normally under controlled con- ditions, an excessively elevated tempera- ture was observed and an undetermined reaction caused by the unduly high tem- perature is believed to have generated hydrogen. Ignition of the hydrogen and alcohol vapors caused an explosion that literally raised the roof and blew out one wall of the factory.

Failure to keep pressure within con- fined limits is a source of numerous acci- dents in chemical plants. The usual course of events starts with a pressure condition that exceeds the designed safety factor ratio, fractures a containing vessel and permits the escaping contents to come into contact with an external ignition source.

Acrylonitrile (vinyl cyanide) with a flash point of 32 deg. F. was involved in one such situation. This flammable liquid, an active solvent for a wide variety of organic compounds, was being treated in a mixing kettle. In order to keep the re- action ingredients in properly mixed pro- portions throughout the container, an agi- tator kept the contents in motion. When this agitator stopped working, the reac- tion proceeded at so rapid a rate that the excessive pressure blew the cover off the

Chicago firemen prevented a serious conflagration in confining a threatening fire involving

a 25,000-square foot, one-story metal-clad warehouse of Witco Chemical Co., June 10, 1953. The company used activated carbon, stearic acid crystals, asphalt products. Property loss was

$600,000. Several persons were injured

for DECEMBER, 1956

kettle. The 3.05 per cent lower limit per- mitted a rapidly formed, ignitable vapor- air mixture. When the cover was blown off, the resulting damaged electric equip- ment is believed to have furnished the source of ignition. The explosion, followed by the fire, in this case, caused extensive damage to the building and killed one employee.

Contamination

Acrolein was the bad actor at another incident that involved a West Virginia alcohol-process butadiene synthetic rub- ber plant. Acrolein, flashing below 0 deg. F., was being transferred from a storage tank to a railroad tank car. Although acrolein is recognized for its toxic and fire hazards, in the normally inhibited state it is stable and not considered un- duly hazardous in transportation.

In the course of filling the tank car, a substance in the transfer line contami- nated the acrolein and initiated a chemi- cal reaction which caused vapors to es- cape from the relief valve. The safety valve operated intermittently at first, was forced open continuously and finally the generated pressure exploded the tank car, injuring 14 and causing damage ex- ceeding $1,500,000.

The influence of catalysts on chemical reactions was discussed in a previous article. While catalysis is an important phenomenon and performs adequately under proper controls, misuse or failure to maintain close supervision can under certain conditions cause explosion and fire. A catalyst, we know is used most frequently to speed up a reaction. The catalyst at a Denver, Colorado, plant was scheduled for mixing in a tank with peracetic acid. By mistake, it was placed into a container of dieldren, a highly complicated chlorinated organic insecti- cide, first published tests on which did not appear until 1949. Here the reaction was accelerated to the point of explosion with high damage and fatal conse- quences.

Oxidizing reactions

Incidents involving oxidizing agents confirm the repeated warnings that they are potentially dangerous and must be handled with great care. All strong oxi- dizing agents do not always react simi- larly on other substances, however. In an investigation of chemical fire hazards at the Oklahoma Agriculture and Mechani- cal College Experiment Station, Douglas and Thompson reported that chromic acid, potassium permanganate and _ so- dium peroxide were each observed sepa- rately in contact with 99.5 per cent glacial acetic acid. In the case of chromic acid and potassium permanganate, there was no reaction. Sodium peroxide, on the other hand, produced an “extremely vio- lent reaction with flame.” This study, of course, was made with extremely small quantities and it is obvious that if this reaction took place on an industrial scale, severe destruction would result.

Observations in this research further revealed that the paraffin family (gaso- line, kerosene and paraffin oil) do not

1151

Sst a

An explosion and fire on August 6, 1956, wrecked the benzene hexachloride plant of the Olin-Mathieson Chemical Corp., Niagara Falls, N. Y. Buildings involved by the fire were engaged in the manufacture of agricultural insecticides

take part in a reaction to any marked degree when in contact with oxidizing agents. When functional groups, such as alcohol are present in the paraffin family, however, the reaction with the active oxidizing agents is usually violent,

While it is true that, as shown by this research, all oxidizing agents do not re- act violently with all combustible sub- stances, the numbers of each are so great, that to be absolutely certain of safety, all oxidizing substances should be separated from all combustible materials in storage. It is also a vital consideration that all oxidizing reactions and those with oxidiz- ing potential be carefully controlled and supervised.

Fuse board, that portion of an inner tube “hot patch” which supplies the heat, consists of a cellulose material impreg- nated with potassium nitrate, potassium chlorate and sugar. About 10,000 pounds of this highly potent oxidizing mixture was involved in an explosion and fire in Dallas, Texas.

Beyond the situation in which oxidiz- ing agents take part in chemical proc- esses, their presence on the fire scene can cause considerable damage. There are many cases on record where sodium nitrate was stored in the fire building. In one multi-million dollar fire, the so- dium nitrate, exposed to the high tem- perature produced by the fire, heated the strong oxidizing agent and in its molten state caused steam explosions of en- trapped water with sufficient intensity to knock down the walls of the storage building.

When nitrates fall on wooden floors and are crushed into the fibers of the wood, the very floors of the building act like the fused board mentioned above and burn vigorously in a fire.

Nitrates are utilized to a great extent in molten salt baths, used for the treat- ment of metals. The record cites one in- stance in which an explosion, causing considerable damage, occurred and it was not until a complete investigation

1152

was made that the cause was determined. An analysis of the salt residue of the bath indicated that a container of cyanide had been inadvertently mixed with the nitrate bath. In the heated state, the nitrates are highly reactive and as the temperature was elevated, the chemical combination took place with shattering effect.

The danger of oxidizing agents exists not only from initiating a chemical reac- tion by combining it with another sub- stance or by its presence at the scene of a fire. Oxidizing materials produced as an intermediate yield in a reaction or formed during storage also possess high hazard potential. Example of the latter phenomenon is the formation of peroxides in ether on standing.

Ether is a valuable industrial chemical, in some processes requiring heating which could cause an explosion of the peroxides formed. If a test indicates the presence of peroxides, they can be de- composed by treatment with zinc dust and a small amount of sulfuric acid in acetic acid or addition of a 30 per cent solution of ferrous sulfate.

There is no way of completely pre- venting this formation but it can be in- hibited in storage of large quantities by immersing about 5 square feet of 40 mesh copper wire in the container for each 1000 gallons of ether.

In the laboratory an opaque amber bottle, which eliminates the light, in- hibits peroxide formation to a great ex- tent while an explosive concentration can appear in a colorless bottle in about one month,

Polymerization

Polymerization is a chemical process widely used in the manufacture of syn- thetics, plastics and other organic com- pounds. A substance with a low molecular weight, such as ethylene, CH: = CH, in simple uncombined form is known as a “monomer.” This indicates a composi- tion of a single molecule. By the appli- cation of one or more specific conditions of heat, light, pressure and catalysts, the single molecule changes its structure and combines with other similar molecules to form a chain of two or more molecules. Each resulting “polymer” is a product whose molecular weight is a multiple of the monomer.

The molecular weight of ethylene is 54, Various pressures are applied in the process of polymerization depending on how long a chain is desired. At 500 atmospheres a polymer is produced whose average molecular weight is in the range of 2000, while at 3000 atmospheres

Five employees were killed and over 30 injured, some critically, in a low pressure dust explosion and fire that destroyed the Kakalot Plastics plant in Waltham, Mass., March 6, 1948. Plant was engaged in manufacture of plastic molding powders. Processes included resin mak- ing, hammer milling to pulverize the resins and blending the powdered resins with fillers

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Although polymerization usually takes place at elevated temperatures and high pressures, lower pressures can be used when catalysts, such as peroxides are em- ployed. Thus the colorless gas ethylene is converted to the translucent thermo- plastic, chemically inert polyethylene, a versatile plastic that can be used for a variety of purposes from electric insula- tion to squeeze bottles.

In the general process of polymeriza- tion, inherent hazards of flammable raw materials, solvents, catalysts and elevated temperatures and pressures frequently set the scene for fire and explosion. In one instance a plant producing poly- ethylene under high pressure developed a leak in a pipe transferring ethylene. The ensuing explosion, which may have been caused by a static spark, in addition to blowing out lightweight venting panels, buckled a rear wall for a distance of 20 feet.

Nitration

Valuable in the production of dyes, drugs and explosives, nitration is a process by which the “nitro” radical, NO:, is in- troduced into the hydrocarbon structure. Here, again, temperature plays a vital role and a cooling system in conjunction with constant stirring is utilized to pre- vent the accumulation of undue heat.

Benzene can be nitrated by treatment with nitric and sulfuric acid according to the following reactions:

HONO,. + H.SO,— H:ONO.* + HSO,- H.ONO.* + H2SO, > H;O* + NO.* + HSO,- C;H.+ NO.* + HSO, — C;H;sNO; + H2SO,

In a dye works nitrating benzene, either the operator neglected to start the mixing device before the acid was intro- duced or the stirrer failed during the operation. A large quantity of the mixed acid was in the container partly filled with the lighter benzene. When the oper- ator observed that the stirrer was not working, he immediately set it in motion. Instead of the controlled nitration which would have occurred if the reactants were mixed as the acid was added, a furious combination followed with the liberation of excessive heat. In this case it was not necessarily the nitrated prod- uct, flashing at 190 deg. F., but rather the benzene that evaporated off into the air due to the generated heat, formed a flammable air mixture, ignited and de- stroyed the entire plant.

Chlorine dioxide bleaching

A recent development is the trend toward the application of chlorine dioxide in the bleaching of wood pulp. As of this

for DECEMBER, 1956

writing there are 36 United States pulp mills either using chlorine dioxide or be- ing constructed and 20 to 30 more are under consideration. It was first used in Sweden in 1946 and in the United States in 1952. Chlorine dioxide is superior to other bleaches because it produces a whiter pulp, acts without reducing pulp strength and the desired brightness is achieved in fewer stages. There are seven variations of the production process but

personnel, capable, experienced super- vision and sensitive control of all po- tentially hazardous operations.

It behooves those in the fire service to keep abreast of industrial innovations, particularly within the fire district. Con- sultation with plant management and technical personnel will provide an in- valuable opportunity to learn the dangers of each new process and work out a method of attack for any eventuality.

An explosion of liquefied petroleum gas vapors on February 8, 1951, caused the death of 14 employees of the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co., St. Paul, Minn., and. prop- erty loss of over $1 million. Blast wrecked minerals building used for processing non-combus- tible materials. It is believed butane gas used in heating entered the basement through an air supply line and condensate leg and was ignited by some ignition source

one of two is usually used in the United States.

While the wood pulp industry has turned toward chlorine dioxide in recent years, it was employed prior to that as a bleaching agent in tallow and fat render- ing plants and flour mills.

Chlorine dioxide is a highly powerful oxidizing agent. Its rate of reaction is so high that in concentrations of over 10 per cent it is spontaneously explosive. Heat, sunlight or an electrostatic charge can initiate an explosion. This precludes the possibility of safe storage or trans- portation and necessitates its generation for each new application.

One reported incident indicated un- usually high generator temperatures when an over supply of chlorine was intro- duced. This caused the formation of an excessive quantity of chlorine dioxide which exploded with sufficient force to blow out an eight-inch brick wall.

