1911-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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FIRE ALARM SYSTEM The fire alarm system has caused considerable trouble during the past year. Every damp or stormy day part of the system was out of commission and at times the entire system was out. Mr. R. W. Le Baron, the superintendent of wires of Arlington, made a careful examination of the lines and reported that they were in just as bad condition as they could be, and still be in operation. The engineers decided to do the work that was absolutely necessary to carry the system safely through this winter, and this work has been done. The centre, or heart, of the town, is now in first class condition, but the outskirts will need considerable attention this coming year. Mr. Le Baron is now at work on a plan of the fire alarm system. When this is completed all future work can be handled in an intelli- gent manner. STEAMER We can say very little in regard to the steamer other than what has been said by past boards of engineers. This piece of apparatus has been in the department a long time, and its pumping capacity is not great enough to be of much use in case of a serious fire. RECORD OF ALARMS The past year has been the busiest year in the history of the department. Eighty-one alarms were answered during the year, fifty brush, thirteen chimney, and fifteen house fires. There were three false alarms. The fire loss has been kept down to a very low figure, and with the new auto, chemical in operation, the loss next year should be even less. RECOMMENDATIONS Chimney fires are becoming more numerous each year, and we recommend that house owners should have their chimneys cleaned once a year, especially in the houses that have open fireplaces. 136 The flushing and care of hydrants should be turned over to the fire department. This department is the one most interested in the hydrants and, in our opinion, should have charge of therm. A special appropriation should be made for the fire alarm system. A certain amount of work should be done each year until the system is put in first class condition. We recommend that the town purchase an automobile pump for the Centre and an automobile combination chemical and hose wagon for East Lexington. The cost of these two pieces of apparatus would be about $I1,000. This amount of money could be hired for $140.00 per year. This apparatus would take the place of five horses. It costs the town $250.00 per year to maintain each horse, or $1250,00 for the five horses. GVith proper care the cost of maintenance of the automobile apparatus should be very small. FINANCES We were obliged to run over our appropriation this year as certain matters have come up which were not thought of when the appro- priation was asked far at the March meeting. The cost of fitting up and maintaining temporary quarters during the remodelling of the Engine House has been to date $302.94. The cost for repairs of fire alarm has been $557.05. The overdraft of last year was $1526.70, which has been paid out of this year's appropriation. Respectfully submitted, B. 3. HARRINGTON, Chief. DAVID HENNESSEY, 1st Asst. EDWARD H. MARA, 2nd Asst. and Clerk. Board of Engineers. 136