There is no throttling of chemical in- dustry, no holding back its development or the introduction of new risks and in- tensifications of existing hazards. That is an outlook we must approach realistically. At the industrial end there must be well- considered design, meticulous training of

With this combination of responsible management and alert fire service, new heights in technical development can be attained with the greatest freedom from death and destruction by fire. [0

Telephone Reporting System Approved

New Haven, Conn., city officials have approved a new public telephone re- porting system for use in connection with fires, accidents and other emergen- cies. A target date of January 1, 1957, has been set for completion of the sys- tem installation.

The new system to be provided by the Southern New England Telephone Co., was recommended by both the police and fire boards in the city, it was re- ported, and will replace telegraph boxes now used for fire alarms as well as private police telephone call boxes now in use. The plan calls for 376 outdoor telephones throughout the city mounted on poles or pedestals and housed in red metal boxes, including 75 with police signal lights.

1153

OVERHAUL AND SALVAGE ... IN THEORY AND PRACTICE

By ROI B. WOOLLEY

Salvagemen are constantly called as a result of sprinkler operation. A good knowl- edge of the principles of operation and main- tenance is essential for proper salvage work

—New York Fire Patrol photo

1154

PART XIX

Sprinkler Systems— Their Relation to Salvage

AS FIRE FIGHTERS KNOW, the pri- mary purpose of an automatic sprinkler system is to protect life and property. There are several kinds of systems, de- signed for different types of occupancies and hazards, all of which present oppor- tunities for salvage operations, both in cases of fire and sprinkler leakage or other failure.

Although serious fires seldom occur in properties completely protected with properly maintained automatic sprinkler systems, the very act of extinguishing a fire and of preventing its extension, may result in heavy property loss through water damage.

As is pointed out by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA National Fire Code IV-1954 ed.), “Automatic sprinkler systems employing standard de- vices and installed in accordance with es- tablished rules are sturdy and durable, and require a minimum of expenditure for maintenance. However, like other types of equipment, they may suffer deterioration or impairment through ne- glect or from certain conditions of serv- ice. Definite provision for regular and competent attention to maintenance is a prime requirement if the system is to serve its purpose effectively.” It is recom- mended that all fire fighters and those responsible for salvage operations study NBFU pamphlet No. 13—August 1955, “Standards for the Installation of Sprin- kler Systems” as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association. This contains a list of standards dealing with subjects related to sprinkler systems. Pamphlet 13 may be secured from the National Board of Fire Underwriters, 85 John St., New York 38, N. Y. The same data is contained in National Fire Codes I to VI published by the National Fire Protection Association, 65 Batterymarch St., Boston 10, Mass.

Fire departments, particularly those which practice salvage operations of any kind, should be familiar with all the different types of sprinkler systems in their areas, their installation, operation and maintenance. Usually it is the fire department which is first called upon in time of sprinkler leakage. Upon the knowledge of the members of the fire department of sprinkler installation, lay- out, water supply, supervision and main- tenance may depend the success or fail-

ure not only in stopping a fire with minimum property loss but also in limit- ing the water damage due to sprinkler failure from whatever cause.

Not only should the fire department (including the salvagemen) be notified of the installation of automatic sprin- kler equipment but they should become familiar with the layout of the system, the extent of the protection and location and arrangement of the control valves and connections for fire department use. When fire occurs in a sprinklered build- ing operating heads should be located as quickly as possible by the company officer and salvage work started directly below, as described in previous chapters of this series.

Resetting sprinkler heads

A cardinal rule in sprinkler operations is that sprinkler equipment should be turned off only upon orders of the offi- cer in charge, and only after it has defi- nitely determined that the fire is out. In time of fire, the fire department is in charge of the building and is responsible for the operation of the sprinkler system. It is not considered good judgment to leave to a watchman or other building employee the responsibility of shutting down, or restoring the sprinkler system which has been in use.

The use of sprinkler “stops” such as tongs, plugs or other shutoffs is only an emergency operation for temporarily clos- ing the discharge openings in the system until the water can be shut off at the proper control valves and new heads in- serted to replace those opened. It is well to remember that it takes time to shut off a sprinkler control valve, especially when it is located some distance from the sprinkler head or heads in question. With the average sprinkler head discharging approximately 25 gallons of water per minute, and considering the susceptibil- ity of so many different kinds of stock to water damage, it can be seen that efficient salvage operations call for the utmost speed possible in shutting off sprinkler flow after it has been been de- termined that there is no further chance of the system being required for fire ex- tinguishment. On the other hand, to precipitate a shutdown may prove dis- astrous should the fire rekindle and spread

FIRE ENGINEERING

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Resetting of heads and restoring the sprinkler system must of course take into consideration whether it is wet or dry pipe installation. In general, salvage squads will restore wet systems but as a rule they notify the owner to secure emergency service for a dry pipe system.

The illustrations show some common types of sprinkler shutoffs in use today.

Pre-fire inspection helps

As has been previously emphasized, salvage can benefit effectively from regu- lar inspection procedures carried out by fire departments. This is particularly true in relation to automatic sprinkler installa- tions. A general knowledge of the loca- tion, nature, and extent of sprinkler in- stallation in a fire company’s area will assist in determining fire fighting stra- tegy as well as salvage procedures that may be applied to cut losses due to water damage, if and when fire occurs.

The National Automatic Sprinkler and Fire Control Association recommends several steps that a fire department may take to help curtail the water damage resulting from sprinkler operation, either at a fire or from system mishap or fail- ure. Failures are generally due to physi- cal damage to the sprinkler system and more than likely are caused by human carelessness.

The Association recommends that all sprinkler contractors provide the local fire department with x plot plan of new installations in order that the firemen may acquaint themselves with the location of the necessary control valves, fire depart- ment connections, etc. A follow-up in- spection of the system may then be made by the fire department to gain a first-hand acquaintance with the particular installa- tion. If the contractor has not supplied a plot plan, then alert fire inspectors may sketch the necessary details for further study by the members concerned.

A second recommendation is that all salvage squads carry sprinkler head wrenches and an assortment of heads. These materials can be obtained origi-

nally from sprinkler contractors, generally at no charge, and carried on responding apparatus.

When sprinkler systems are restored to working order before returning to quar- ters, it is very important that the replace- ment heads have the same temperature rating as the original. If the sprinkler sys- tem is of the flush or pendent type, re- placement of the head may be impossible unless salvagemen are specially equipped for the task. In the event immediate re- placement is impossible, the Association recommends that the sprinkler head be plugged and the owner notified to obtain emergency service. If a department uses a head to restore a system to working order, it may usually obtain replacement of the necessary materials by applying to any sprinkler contractor who will supply the necessary heads and bill the property owner for the cost. This is a standard practice in the industry.

The Association further recommends that heads be replaced rather than sprin- kler stops or tongs be used. While it is necessary at times to plug a head (as previously stated), it is not considered the best practice because of the possibil- ity for human error. Replacing the head immediately with the proper type unit places the entire system back in working order and overcomes the loss of protec- tion at the point of replacement.

Storage rules important

Applying common sense in the storage of materials so as to obtain the maximum protection from the sprinklers can further salvage operations should the sprinklers open. High piles of merchandise and stock can render ineffective the best sprinkler streams, and at the same time increase the problem of spreading salvage covers. While 12 inches is generally accepted as the bare minimum clearance, it is pref- erable to allow two or three feet above all stock piles to insure better sprinkler action. At the same time, the greater clearance will allow salvage squads to more quickly spread covers to protect the material in case of water flow. Proper skidding of the stock is another essential factor in anticipating sprinkler action. It

will allow drainage of runoff water with minimum damage, as has been pointed out in an earlier chapter. Floor drains and scuppers afford a quick and easy way to remove surplus water. Inspectors will do well to emphasize these factors to man- agers or other officials of sprinklered buildings and to note the method of stock-piling and relate their findings to salvage plans as well as to fire fighting strategy. Observation will disclose whether or not shelving or other fixtures have been so installed as to impair the efficient operation of sprinkler heads.

Training in sprinklers essential

All professional salvage corpsmen are thoroughly indoctrinated in the differ- ent kinds and types of sprinkler systems, their installation, operation and mainte- nance. Most of the Underwriter’s salvage corps have sprinkler control mechanism in their quarters upon which their men trained. A number of fire colleges and schools also have such mechanical equip- ment, or large-scale cutaway charts and diagrams of systems.

This extensive instruction in sprinkler application is not always available in smaller communities where there are few buildings equipped with sprinklers and where as a result, investment in such training facilities is impractical. However, even though a community has but one or a few sprinklered buildings, knowledge of sprinkler systems, their use and abuse, is essential to modern fire fighting and sal- vage operations.

Where it is impossible for a volunteer, or part-paid fire department to conduct its own training in the sprinkler field, and in its relation to salvage, it may be possible to secure the necessary funda- mental information from the nearest full- paid municipal department. Helpful data also may be secured from the Sprinkler Association, the National Board of Fire Underwriters, National Fire Protection Association and the International Associa- tion of Fire Chiefs.

Training curricula should include not only automatic sprinkler systems but their relation to fire detection systems, super- visory service, watchmen’s service, etc.-]C]

Blake sprinkler shut-off shown in position to close a sprinkler head. The device is ap- plied direct, the operator using a short lad- der to reach the sprinkler head. (1) Insert the closed device between the strut and seat with left hand; (2) Open to shut-off position by releasing control lever with right hand allowing device to seat

for DECEMBER, 1956

Many Underwriters salvage corps carry globe valves threaded to fit sprinkler open- ings. This can be used more satisfactorily in place of a temporary plug or stop. To in- stall: (1) Remove ruptured head with pipe wrench; (2) Screw the nipple of the open globe valve into the opening in pipe; (3) Close globe valve

A temporary stop or plug can be made from a piece of wood and carried in the pocket or on the apparatus. While a variety of sizes and shapes have been used in the past, all have a flat surface which is placed against the seat of the head so that an ef- fective stoppage of water will occur when the wedge is driven tight

1155

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Case-history of a "tandem" pumper operation...

General Alarm for Dallas Warehouse

A FIVE-ALARM FIRE in the New York Merchandise Co. warehouse, 1525 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Dallas, Tex., on Sep- tember 25, 1956, caused damage esti- mated at between $500,000 and $1 mil- lion. The fire was discovered shortly after 6:00 p.m. by a passer-by, who had to spend some time locating a telephone. Within an hour, five alarms had been transmitted and 170 off-duty firemen re- called to assist in quelling the blaze.

The 100 by 200-foot warehouse, about 20 feet in height, constructed of brick and steel, was packed with boxes and cartons of Christmas merchandise re- cently unloaded from freight cars. The bulk of the material destroyed was re- ported to be plastic toys and decorations. Little has been learned of the probable cause, although the supervisor of the warehouse stated that smoking was not permitted in the building, but that a bu- tane-fueled lift truck was used in the un- loading operation.

1156

Tandem operation used

One of the interesting highlights of the fire fighting operations was the use of a three-engine tandem hookup to supply nine lines during the height of the fire. The engines were connected to a 30-inch main with a hydrant pressure of 100 psi. The water supply was described as “more than adequate.”

The following description of the oper- ations is provided by Fire Chief C, N. Penn, in charge of operations.

The first alarm was transmitted at 6:14 p.m. Engines 9, 11 and 18; Ladder 18; Salvage 1 and Chief 7 responded. On arrival of the first-alarm companies, smoke was coming from all windows and doors. Fire was coming from the roof ventilators and had broken through the roof on the west side at the wall about 75 feet from the north end. Engine 9 laid

-a line to the west door at the north end

of the building and hooked up to the

hydrant at Turtle Creek and Oak Lawn. Engine 11 laid a line to a window on the east side of the building near the north end and hooked up to a hydrant at Tur- tle Creek and Hi Line Street. Engine 18 laid its first line to the south loading dock and connected it to Engine 11. Their second line was laid to the roof over Ladder 18 on the west side and the pump was then connected to the hydrant on Hi Line Street 200 feet northwest of Turtle Creek. Salvage 1 assisted with hose lines and forcible entry.

The merchandise was stored in card- board containers and stacked to the roof; windows were blocked and only very narrow aisles lead from the doors. These aisles were soon blocked by falling boxes which had to be removed before hose lines could be advanced.

A second alarm was requested by radio and transmitted at 6:17 p.m., bringing Engines 1 and 10, Ladder 11, Chief 1 and the deputy chief. Engines 3, 4 and

FIRE ENGINEERING

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35 and Ladder 17 relocated to fill in.

Engine 1 laid one line to windows on the east side and connected it to Engine 9. They then stretched a second line to the south unloading dock and hooked up in tandem to Engine 9, Engine 10 laid to windows on the east side and con- nected its line to Engine 11. The deputy chief’s car was placed in front of the building and used as a command car. Ladder 11 was placed on the east side of the building.

Simultaneous alarm in downtown section

A third alarm was requested by radio and transmitted at 6:26 p.m., bringing Engines 4 and 12, two assistant chiefs, the fire marshal, investigators, the main- tenance supervisor and the fire depart- ment photographer. Engines 7, 8 and 15 relocated to fill in. At this time an alarm was transmitted for the downtown area requiring two ladder trucks and Ladder 15 was relocated to fill in at Central Headquarters.

Engine 4 laid a line to the west door near the north end of the building and connected it to Engine 18. Engine 12 laid a line to the north door through an empty box car and proceeded to stretch to a hyrdant located at Dragon and Oak Lawn. The company ran out of hose and its line was spliced out by a company on the fourth alarm.

The fourth alarm was ordered by radio and transmitted at 6:46 p.m., bringing Engines 15 and 22; Engines 14 and 16 relocated. Engine 15, took its line to the windows on the east side and connected it to Engine 9. A second line was laid to the roof near the center of the building and connected to Engine 1. The hose re- maining was then used to splice out En- gine 12’s line. Engine 22 stretched a line to the windows on the east side of the building and connected it to Engine 1.

A fifth alarm was called for by radio and transmitted at 6:50 p.m., bringing Engines 16 and 35. Engine 5 relocated at Central Headquarters. Engine 35 laid

Dallas firemen fight blaze in warehouse stocked with toys and decorations for Christmas season. More than 200 men and 14 companies fought the stubborn blaze

two lines to the west loading dock at the south end of the building and hooked up in tandem with Engine 1, Engine 22 laid a line to the east windows and connected it to Engine 35.

Heavy fog streams employed

All lines were equipped with fog noz- zles. A two-way multiversal fog nozzle was placed in the doorway of the west side near the north end and lines from Engines 4 and 9 connected. A four-way multiversal with fog nozzle was placed in the doorway of the south loading dock and two lines from Engine 18 and two from Engine 35 were connected. A Bres- nan distributor was attached to Engine 15’s line on the reof. It would have been more difficult under the prevailing con- ditions to have extinguished the fire if fog had not been used during the entire operation. Also, too much cannot be said about the value of demand-type and all- service masks in combating such a fire.

Off-duty manpower called

One section of the off-duty shift was called by radio at 7:04 p.m. and a second

section called at 7:20 p.m. The Salvation Army and the Dallas Emergency Corps were on hand serving coffee and dough- nuts, The Emergency Corps administered first aid to several of the men who suf- fered from smoke inhalation. The out taps were sounded at 9:37 p.m. Relief companies were sent to take over the job of overhauling which was continued until 1:00 p.m, the following day.

Of the 15 lines used, nine were carried off the three engines in tandem. The hy- drant used for this operation was on a 30-inch main and within 500 feet of the fire. It had a pressure of 100 psi. The water supply was more than adequate. Two of the remaining hydrants utilized were approximately 1,000 feet away and the other was 2,000 feet away.

Chief Penn states, “Tandem hookups have been taught by our training division since March, 1949. We quite often use the method in outlying areas, especially newly annexed ones, where hydrants are scarce. So far, we have had very good experience with this type hookup as it permits us to get water quickly on a fire. This would not be possible if we had to splice out hose lines from hydrants far from the scene of operation.” (JU)

Dallas pumpers in tandem supplying nine lines during warehouse fire. Fire Chief Penn claims this method is particularly effective in outlying districts where hydrants are scarce—Dallas Fire Department photo

for DECEMBER, 1956

¢

1157

subdue the blaze which burned over more than 10,000 acres of valuable watershed timber

Flames roar unchecked in the largest forest fire caused by aircraft in California's history. Over 1,400 men struggled more than five days to

Aerial Tankers Help Fight

San Bernardino Mountain Fire

1,400 men and 200 pieces of equipment from

37 cities and counties used in record mobilization

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA is noted as the home of many of the United States’ aircraft manufacturing plants and much of the area’s economy is based on air- planes. But aircraft, particularly of the jet variety, have been causing grief and expense to firemen throughout the South- ern California area in 1956.

In August, two Air Force interceptors used rockets while chasing a runaway drone plane and set off a series of blazes (Fre ENGINEERING, October, 1956). Then another jet crashed into a wooded mountain near San Diego a few weeks later and caused another bad fire. And two California Air National Guard Sa- bre Jets collided over Mt. Pacifico north- east of Los Angeles and touched off more fires. But the worst mountain fire ever caused by an airplane in the history of the State of California and perhaps of the entire West occurred on September 21.

This United States Forest Service bul- letin tells simply how the fire started:

1158

By CLIFF DEKTAR

FrrE FLasH —0856 Hours FRIDAY MORNING SEPTEMBER 21 AIR FORCE SuPER SABRE JET CRASHED ON INACCES- SIBLE ROUGH MOUNTAIN WATERSHED SEVEN MILES NORTHEAST CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO. PILOT PARACHUTED TO SAFETY.

SAN BERNARDINO NATIONAL FOREST

Even as this bulletin rattled out on tele- types and over the radio and telephone networks of the U. S. Forest Service and the California Division of Forestry, fire control officers put emergency plans into action. Fire officials throughout the area had been apprehensive over a bad fire because fire ratings had been “very high” or “extreme” for the 18 days prior to the crash and the officials knew that if a fire started, they were in for a rough fight.

Initial attack was made by eight men who were airlifted, one by one, by heli- copter to an area near the fire. The blaze was burning one and a half miles from the nearest road in steep, rocky, heavy brush-covered terrain near Mt. McKinley. Tankers were moved in on nearby roads and mobilization began. U. S. Forest Service crews from the San Bernardino National Forest and units from the Cali- fornia Division of Forestry in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties made the initial assault, but they needed help.

Hot shot crews from the Angeles Na- tional Forest and rangers and experts from 16 of the 17 California National Forests soon were en route to the fire and the C. D. F. ordered units in from throughout Southern California. These forces were augmented by 350 Mexican nationals employed by the Redlands- Highlands Citrus Association, San Ber- nardino County industrial road crews,

Continued on page 1170

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New Air Conditioned Fire Station

Houses Three Rochester Companies

The Rochester, N. Y., Fire Depart- ment has added still another unit in its program of rebuilding and _ relocating fire stations to meet the modern needs of the city. Men and equipment— their needs, and efficiency of operation —were given first consideration in the planning of the new quarters. The new, modernistic station houses three oper- ating companies and provision is made for two chiefs and their drivers. The crews have separate quarters, each with its own sleeping accommodations, locker room, showers and utility room. Ample parking space for the members’ cars is also furnished.

The structure is located on the cor- ners of Broad, Allen and Platt Streets. The exterior is constructed of warm- colored brick with stone trim and al- though set back from the street, the apparatus has easy egress. The broad overhead doors are painted red and ac- cented by a stainless steel hood. The aluminum sash windows are glazed with a tinted heat-resisting glass on the south and west sides. The built-up roof is covered with white marble chips to reduce heat absorption and help cut down the air conditioning load. An alu- minum flagpole, set in a stone terrace, gives a vertical accent to the neat sim- plicity of the low structure.

The interior finish varies with the dif- ferent rooms. In the apparatus room, glazed structural tile is employed for an eight-foot wainscoting with Celo- crete block, painted green, above this.

for DECEMBER, 1956

Colored ceramic .tile is used for the walls and floors of the toilet and shower rooms. Bunk rooms have Celocrete block walls in different color arrange- ments and the lounge and reading rooms have oak panel walls. Ceilings in all the living quarters are treated with non-com- bustible acoustical tile. Plastic skylights over the apparatus room, locker rooms and toilet rooms give daylight on the in- terior.

The apparatus room is 73 feet deep and 80 feet wide. There is room for a 100-foot aerial and reserve aerial on one side of the apparatus floor, and space for two pumpers and reserve apparatus on the other side. The center bay is for special standby equipment.

The electrically-operated overhead doors on each side measure 26 feet by 12 feet; the center door is 12 feet by 12 feet. All doors are controlled from the

watch desk which is located on the ap- paratus floor and enclosed in glass. The chiefs’ station wagons are housed at one end of the building in front of the offices.

All sleeping rooms open directly on the apparatus floor and are so arranged that men can get to the vehicles quickly without crossing each other’s paths. The living quarters are made up of a 35 by 24-foot lounge with a library, game room and writing room. The kitchen has two cooking centers with built-in counter units and two large dining tables. A large refrigerator with a deep freeze section is included.

The living quarters are air conditioned by a combined circulating hot or cold water system. Equipment for the system is located in the basement, which is un- der the living area. It is powered by steam piped in from the central heating plant of a utility company. [JD

Broad and Allen Streets Fire Station, Rochester, N. Y.

1159

Chief Mills with the modern, radio-equipped, rural pumper in front of the Nevada fire station

Nevada, lowa, Fire Department— Combined City and Rural Fire Protection District

THE HISTORY of the Nevada, Iowa, Fire Department is another story of gradual but definite evolution. At the same time, the story is a good augury for the future forward progress of the volunteer fire service in the nation’s rural areas.

Nevada is a city of about 4,000 persons and is the county seat of Story County.

There had been fire protection of sorts in the township prior to 1954, but along about that time, the city of Nevada and the four townships of Richland, Milford, Nevada and Grant came to the realization that they were facing a problem of fire protection which was growing worse, rather than better.

As in so many other areas of the coun- try, the business of suppressing fire was not measuring up to the growing needs of the populace of the district. The out- come was that representatives of the towns got together and drew up a fire protection agreement, the high point of which was to determine how to improve fire protection in the neighborhood, who would foot the bills and how the same would be administered.

Another important decision that had to be made was whether or not to employ a full-time fireman to head up the enter- prise.

Once the other questions were an- swered, it didn’t take long to select the

1160

individual to do the latter. He was Gerald M. Mills, and he became the full-time fire fighter and chief of the department.

Chief Mills immediately set about re- organizing the fire department.

A chain of command was established, consisting of one chief, two assistant chiefs, two captains, a two-man rescue and salvage crew, a utilities man and three drivers for the Nevada City Fire Department rigs and two drivers for the rural apparatus. The drivers were also pump operators.

Well-equipped department

The total fire department at the present time consists of 17 volunteer firemen, one full-time paid fireman, the chief, Gerald Mills. Equipment includes a 1954 Sea- grave 750 gpm pumper, a 1954 Laverne 500 gpm pumper and a 1940 Ford tank truck with 550-gallon tank, equipped with a 180 gpm Viking pump. In addi- tion, the organization has a complement of small appliances, including a resusci- tator, six all-purpose gas masks of latest design, an across-the-pump proportioner (on the rural unit), salvage covers, shovels, stretchers, blankets, first aid kits, pitch forks, a dual model inhalator, a portable 8% hp. pump, 500 feet of vari- ous size rope, etc.

The rural piece is radio-equipped on the same frequency as the police and sheriff.

Volunteer members of the department include electricians, plumbers, natural gasmen, linemen, gasoline tank truck drivers, furniture movingmen, truck drivers, mechanics, postal employees, etc., according to Chief Mills.

Training extensive

The department goes in heavily for training and instruction. There are prac- tice drills every week during the summer, with city and rural crews alternating. In the winter there is a regular meeting once a month and also a school night at which instruction includes use of black- boards, motion pictures and other visual aids. At present the force is preparing for a 20-hour Red Cross first aid course for its personnel.

Chief Mills holds a certificate of the Iowa State College Firemanship Training Extension Service which entitles him to do part-time instructing, not only locally but throughout the state. He is a member of the Advisory Committee on the Appli- cation of Water Fog, Iowa State College. As might be expected, his department relies heavily upon use of water fog and utilizes every device to make its appli- cation most effective.

An outstanding detail of the depart- ment’s communications setup includes a system whereby the telephone company can call the homes of 16 firemen simul- taneously to notify them of calls or other emergencies.

Like other progressive departments serving rural areas, Nevada has instituted a system for identifying farms and rural areas to be protected by coded areas on maps which are posted in the fire station and carried on apparatus. Roads, water supplies and other essential information are indicated on the diagrams for guid- ance of drivers and firemen. [J]

Code marker identifies the individual prop- erties and corresponds to a master map and directory posted in the fire station and carried on the truck—Nevada Evening Journal photos

FIRE ENGINEERING

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Fire Reporting and Directing System

The Southport, Me., Fire Department has designed a unique system of identifying property and designating its location. The town consists of over 75 per cent summer cottages and the rental to varying occu- pants has created confusion of identification in the past. In addition nearly all of the 600 houses are hidden from the peripheral highway No. 27 by heavy shrubbery and foliage.

The department found that there were exactly the same number of roads as there are letters in the alphabet. Each road was assigned a letter and then the houses were numbered in succession on each road. This definitely identified each property and made notification of a fire a simple matter, as changes of ownership or occupancy had no effect on the system.

To speed response and definitely mark the location for the fireman, a “signal box” is mounted on the front of the fire station. The box contains a complete set of glass squares for the letters of the alphabet and two sets numbered from 1 to 0. In addition, a loose-leaf notebook contains a map showing the exact location of the various properties and the proper route of response.

The first fireman arriving at the station places the proper letter and numeral squares in the display window, which is lighted by battery power at night, opens the Seok to the page showing the location and places the arrow mark at the property. Later arriving firemen can tell the location at a glance hen getting out of their cars. If un- familiar with the location, the proper route can be found by looking through the glass cover of the box.

J K ;. SOUTHPORT, MAINE

Charles E. Pinkham, Assistant Chief

The popular island is completely circled by Highway 27 and all roads are easily found by means of the unique system employed by the fire department

Code box has file of glass slides with identifier tabs

Location marker in front of the property identifies the road and house regardless of Hand drawn maps give complete information on the location change of occupants

for DECEMBER, 1956 1161

WHAT'S NEW] >=

Among the Manufacturers

¢ processes

© personalities

Fyr-Fyter Announces New Helmet

Constructed of pressure-molded Gen- textite plastic, a new Fyr-Fyter helmet is said to exceed all government safety standards. Its dielectric resistance is over 10,000 volts, and the triple-ridged reinforced crown was designed specifi- cally to deflect falling objects. Almost fracture-proof, the one piece Fyr-Fyter helmet sheds water efficiently and cannot be warped by heat. The washable nylon and plastic headband adjusts from sizes 6% to 734, and is contour-shaped to fit any head snugly. Insulation for the wear- er is provided by plastic construction and ventilating air space between headband and outer rim.

New Home of Ardmore Products Opened

The Ardmore Products Division of the Amco Corporation has opened this new office and manufacturing building which was designed by Fred H. Prather, archi- tect and engineer, and is located at 1825

Portable Vehicle Warning Light Announced

A handy new portable warning light is being manufactured by the Standard Portable Cord Co. of Mayville, N. Y. Designed for volunteer fire and police- men, the flasher light called the Fire- Fly, does not require permanent instal- lation and is visible from all directions. Four Alnico V permanent magnets hold the Fire-Fly to the roof of the car. The light is powered by four standard flash- light batteries which operate a pulsator to create the intermittent flash. Both blue and red acetate strips are provided for use inside the plexiglass globe. For com- plete information, address the manufac- turer.

Shermer Road in Northbrook, Ill. Ap- proximately 30 persons will be employed in the building and will make oil hand- ling equipment and fire fighting appa- ratus.

Evropean-Type Aerial Ladder Shown at IAFC Conference

The international aspect of the Miami IAFC Conference last month, was fur- ther enhanced by the demonstration of the Geesink, Holland-manufactured aerial ladder, sales rights of which have been acquired by Four Wheel Drive Auto

1162

Company of Clintonville, Wisconsin.

The new 85-foot ladder described in detail in the November issue of Fie ENGINEERING (Page 1091) is shown with Dr. Gilbert van den Burg of Geesink N. V. on the platform.

Elkhart Vice President

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E. H. Hansen, president of Elkhart Brass Mfg. Co., Inc., Elkhart, Ind., has announced the appointment of R. L. Weir as vice president. Mr. Weir, who has been active in the fire extinguisher industry for many years, was formerly vice president in charge of sales of the General Detroit Corporation. He will be in charge of extinguisher sales and gen- eral sales promotion.

R. G. Ashbaugh, Jr. has recently been promoted from general manager to execu- tive vice president and general manager. Mr. Ashbaugh has been with Elkhart since 1948.

Powhatan Dura-Fog Nozzle

The Powhatan Brass and Iron Works, Ranson, W. Va., has announced a new fog nozzle called “Dura-Fog.” The nozzle has a rubber bumper to protect the tip and to provide a non-slip grip, a click- stop or visual stream pattern selection and a floating gland shutoff.

According to the manufacturer, every nozzle sold is mechanically performance- tested by means of a specially designed device which turns the nozzle on and off for a period of time while water is be- ing pumped through it at 150 psi. It is said the new nozzle underwent over one million off and on operations without water leakage around the shut off mech- anism.

Falcon Alarm Co. Conducts Poll of Fire Chiefs

According to a poll conducted by Fal- con Alarm Co. Inc., Summit, N. J., among 500 fire department officials, 60.1 per cent of the chiefs reporting urge citi- zens to turn in alarms the moment they

Continued on page 1164

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4 : : “Whether we are fighting a fire, drying out hose or stowing it away, we find Eureka’s Dacron the easiest Easiest- handling hose handling hose we’ve ever used,” states a Fire Chief* whose department has been using it for several years.

” weve ever used “It’s much lighter, more flexible, dries faster and allows

us to pack more hose in the same amount of space.”

e U RE i A Multiple-woven on Eureka’s unique circular looms, this

Dacron-cotton, rubber-lined hose is available in all standard diameters. It is built to withstand test pressures

Mi ultiple -Wove ni of either 400 or 600 pounds, and can be furnished

waxed or gum-treated if desired.

- with Put it on one of your pumpers and see if you don’t consider it the best all-purpose hose your money can buy! In the long run, you'll probably find it the most

Dacron Filler Cords economical, too. Write or wire today for the Eureka

representative to call. He is a specialist in fire hose!

*Name on request

Note how criss-crossing vertical cords tie all plies f . into one solid body. \

ag j

“For greater protection to life and property”

EUREKA FIRE HOSE

Since 1875, Specialists in Manufacturing Circular-Woven Rubber-Lined Fire Hose 1 Market Street Passaic, New Jersey Division of United States Rubber

for DECEMBER, 1956 1163

We used this INDIAN FIRE PUMP |

3/1 Years 1 condition

Neil Le May, Chief Forest Ranger, Wisconsin Conservation Dept., holds a SMITH INDIAN FIRE PUMP which they have had in service for 31 years. Chief Ranger Le May states: “The INDIAN PUMPS are espe- cially fitted to forest fire control work because after 31 years of service, a can is retired merely because of its inadequacy in size rather than inserviceability."’

This important statement speaks volumes for the long life of INDIAN FIRE PUMPS and their sturdy construction.

NO. 90 NO. 80 INDIAN FIRE PUMP INDIAN FIRE PUMP SLIDING PUMP TYPE LEVER TYPE

Pump and Handle

are approved by UNDER- WRITERS’

LABORA- TORIES

SEND FOR NEW CATALOG Pacific Coast Branch: -

Hercules Equipment & Rubber Co., Inc. San Francisco 7, Calif.

For all Class A fires and many class B fires. Fire Chiefs say INDIANS are ‘‘worth their weight in gold."’

D. B. SMITH & CO.

“FOR 70 YEARS THE LEADERS” 406 Main St., Utica 2, N. Y.

Canadian Agents:

Fleck Bros. Limited or B.

Hickey & Sons, Ltd. pF as Ont., Canada Bison Hardware Co. Toronto, Canada

1164

MANUFACTURERS’ NEWS

Continued from page 1162

discover fires in their homes. The remain- ing 39.9 per cent recommend immediate evacuation of the home and a prompt call to the department.

Not a chief recommended fire fighting by the home occupant, but all urged that he let the fire department do the job. Some suggestions by respondents in- cluded, “Keep out of the firemen’s way”; “Check electric and gas appliances regu- larly”; “Keep rubbish in a safe place”; “Do not clean with flammable liquids” and above all, “Residents should encour- age home inspections by members of the fire department.”

Some chiefs urged elections of city officials who are fire and safety-conscious.

Automatic Emergency Light

The latest model automatic emergency light announced by the Automatalite Di- vision of Carpenter Mfg. Co., Bradley Street, Somerville 45, Mass., features floodlight type, sealed-beam lampheads with strong center beam to light long passageways or to pinpoint exits and crit- ical controls. It is claimed that the new light almost totally prevents the loss of water from the batteries, prevents cor- rosion around battery terminals and guards against explosion hazards from free hydrogen gas. The manufacturer claims added life to battery of from 50 to 100 per cent, and that water need be added only once each year or two. A timing mechanism guards against over- charging. The units plug into standard outlets and light automatically when cur- rent fails.

Extinguisher Safety Code Available

A new eight-page safety code for “In- specting, Recharging and Maintaining Fixed High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Ex- tinguisher Systems” has been published by the Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association.

Second of a series, the new code cov- ers hydrostatic pressure testing methods, criteria for determining cylinder usabil- ity and safety precautions to observe when recharging cylinders. Fifteen in-

FIRE ENGINEERING

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spection checkpoints, covering the in- spection of hoses, valves, nozzles and cylinders, are also listed and discussed. Single copies of both safety codes are available free of charge from the Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association, Suite yt = Gateway Center, Pitts- burgh 22,

‘‘Commando”’ Hand Light

A new dry-cell hand lamp weighing 67 ounces has been announced by the Koehler Manufacturing Company, How- land Place, Marlboro, Mass. The dry- cell counterpart of the Wheat light has a combination handle and shoulder strap, an optional reflective Scotchlite jacket and is of stainless steel construction. The waterproof battery is rated at five hours continuous use.

Seagrave 75th Anniversary

The Seagrave Corpwration, Columbus, Ohio, is commemorating its 75th anni- versary as a builder of fire apparatus by means of a colorful brochure. Printed in four colors, it traces a pictorial history of the development of the company as a ladder. builder in 1881, to the intro- duction of the centrifugal pump in the fire apparatus field in 1912, and to its present position as a leading supplier of pumpers and ladder trucks.

New Capacity Folding Tank

In addition to the regular 1,000-gal- lon capacity folding canvas tank now in use by many rural fire departments in the United States and Canada, the Fol- Da-Tank Company now manufactures a new 600-gallon capacity tank which incorporates the construction details and materials used in the larger size. The frame is 34-inch welded steel tubing; the liner No. 10, three-roll waterproof treat- ed duck with treated seams. Detailed in- formation is available from Fol-Da-Tank Company, Box 361, Rock Island, III.

New Alco Ladder

A new three-section, pumper extension ladder (3 PEL) has been added to its line of Alco-Lite aluminum ladders for short wheelbase pumpers by the Alumi- num Ladder Company. The new prod- uct offers maximum length in a nesting

for DECEMBER, 1956

THEN... CC Limited Fire Fighting To DEFENSE

1948 eee Michigan Firemen had their hands full with this warehouse fire, which, they said, was the worst in several years. The sprawling three-story building was occupied by several industrial concerns. Damage was esti- mated at $500,000. (Int. News Photo)

NOW...

IT’S FIRE ATTACK!

FOR THE BEST FIRE ATTACK | GET IN FAST WITH A SCOTT AIR-PAK

An editorial in FIRE ENGINEERING (November 1953) | stated “This failure to GET IN, to GET AT the fire in its early stages, has been a prime contributor to much of our ‘ YOURS IS A mounting fire losses . . . and emphasizes the wisdom of FIRE ATTACK adequately equipping the fire force with all the mask and

DEPARTMENT breathing apparatus .. . required in FIRE ATTACK.”

IF YOU HAVE Protect your men against smoke with SCOTT AIR-PAKS. SCOTT AIR-PAKS Get in Fast for efficient FIRE ATTACK. Save more lives d and reduce fire losses to a minimum. ON EVERY Write for complete information.

FIRE TRUCK VISION UNLIMITED

New Scottoramic Face Mask now avail- able for all Scott equipment, (standard on most models), and for repiacement on your present breathing apparatus.

ent €

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SAFETY EQUIPMENT DIVISION

SCOTT AVIATION CORP.

215 ERIE STREET LANCASTER, N. Y. Canada: Safety Supply Co., Toronto — Branches in principal cities Export: Southern Oxygen Co., 15 West 57th Street, New York 19, N. Y.

1165

THEY

LOOK ALIKE .

BUT THERE’S ONE IMPORTANT

ol V nie hit

THE SAFEST INVESTMENT IS BI-LATERAL FIRE HOSE...IT COSTS LESS TO BUY THE BEST! If you want safety AND sovings, one way to be sure is to look at the record! Bi-Lateral furnishes FREE hose record cards — send for your supply today.

The important thing to look for in a safety belt”* is . . . safety,

not price or appearance. You can buy one that “looks just as good,” but the difference is in the job you want it to do!

What job do you want your FIRE HOSE todo... look good?

Cost less? Of course not! Look for the important dif- ference-safety!

LIFE INSURANCE POLICY

The policy you have learned to depend on in the purchase of fire hose—Bi- Lateral’s policy of putting safety first —is now your assurance in buying safety belts, too! Bi-Lateral sells the famous Rupert Safety Belt for tiller-men, for ambulances, squad car cabs or cars. Manufactured by the Rupert Parachute Co. They are “parachute tested”’ m for all safety factors. Ask % us for details and prices.

Here’s a sample piece of fire hose —it looks just like the piece below — yet...

Bi-Lateral hose is built up to a stand- ard not down to a price! There’s a reason for Bi-Lateral—it’s to put out fires! It will prove to be your most economical purchase as well as your safest investment!

(Bi-Lateral IS cheaper in the long run. Hose record cards prove it! Send for yours... free.)

This fire hose is worth 10 times — maybe 1,000 times —as much!

20 NORTH WACKER DRIVE © CHICAGO 6, ILLINOIS IN CANADA: Bi-Lateral Fire Hose, Kitchener, Ontario.

1166

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space of only 7 inches. Rung diameter has been increased on all the company’s | ladders to 1% inches. It is claimed that the Alco-Lite construction prevents the rungs from twisting, turning or break-

| ing off. The new ladder is available in

31-foot and 35-foot models and will fit

| most brackets designed for wood ladders.

| Fire Fighting School | Goes to the Students

The student of fire fighting no longer

| has to go to school because it literally is

going to him. That’s one of the important new features of a unique, mobile setup that gives industrial, municipal and vol- unteer firemen advanced training in the use of portable extinguishers. The school is the only one of its kind, according to the Buffalo Fire Appliance Corporation

| of Dayton, Ohio, which started the pro-

gram early this year.

The school features the latest in port- able demonstration equipment. Heart of the equipment is a special rig developed to operate on LP gas. The rig, which fits into the trunk of an auto when disman- tled, can“simulate some of the most dan- gerous and hard-to-handle gas and oil fires. These include fire in a ruptured underground oil line, flaming liquid shooting from a broken pipe flange and flames bursting from an open pipe and rebounding from a nearby wall. The LP gas rig is a series of seven rubber hose lines, six of them with metal outlets simulating different types of fire hazards. The seventh line leads to a regular LP gas cylinder and feeds the liquid petro- leum to the other lines. When valves are turned on and a torch is applied to the outlets, the resulting fires roar at tem- peratures as high as 2400 degrees F.

The demonstrations begin with a brief talk on the techniques of using extin- guishers on the hazards to be demon- strated. Using dry chemical extinguishers, the demonstrator shows how each of the blazes is best approached and put out.

| Members of the audience are then af-

forded an opportunity to use the extin- guishers under the supervision of the demonstrator.

Fire Station Design

Fire chiefs, city officials, architects and engineers will be interested in Volume 5 of the Circul-Air Corporation’s publi- cation, “Fire Station Design.” The new 64-page book attractively presents floor plans, prospectives and descriptive data of approximately 100 of America’s new- est stations from all sections of the coun- try. Almost every conceivable type of structure covering appropriations from a modest $20,000 to some rather elaborate houses costing over $500,000 is repre- sented.

It will be mailed without charge to those in the fire service. To those outside the first service, the charge is $1.25 per copy. Address inquiries to The Circul- Air Corporation, 575 E. Milwaukee Av- enue, Detroit 2, Mich.

FIRE ENGINEERING

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RING

E. L. Decker Sales Manager Ward LaFrance

The appointments of Everett L. “Red” Decker as sales manager, and Edward F. Walsh as assistant sales manager, have been announced by F. Norman Tracy, vice president and general man-

Everett L. Decker

Edward F. Walsh

ager of the Ward LaFrance Truck Cor- poration, Elmira, N. Y. Mr. Decker has been associated with the Ward La France Truck Corporation in responsible sales or service positions since 1946, Mr. Walsh has been associated with the com- pany since 1953 in production, service and sales. A number of new sales repre- sentatives to represent the Ward La- France line have also been added.

Du Mont Sales Representative

OK Electronics Co., 447 West Genesee Street, Syracuse, New York, has been appointed sales representative for Du Mont Mobile Radio Communications Systems in North Central New York State, according to C. J. Harrison, sales manager of the Mobile Communications Department, Allen B. Du Mont Labora- tories, Inc.

Mack Names Pacific Northwest Distributor

Mack Trucks, Inc., has appointed the Howard-Cooper Corporation, Portland, Ore., as distributor for its line of fire apparatus in Washington, Oregon and Northern California. Howard - Cooper branches are located in Seattle, Wash.; Eugene, Albany, Roseburg, Central Point and Coquille, Ore., and Eureka and Red- ding, Cal.

for DECEMBER, 1956

| Yates a built-in POWRSAVER switch to save battery cur-

_PISTOL-GRIP POWRPAGE MODEL PP-2

NEW! UNIVERSITY PORTABLE SOUNDCASTING

®

CUTS THROUGH IRE PANIC

When lives depend upon clear, distinct projection of

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design types to solve sound application problems encountered at a fire or any emergency. With University, you are safe .. . and sure!

PORTABLE POWRPAGE MODEL PP-1!

The newest, most advanced design in portable ‘‘self-con- tained” electric soundcasters! It’s the most compact, effi- cient and lightweight system of its kind ever introduced. Weight? ... only 6 Ibs. (74% with batteries). Power? .. . uses seven 14% volt standard flashlight batteries. Speaker?

+» a specially matched high output, weatherproof reflex unit.

The exclusive University-built microphone delivers ex- ceptionally articulate voice response. The PP-1 incorpo-

rent when full output is not needed and also overcomes feedback problems encountered in any powerful sound system when used indoors.

Battery housing serves as a base stand for the entire as- sembly. Can be conveniently hung from any structure. Speaker has positive-lock swivel bracket for projecting sound in any desired direction, a comfortable carrying handle and microphone clip. 11 ft. microphone cable al- lows complete freedom of movement. Instantaneous op- eration . . . press-to-talk switch on microphone controls entire system. The ultimate in portable soundcasting!

$69.75 User net (less batteries)

Exclusive University built-in microphone produces crystal clear speech. Powerful sound is beamed, as you move, in any direction desired. Weight? . . . only a mere 4% pounds (with batteries). Power? . . . requires only six ordinary 1% volt ‘“‘pencil’”’ batteries fitted within the slim easy-grip handle to eliminate bulk.

A convenient “press-to-talk”” switch on handle assures | instantaneous operation. What’s more, a built-in POWR- SAVER switch saves battery current when full output is not needed. A special jack is also built into handle to ac- commodate an external 6 to 12 volt D.C. supply from vehicle and boat ignition.

The handle, switches and microphone housing are part of a die-cast aluminum assembly, and together with the integral weatherproof high output reflex speaker form a good-looking and exceptionally compact system.

$65.00 User net (less batteries)

Another reason why everyone is saying...

LISTEN

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1167

-—FALSE ALARMS —_

He Got Skunned

The hired man on a farm went on his first trip to the city. He returned wearing a scarf pin set with at least four carats bulk radiance. His employer bluntly asked if it was a real diamond.

“Wall, if it ain’t,” answered the hired man, “I’ve been skun out o’ four bits.”

Have pity on the fireman Whose girl has done him dirt; There’s nothing that can dry his eyes Except another skirt!

“Do Englishmen understand American slang?”

“Some of them do. Why?”

“My daughter is going to be married in London and the boy’s father has cabled me to come across.”

How True!

A city girl visiting in the country com- mented to an old farmer, “It must be wonderful to live in the country.”

The old man grinned, then replied, “Yes, it is. But I’ve noticed that city peo- ple dream of a farm at 5 o'clock in the afternoon—never at 5 in the morning!”

A businessman had an attack of pneu- monia and a doctor was called in. After an examination the doctor said, “I would guess that you are an amateur musician and play a wind instrument.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

That explains everything. There’s a distinct straining of the lungs and the larynx is inflamed as though by some ab- normal pressure. What instrument do you play?”

“The accordion.”

Considerable Splash

Mike Clancy had worked on river boats for more than 30 years when he fell over- board and was drowned. A friend con- soling the widow asked her, “Did Mike leave you well-fixed?”

“Indeed he did,” the widow replied, “He left me $10,000.”

The friend rolled her eyes heavenward. “And think of that,” she exclaimed, “And him that couldn’t read or write.”

Couldn’t read or write,” agreed the widow, “or swim!”

Figures may not lie, sez Kinkchaser, “but girdles keep a lot of them from telling the truth.”

The Poet’s Club gives an annual award to the author of the shortest poem. This year the subject was “The Flea.” The poem that won the prize was this: “Adam Had ’Em!”

Master or Slave?

Each man is master of his fate— So goes the ancient vow.

I got the news a bit too late— For I’m a husband now.

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1168

Chief’s Aide—Day Off!

The chief’s speed-fiend aide was spend- ing a day off on the new thruway, his heavy date beside him.

“It’s great speeding along like this! Don’t you feel glad you're alive?”

Date: “Glad isn’t the word. amazed!”

Im

Paste this’'un in your helmet: “Day- dreams on the job may mean nightmares in the hospital!”

Lad and Ladderman

The little son of Ladderman Rungge came running into his mother. “Gee, Mummy,” said the little boy, “I just knocked over the big ladder in the back- yard.

“That’s all right son,” she said, “Just go tell your daddy to pick it up.”

“But he can’t,” came the answer, “He’s hanging onto the roof.”

“I’m sorry sir,” said the telephone op- erator, “but that number’s been taken out.”

“Oh yeah,” barked the jealous hose- man, “and can you tell me who took her out?”

Christmas Cheer?

“I'm buying my old lady a washing machine as a Christmas present.”

“Bet that’ll be a big surprise, eh?”

“Sure will! She’s expecting a new car!”

He: “Let’s get married or something. She: “Let’s get married and I'll take it from there!”

The wealthy owner of a manufacturing plant had just suffered a fire which de- stroyed his entire building. His insurance agent, explaining the policy that covered the building, told him that the insurance company, instead of paying the claim in cash, would build him another plant just like the one that burned.

“Well,” replied the dealer, “If that’s the way your company does business, you can cancel the insurance on my wife.”

Sub-‘‘Seller’’ Work

Ladderman: “What does your son do down at the store?”

Engineman: “Oh, he’s got a swell job: he sells toys and pets in the basement.”

Ladderman: “Oh man! What a way to earn a living.”

“A flirt is a woman who believes that it’s every man for herself.”

Young Proby to best girl: “Let's have a trial marriage, and if we find we have made a mistake we can separate.”

“Oh sure,” said the dear young thing— “and what will we do with the mistake?”

FIRE ENGINEERING

end- y, his

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Car installation can be made in a few minutes and at low cost. Your regular auto radio antenna is used. Home sets merely plug-in like any radio.

THE VOLUNTEER is Quality and Precision Built Throughout

The impressive list of features proves that the VOLUN- TEER is in a class of its own. Only the long experienced designers and builders of the famous PAK-FONE 2-way Portable, so widely used in municipal, government and in- dustrial service, could offer so much value.

For complete information, contact your local 2-way radio service organization or write for literature.

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for DECEMBER, 1956

1169

| AERIAL TANKERS

Continued from page 1158

Chino Institute for Men prisoners, crews of Pala, Saboba, Banning and Rincon Indians as well as Zuni Indians from New Mexico and Arizona and 350 mili- tary personnel from Norton and George Air Force Bases and the Barstow Marine Base.

Meanwhile, the flames were raging out of control in a virtual fire storm toward the beautiful resort communities of San- ta’s Village and Skyforest. It was feared the blaze might move toward the larger communities of Crestline and Lake Ar- rowhead itself. Smoke from the fire cov- ered the area around San Bernardino and westward almost to the Los Angeles city limits.

Aerial water drop

Aerial bombardment was ordered in an attempt to slow the advancing tongues of flame. A converted torpedo bomber and seven Stearman air tankers were used to make the water chemical drops on the fire utilizing a low-level bombing type of attack to retard the rapid spread at key points until ground forces could secure them.

During four days of operation the ae- rial tankers made a total of 458 flights, dropping 43,260 gallons of water and water-borate solution on the fire. Twenty- five and a half tons of sodium calcium borate were used. To aid the aerial op- erations, the Los Angeles County Fire

ages Department dispatched its chemical j truck to Ontario International Airport to / = help mix the solutions for the planes. 14 Sheriff's deputies and California High- iq way Patrolmen blocked off all roads from

San Bernardino into the threatened resort areas. The way had to be cleared for evacuation of families and for the move- ment of nearly 200 pieces of fire appa- ratus. Sim Jarvi, supervisor of the San Bernardino National Forest, took charge of the operations as the fire menaced the communities of Running Spring and Lur- ing Pines to the point where they needed to be evacuated.

J

-OUTH DI}

& A a

Communications hampered

A telephone line to a Forest Service radio transmitter was burned out, ham- pering communications. Southern Califor- nia Edison Co. reported nearly six miles of its high tension cables were destroyed. As the fire moved closer to communities, nearby fire districts and cities were called for assistance. But more help was needed.

From 85 miles away Los Angeles County Fire Chief Keith E. Klinger or- dered four fully-manned engine compa- nies dispatched. At 9:50 p.m. on the 23rd, George Taylor, deputy chief of the State of California Disaster Office’s Fire Fighting Division called Chief Klinger, also regional Civil Defense fire chief, and requested dispatch of all CD triple combination pumpers under his command. Equipment based in the cities of Whittier, Arcadia, Glendale,

nll

Darley Champion 750 Gallon Pumper W. S. DARLEY & CO., Chicago 12

Because we make both Fire Pumps and Fire Apparatus, we can and do give you everything of the best and save you money too.

1170 FIRE ENGINEERING

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led

Inglewood, South Pasadena, and two from Los Angeles County stations re- sponded with crews directly to the fire. Other CD pumping units were ordered in from throughout Southern California. In all, 43 of the rigs from 37 cities and counties, some from as far as 200 miles away, were in service. In addition, 41 pieces of pumper-tanker equipment from various city and county departments re- sponded to the call for assistance.

Mobilized were 1400 men, 151 pump- er-tankers and water-hauling equipment, eight aerial tanks, 25 bulldozers and three helicopters. This concentration of men and equipment exceeded the massive forces used on the disastrous Monrovia Peak fire in the Angeles National Forest in December, 1953.

An experienced fire strategist com- mented on the mobilization: “One less man, or one less piece of equipment and we would have been unable to hold the fire from the communities in the vi- cinity of Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs.”

Numerous fire fighters received burns or broken bones, but no fatalities were re- ported when the fire finally was con- trolled on September 26. Richard John- son, Fire Prevention Officer for the San Bernardino National Forest and Elmer Osterman, C. D. F. Information Officer, reported the control of the fire cost $500,000 alone. Miraculously only three homes in the Crest Park area were burned, plus two small buildings and three house trailers. Building supplies in a Boy Scout Camp were destroyed. Offi- cials said that only the presence of the

pumping units with trained personnel |

saved at least 100 otker structures.

Although high forestry officials in the

San Bernardino area and those of Los Angeles County, who experienced the

rocket fiasco in August, know that jet |

crashes cannot be prevented, they joined in asking the Air Force to look into the

possibility of keeping the jets away from |

high fire hazard areas in the summer and fall. In November, U. S. Senator Thomas

F. Kuechel reported that the Air Force | was aware of the problem and some ef- | fort was being made to work out a solu- |

OO

tion,

Artificial Respiration for Young Children

The American Medical Journal re- cently explained a new method of arti- ficial respiration for children under two years of age. The child is held on the outstretched arm of the operator, with the head face-down in the operator’s

hand and the legs straddling the elbow |

joint. The tongue is depressed with a finger. Beginning with the forearm par-

allel to the ground, the operator raises |

and lowers the arm and baby eight to twelve times a minute in a 90-degree are bisected by the parallel. The baby’s abdominal organs push and tug on the

diaphragm, forcing air in and out of the | lungs. The easily learned method pre- | vents injuries that might be possible |

with some other methods.

for DECEMBER, 1956

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1171

Among the Buffs By Paul C. Ditzel

THIS, OUR FIRST COLUMN from high up in the Baldwin Hills district of Los Angeles, offers us a chance to sound off on a problem that strikes close to the heart of fire communications, a subject close also to the interests of many buffs.

From my study I look out now on a panoramic view of the city and, as you might guess, the reception is excellent from nearly all points in the city. The LAFD frequency is 33.9 megacycles and I have a BC-683-B receiver tuned to it

via a specially-constructed antenna, the base of which is the melted down crank- case from an old Seagrave. How I pur- loined this must remain a secret.

Ironically, we’ve sometimes seen smoke loomups from fires before the alarm goes out. A week ago we had a multiple alarm brush fire followed several days later by a major fire in a hardwood plant at 16th and Alameda Streets. This one pulled in 25 pieces of apparatus and sent up one of the sharpest nighttime loomups I’ve ever seen.

But my new and better location has again driven home a problem which is giving fire communications experts all over the country cause for alarm. Day- time listening to the LAFD frequency is a hodge-podge of conversation with sev-

Give a fireman a choice and he's sure to go for the Dragon Fire Pump

—the one designed from his point of view.

Dragon Fire Pumps come completely assembled. And because there's

no pump packing to dry out, they're always ready for instant action, even after standing idle for long periods. The special harness is not only easy to get into, but designed so the pump rides high where it can't throw the fireman off balance or interfere with walking.

Dragon Fire Pumps fight fire and fatigue! Just a few easy strokes of the |

pump lever gives the operator a continuous flow of water he can direct right where it does the most good. And a mere twist of the shut-off nozzle gives either solid stream or spray instantly. What's more, a fireman using a Dragon Fire Pump can take his hands off both shut-off nozzle and pump lever to use rake, shovel, or other tool.

Specify Dragon Fire Pumps and

get the pump designed with the firefighter in mind.

SOragen FIRE PUMPS

now available in 2 models No. 150-S —Stainless Steel Tank

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DRAGON FIRE PUMPS meet Under- writers’ Laboratories requirements and can be supplied with the UL label of inspection attached.

1172

VALUABLE DISTRIBUTOR- SHIPS AVAILABLE, WRITE TODAY.

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PENNSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

eral departments in widely scattered parts of the United States all but drowning out two-way transmissions. .

Battalion Chief Curtis Hart in charge of LAFD communications tells me the problem is caused by sun spots which experts say may continue to cause trouble for anywhere from two more years on up to 10. There isn’t an awful lot the LAFD can do about it either, unless they decide to change to the 152-162 band which would then put them in competi- tion with smaller communities around Los Angeles now using these frequencies.

The LAFD currently is progressing with a system whereby its rigs can trip a small switch on their dashboard mounted radios and broadcast on a slightly different frequency. In the near future, when all rigs are switched over to this dual setup, the second frequency will be used during extended fires—such as the ones that bedevil the LAFD in their vast Mountain Patrol areas. This will keep the main frequency clear for normal traffic in the Metropolitan or Westlake, Van Nuys, West Los Angeles and San Pedro districts.

Chief Hart and his technicians are put- ting a great deal of effort into their study. One very important step which would alleviate a great deal of the problem would be a common sense approach to the problem, says Chief Hart.

Even as I write this the postman ar- rived with the LAFD’s weekly bulletin which says in part:

“It must be understood by all person- nel of our department who use the radio, that the cities received on our radio sys- tem also receive us. Care should be exer- cised in radio use even though other cities may or may not follow what we consider good radio practice.”

In short, this would seem to suggest that radio transmissions be cut down to a bare minimum by all departments. Radio has truly been described as the greatest advance in the fire service since the development of motorized fire appa- ratus. True, it is comparatively new, but it is not a toy to be used indiscriminately. I’ hope to have more to say on this in the future.

No sooner did I holler “Fire!” in a re- cent column than the International Fire Buffs, Inc., responds with the first issue of their official newsletter: “Turn Out.” If the bulldog edition is any indication of future plans, this paper should be a whopping success.

Its editor is Ray Wheatley, 1813 N. Montford Avenue, Baltimore 13, Md. President of this organization is William E. Conradi, 86 Wakeman Ave., Newark 4, N. J., and Secretary is E. R. Dama- schke, 915 W. Marshall Ave., Ferndale 20, Mich. You can’t hardly find buffs like them no more.

I get a considerable amount of mail every month from buffs inquiring as to how they can join the IFBA. Now you can direct your queries to Brer Conradi and for this bit of news my harried mail carrier is most jubilant. When space per- mits I plan to give a more complete run- down on plans and problems being studied by this organization.

Also from the mails:

FIRE ENGINEERING

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Robert C. Bartosz, 628 N. 35th St., Camden 5, N. J., would like to corre- spond and trade photos of fires and rigs with other buffs.

Carl W. McClarty, Inspector, Special Risks Dept., New York Fire Insurance Rating Organization, 55 Grant Avenue, Albany 6, N. Y., wonders whether anyone can furnish him with a list of firemanic and “buff’ publications. (This question also pops up frequently and perhaps the IFBA can do something about it.)

Raymond T. Seward, publicity com- mittee chairman of The 255 Club, 1345 Rogers Ave., Brooklyn 10, N. Y., says their new officers include: Harold E. Graham, president (his 13th term); John Skelly, vice-president; Joseph Madden, treasurer and the Rev. William T, Walker, secretary. Executive board members in- clude: John Barberi, John Gallagher and Albert Purcino. (And if any of you 255’ers see your names spelled wrong hang Honest Raymond from the nearest pole hole, cause his handwritin’ ain’t fittin’ for a houn’ dog!) In his favor, however, is his top notch value as a correspondent for this column—and a faithful one, too.

Hope you club secretaries are changing your records to show this column running out of new quarters: 4234 Don Diablo Drive, Los Angeles 8, Calif.

THE FOLLOWING LIST includes fires of $10,000 and over in the United States and Canada for the period from October

22nd to November 22nd.

Alameda, Cal.—Clamp Swing Pricing Co, dam- aged.

Bakersfield, Cal.—Coberly-West Co. cotton gin yard destroyed. Spontaneous ignition.

Bell Gardens, Cal.—Furniture store behind Los Angeles County Fire Station No. 39, dam-

aged.

Hayward, Cal.—Lustig Furniture Store de- stroyed.

Los Angeles, Cal.—Boat Building Works de- stroyed.

Los Angeles, Cal.—American Hardwood Co. lumber yard destroyed; Pacific Wire Rope Co plant and Globe Wares and Products, Inc., damaged.

Los Angeles, Cal.—Safeway Market, Moazart Bar, Ethel’s Beauty Shop, Acapulco Taco House and Knobby Cleaners, destroyed.

Los Angeles, Cal.—Thalco Glass Fiber Products Co. warehouse damaged.

Martinez, Cal.—Barn and shed on Westwinds Farm and warehouse on Bettencourt Ranch, Highway 4, destroyed. Arson.

Marysville, Cal.—West Butte Gun Club dam- aged.

Monterey, Cal.—San Carlos Cannery building housing National Automotive Fibres, Inc., storage spaces, destroyed.

Oakland, Cal.—Norwood Paint Co. and Blue Heron Co. damaged.

Oakland, Cal.—Hexcel Products Co., airplane materials plant, damaged.

Placenta, Cal.—Santa Fe Hotel plus a variety store and television store, destroyed.

San Diego, Cal.—El Cajon Boulevard branch, Bank of America, damaged.

San Jose, Cal.—Grand View House destroyed.

San Mateo, Cal.—Mayfair Super Market and Shaw Ice Cream store at Hillsdale Shopping Center, damaged.

Santa Cruz, Cal.—Brookdale Lodge in San Lo- renzo Valley destroyed.

for DECEMBER, 1956

It’s a swell way to get a tan— BUT it’s a helluva way to dry fire hose. In fact... drying hose in the sun is the surest way to curtail its life expectancy. The sun bakes in contamination and, just as the sun dries your skin, it removes the natural oils from the cotton fibers and ages the rubber lining.

Hose should ALWAYS be washed after using, then dried with proper hose conditioning equipment.

FIRE HOSE DRYER

The patented, electrically operated Cireul-Air hose dryer circulates pre- warmed fresh air through loosely coiled hose at the rate of 5 to 6 air changes per minute. Saves floor space, hard work and lengthens hose life. No other drying method is so fast—so economical—so easy to use. Circul- Air is the preferred drying method in over 4,000 leading Fire Departments.

ACCEPTED — APPROVED — RECOMMENDED

Approved by Underwriters’ Labora- tories . . . and Canadian Standards

Association. Recommended by all LABORATORIES leading fire hose manufacturers. APPROVED PORTO-RAK HOSE STORAGE AND LOADING UNIT

Saves valuable space. Holds 1800 ft. of 2%4” hose—proportionately more of 1144”—in an 8 ft. space (when load- ing table is detached). Roll it right up to the truck for complete hose re- load—out of the way when not in use. Equipped with locking fiber wheeled casters.

NEW ote- Yet HOSE WASHER AUTOMATICALLY WASHES—RINSES—DRAINS

ROTO-JET Washes, Rinses, Drains hose thoroughly and quickly. Hose is self-propelled. Simple one man oper- ation. With or without detergents, ashes, dirt, mud and sludge are auto- matically scrubbed out and flushed away. Saves time. Lengthens hose life.

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1173

Sebastopol, Cal.— Nine business structures, stores and offices damaged. Arson. Vernon, Cal.— Levine Cooperage damaged.

Light bulb explosion fired paint thinner.

Vernon, Cal.—Pacific Vegetable Oil Co. labora- tory destroyed.

Watsonville, Cal——lLoma Linda Restaurant de- stroyed. Kitchen flue.

Hartford, Conn.—Business building housing six stores in 1600-1700 block on Park Street, destroyed.

Dover, Dela.—Navy’s lone Seamaster, giant sea-based jet plane still in experimental stage, destroyed. Plane was on a test flight from Glenn L. Martin Company plant.

Milford, Dela.—Windsor Hotel building occu- pied by apartments and stores, damaged. Shalimar, Fla.—Lively Marine Co.’s boat stor- age shed and 35 small craft destroyed, Acety-

lene torch.

Gooding, Ida.—Tingwall’s Department Store de- stroyed.

Moscow, Ida.—Moscow Beverage Co. damaged.

Bloomington, Ill.—Kappa Delta Sorority House

[Welalteehiteys) necessary

on Illinois Wesleyan University campus de-

stroyed.

Carlinville, Ill.—Grain elevator at Spenader Elevator Co. destroyed.

Chicago, Il.—Windsor Textile Co. building damaged.

New Berlin, Ill.—Rodee Theatre and Radicker Clover Leaf Farm Store destroyed; Midway Cafe damaged.

Springfield, Ill.—First destroyed.

Arcola, Ind.—Grain elevator owned by Allen County Co-op Association, Inc., destroyed. Indianapolis, Ind.—J. Forbes Lumber Co. saw-

mill destroyed.

Spurgeon, Ind.—Tatum’s grocery, warehouse, post office, dry goods store and restaurant, damaged.

Dubuque, Iowa—Frith Rendering Co. house destroyed.

Farley, lowa—Dwelling of Joe Boge, two miles north, destroyed.

Kipp, Kans.—Grain elevator and warehouse de- stroyed.

Congregational Church

ware-

Carbon bearings (oilless)

Bronze spur gears

9 (Oberdorfer alloy No. 16438)

Piston-finished stainless steel shafts

Bronze housing

OBERDORFER 10) 743 BOOSTER PUMPS

(Oberdorfer alloy No. 741)

These booster pumps with oilless bearings will last 3 to 5 times longer than the old style equipped with plain bronze bearings. As a result of closer machining tolerances, over 20 feet of suction lift may be depended on.

The No. 13 and No. 26 Oberdorfer Pumps are more fool-proof than they have ever been. When you get to a fire you have something you can count on. It isn’t necessary to wear pumps out checking them periodically to see if they will work. These pumps are metering pumps in principle and therefore must produce the same volume for every revolution of the drive shaft.

PERFORMANCE DATA—No. 26 and No. 13 PUMPS

Pump Pump Shaft Pounds | Hose Length] Dry Suction | Vol.inGal.

No. R.P.M. Pressure and Size_ | Lift in Feet | Per Minute 26 1600 120 500’—114” 20’ 150 13 1600 120 500’—114.” 20’ 75

FIRE PUMP DIVISION, Oberdorfer Foundries, Inc., Syracuse, N. Y.

1174

Henderson, Ky.—Old Ogden Looseleaf Tobacco Warehouse destroyed.

Mayville, Ky.—Gasoline tanks at Texaco bulk plant damaged.

Paducah, Ky.—Atomic Energy Commission's Gaseous Diffusion Plant, 10 miles west, op- erated by Union Carbide Nuclear Co. dam- aged.

Boothbay Harbor, Maine — Five waterfront buildings which made up the plant of Pierce and Hartung Company, building supply firm, destroyed.

Bridgewater, Maine—Two potato houses filled with potatoes, destroyed.

Freedom, Maine—Chicken house and a_ barn including 30,500 three-week chicks at Knox Ridge Poultry Farm destroyed.

Lewiston, Maine—St. Dom’s Arena destroyed. Defective oil burner.

Orono, Maine—Thetz Chi fraternity house on University of Maine campus destroyed.

Presque Isle, Maine—Barn owned by Bernard Adams, six miles away, destroyed. Lost also were 3800 barrels of potatoes.

Winter Harbor, Maine—Grindstone Inn, sum- mer hotel, destroyed.

Barre, Mass.—Williams Block, mercantile and multiple dwelling, damaged.

Boston, Mass.—Eight three-story tenements in East Boston section, destroyed.

Boston, Mass.—Congregation Sons of Abraham Temple damaged.

Benton Harbor, Mich.—Building serving as headquarters for Emery’s resort in Fair Plain, destroyed.

Flint, Mich._—Wholesale Merchandise Co. stor- age building destroyed,

Niles, Mich.—Paul’s Toggery, men’s and boys’ clothing store, destroyed; adjacent J. C. Pen- ney Co, department store damaged.

Lamberton, Minn.—Farmers Feed stroyed.

Richfield, Minn.—Teens and Tots clothing store and White Way Cleaners destroyed; auto store, paint shop and supermarket damaged at Nicollet Plaza Shopping Center.

Rochester, Minn.—Downtown J. C. store destroyed.

Biloxi, Miss.—Folkes Building in downtown business district, housing a clothing store, a shoe store, a jewelry store and a dance studio, damaged.

Collins, Miss.—Thompson Funeral Home, gro- cery, feed mill and warehouse destroyed. McComb, Miss.—Two brick buildings, housing hotel and six businesses destroyed; two other

buildings damaged.

Fulton, Mo.—Two buildings at William Woods College destroyed; another damaged.

Wellston, Mo.—aAllhof Bros., Inc., feed and grain warehouse, destroyed.

Butte, Mont.—Daly-Shea Mortuary damaged.

Kalispell, Mont.—Equity Supply Co. Creamery damaged.

Missoula, Mont.—Eagles Lodge building dam- aged.

Sidney, Neb.—Rae’s Sporting Goods shop and sadjacent vacant building, destroyed.

Dover, N. H.—Seigel’s Department Store dam- aged.

Camden, N. J.—Building occupied by Anthony Sales Co. and General Merchandise Distribu- tors Co., damaged.

Clifton Heights, N. J.—Belcher Buick Co. de- stroyed.

Closter, N. J.—-John J. Demarest, Inc., lum- ber and coal yards, damaged.

Paterson, N. J.—Miller & Dobbin furniture store damaged.

Paterson, N. J.—Elementary damaged. Defective wiring.

Gainesville, N. Y. — Warehouse, Wyoming County, containing potatoes, destroyed.

Queens, N. Y.—Bowling alleys of James Ap- pello; Pachtman children’s furniture store; Kane Dry Cleaners, Glenwood Manor, ball- room and dance studio, damaged.

Rochester, N. Y.—Building in northwest sec- tion housing restaurant, shoe store and apart- ments, destroyed,

Roslyn, N. Y.—St. Francis Hospital and Sani- torium employees’ dormitory, damaged.

Silver Creek, N. Y.—Two frame buildings, Chautauqua County, housing restaurant, dry goods store and apartments damaged.

Syracuse, N. Y.—Building, West Wilbur Avenue and West Fayette Street, housing five busi- ness firms and apartments, damaged.

Bowling Green, Ohio—Building housing Mont- gomery Ward store damaged.

Cleveland, Ohio—Ohio Drug & Specialty Co.

Mill de-

Penney

school No. 24

FIRE ENGINEERING

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building, Patented Plastics Co. and adjoining Merchants Grocery Co., wholesale food con- cern, damaged.

Montpelier, Ohio—C. D. Neff & Son Garage, Joan’s Beauty Shop; Hartford City News- Times offices; dwelling of Mrs. Hannah Phile- baum and apartment destroyed; Hiser Music Studios, Bob Walsmith Service Cleaners, Guy Kershner’s electrical store and apartment, damaged. Explosions.

Navarre, Ohio—Joe’s IGA Market, Navarre De- partment Store and apartments, damaged. Strasburg, Ohio—First Lutheran Church de- stroyed. Short circuit in heating fan system.

Clinton, Okla.—Cotton gin destroyed.

Hugo, Okla.—Building occupied by Piggly- Wiggly food store damaged. Defective wir- ing in store’s refrigeration system.

Oklahoma City, Okla.—B. F. Goodrich Tire Co. appliance store destroyed.

Vinita, Okla.—Arkie’s Cafe damaged.

Eugene, Ore.—Noti Grade School cafeteria and auditorium damaged.

Garibaldi, Ore.—Washington Plywood Co. de- stroyed. Explosion.

Gearhart, Ore.—Oregon Train Restaurant de- stroyed.

John Day, Ore.—C. L. Pine Lumber Co. de- stroyed.

Klamath Falls, Ore.—Ninety-Seven Nite Club destroyed.

Molalla, Ore.—Colton School gymnasium de- stroyed.

Oregon City, Ore.—Oregon City Glass Co., Arnold Cafe and Pankey Motor Co. damaged.

Explosion.

Pendleton, Ore.—St. Joseph’s Academy de- stroyed.

Roseburg, Ore.—Taft Mountain Ski Club de- stroyed.

Bridesburg, Pa.—Four trailers, tractor and car- go, near terminal of Spector Freight Systems, Inc., destroyed.

Bristol, Pa.—Kemline, Inc. warehouse and ga- rage building damaged.

Columbia, Pa.—Beacon Shoe Manufacturing Co. plant damaged.

Doylestown, Pa.—Loucheim Gymnasium at Na- tional Agricultural College destroyed.

Eddington, Pa.—Sawmill at Eppinger and Rus- sell Co. destroyed.

Lancaster, Pa.—G. B. Kinney Co. store and Singer Sewing Machine Co. damaged.

Lock Haven, Pa.— Fuiniture manufacturing plant of Robert A. Griffin damaged. Electrical socket spark ignited lacquer fumes.

McAdoo, Pa.—Junior high school destroyed.

New Bedford, Pa.—- Warehouse and office building of Lapin Lumber & Supply Co. destroyed.

Philadelphia, Pa.—Building housing Co-opera- tive Utilities Co. and Calebaugh Self Lubri- cating Carbon Co. destroyed.

Upper Darby, Pa.—Dwelling of George W. Wilkins, damaged. Blow torch.

Lonsdale, R. I.—Former Ann & Hope textile mill, now factory outlet store of Realty Asso- ciates, damaged.

Providence, R. I.—Leavitt-Colson electrical supply house; adjoining Weybosset Pure Food Market damaged.

Humboldt, Tenn. — Humboldt School building destroyed. Memphis, Tenn.—Patterson Lift Truck Co, de-

stroyed, Exhaust spark from truck.

Piney Flats, Tenn.—Mary Hughes School dam- aged.

Sevierville, Tenn.—Sevierville Grain and Feed Co. destroyed.

Corpus Christi, Tex.—Smith office building and Lichtenstein’s store damaged.

Dallas, Tex.—Southland Feed Mills elevator, 12 railroad box cars and Loffland Steel Co. building, damaged.

Chehalis, Wash.—Perry Brothers Hatchery de- stroyed.

Eatonville, Wash.—Malcolm Park Lumber Co. destroyed. Burner sparks.

Hoquiam, Wash.—Blagen Mill Co. damaged. Faulty heater.

Kalama, Wash.—TZehntbauer Lodge destroyed.

Toppenish, Wash.—Idaho Sugar Co. plant dam- aged.

Charleston, W. Va.—Barn on nearby Jefferson Farm destroyed.

Huntington, W. Va.—Offices and warehouse of Goldsmith-Sydnor, Inc., wholesale tobacco and novelty firm, destroyed.

London, Ont.—Glendale Mobile Homes Ltd. plant destroyed.

Toronto, Ont.—King Edward Hotel damaged.

Junior High

for DECEMBER, 1956

When you develop a new product, do you invite A NEW FIRE HAZARD?

Talet-Jalreler-mecolaaaleir-irelar-

that create new sales

may, at the same time,

>¥- Co Ma Comme lal-> del-lei(-leoMm jig -mial-)4-(gel— ma -¥-) ol-Toit-lih ami mmit-laalaat-lell—

ire [eile t-mr- (e-em ef-s Me) Mi ial—am olledielg—»

leo) aie mm ol-mr- Tangle) et-jal-re

by these “surprise’”’ risks.

y+“ jam F-bile)at- iim mker-leal fo) am a-ote)aalaal-leler-t4le)at—mela|

folge) ol-lam iia-me oleeh(-Teqilelal:

NATIONAL FOAM System, Inc. West Chester, Pa.

The only company exclusively engaged in the design, development and manufacture of foam fire protection equipment and chemicals.

1175

Hoosier NYLON SALVAGE COVERS

Because they are

50% Lighten

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indianapolis 6, ind. — Phone MElrose 2-9451 New York Office: 205 W. 34th St., LOngacre 4-3884

1176

Qccstions and essere

wherein are answered questions relating to current problems in the fire protection

Multiple Choice Questions

Question: When all other factors re- main the same, siamesing 24-inch hose lines will result in reduced friction loss. Of the following, the one most likely would be (a) 28 per cent; (b) 52 per cent; (c) 62 per cent; (d) 72 per cent.

Answer: Siamesing 24-inch lines re- duces the friction loss to only 28 per cent of that for a single line. The wording of the question “will result in reducing the friction loss” leads us to believe that (d) is the proper answer since the friction less would be “reduced 72 per cent.”

Question: What pressures must be maintained at the’ pump to produce a fair fire stream through a single line of 500 feet of 212-inch hose, using a 1%- inch nozzle which is elevated 60 feet (five stories) above the street: (a) 143 psi; (b) 148 psi; (c) 158 psi; (d) 168 psi?

Answer: The wording “fair stream” is confusing. A “good” stream is referred to as one produced with from 40 to 60 psi nozzle pressure. We can only assume that the intention is to compare the two terms, but we know of no one using the term “fair” for a range of pressure. The method of solving will be shown using 50 psi as an “ideal” pressure and you may solve for any pressure by merely substituting for the 50 psi.

The pump pressure will be the sum of the nozzle pressure plus the friction loss and back pressure caused by gravity in the elevated portion. Since there are two unknowns, we must first solve for one of them in order to have a complete equation. Finding the total discharge un- der the stated conditions will enable us to obtain the friction loss and complete the equation.

Q= 29.7 X dX vP - = 29.7 X 1.125 X 1.125 X V50 = 29.7 X 1.265 X 1.265 X 7.08 = 266 gpm

Then: F. L. = 2Q?+Q

2 X 2.66 X 2.66 + 2.66

2 X 7.1 + 2.66

14.2 + 2.66

16.86, or 16.9 psi

EP. =A. TE. + BP. = 50 + (16.86 X 5) + (60 X .434)

Wu ue dl

= 50 + 84.3 + 26 = 160 psi approximately The correct answer would be (c) as it is the closest to 160 psi.

Note: Using the NBFU fire stream tables, if a discharge of 265 gpm is used for a 1%-inch nozzle, the answer will be 158 psi. By substituting 40, 45, 55 or 60 psi for the nozzle pressure and using the NBFU fire stream tables to obtain

the discharge, none of the answers will be the equivalent of those stated. There- fore we assume that the intended nozzle pressure was 50 psi and that (c) must be correct.

Question: What would be the pressure required for a maximum stream, single line of 22-inch hose, 600 feet long, us- ing a 1%4-inch nozzle with no elevation?

Answer: The wording of this question leaves much to be desired. The term “maximum” has never been defined in relation to a nozzle pressure or a stream to our knowledge. The NBFU tables show the discharge of a 1%-inch nozzle at 150 psi to be 565 gpm. This is the maximum listed in the table, but it may be possible to continue the listing beyond this point. Under the conditions stated, an engine pressure in the neighborhood of 570 psi would be required, which may be considered absurd by many.

Question: Employing a stretch of a single line of 24-inch hose equipped with a l-inch nozzle at 45 psi, what is the maximum stretch a single pumper can supply: (a) 1,000 feet; (b) 1,500 feet; (c) 2,000 feet; (d) 2,500 feet?

Answer: The question does not state the capacity or pressure ratings of the pump to be used. Without these figures