LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA.
Gl FT OF
iftAA^L n....ik.i.
Class
ATION OF THE
FIRE DEPARTMENT |
OF NEW YORK
A REPORT FOR THE COMMISSIONERS
H| ACCOUNTS, BV GREELY S, CURTIS,
CON. ENG'R, REPRESENTING .THE MER-
'CHANTS- ASSOCIATION OP' NEW YORK
MAY 5, 1908
MERCHANTS' ASSOCIATION OF NEW TOR*
INVESTIGATION
OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
OF NEW YORK
INVESTIGATION OF THE
FIRE DEPARTMENT
OF NEW YORK
A REPORT FOR THE COMMISSIONERS
OF ACCOUNTS, BY GREELY S. CURTIS,
CON. ENG'R, REPRESENTING THE MER-
CHANTS' ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK
MAY 5, 1908
THE MERCHANTS' ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK
t
THE
MERCHANTS' ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK
OFFICERS
HENRY R. TOWNE, President
GUSTAV H. SCHWAB, 1st Vice-Pres. GUSTAV VINTSCHGER, Treasurer
WM. A. MARBLE, ad Vice-Pres. S. C. MEAD, Secretary
WM. J. SCHIEFFELIN, 3d Vice-Pres. FREDERICK B. DiBERARD, Statistician
JOHN W. GRIGGS, Counsel
DIRECTORS
NATHAN BIJUR 32 Nassau St.
FRANK R. CHAMBERS Rogers, Peet & Co., Broadway and I3th St.
J. HAMPDEN DOUGHERTY 27 William St.
HARRY DOWIE De Winter & Co., 334 Greenwich St.
THOMAS H. DOWNING R. F. Downing & Co., 24 State St.
PROF. JOSEPH FRENCH JOHNSON, Dean, School of Commerce, Finance and
Accounts, New York University 32 Waverley Place
WALTER C. KERR...Pres. Westinghouse, Church, Kerr & Co., 8 Bridge St.
JAMES H. KILLOUGH J. H. Killough & Co., 157 West St.
CHARLES R. LAMB J. & R. Lamb, 23 Sixth Ave.
WM. H. McCoRD Post & McCord, 44 East 23d St.
J. CRAWFORD MCCREERY, The James McCreery Realty Corp., 112 W. 42d St.
WM. A. MARBLE Vice-Pres. R. & G. Corset Co., 395 Broadway
MARCUS M. MARKS David Marks & Sons, 687 Broadway
DANIEL P. MORSE President Morse & Rogers, 134 Duane St.
ROBT. C. OGDEN 125 East 56th St.
EDWIN H. SAYRE R. C. Williams & Co., 56 Hudson St.
WM. J. SCHIEFFELIN Schieffelin & Co., 170 William St.
GUSTAV H. SCHWAB Oelrichs & Co., 5 Broadway
HENRY R. TOWNE President Yale & Towne Mfg. Co., 9 Murray St.
GEORGE FRED'K VIETOR Victor & Achelis, 66 Leonard St.
GUSTAV VINTSCHGER President Markt & Co., Ltd., 194 West St.
SILAS D. WEBB President China & Japan Trading Co., 32 Burling Slip
CLARENCE WHITMAN Clarence Whitman & Co., 39 Leonard St.
F. W. WOOL WORTH President Guardian Trust Co., 170 Broadway
V.
•173418
COMMITTEE ON INSURANCE
FRANK R. CHAMBERS, Chairman.
CECIL F. SHALLCROSS
JOHN C. EAMES
CHARLES R. LAMB
GEORGE FRED'K VIETOR
VI.
PREFATORY.
T N January, 1908, Mayor McClellan directed his Commissioners
of Accounts, Messrs. John Purroy Mitchel and Ernest Y.
Gallaher, to make an investigation of the methods and efficiency
of the Fire Department of New York.
The Merchants' Association's Committee on Insurance ten-
dered to the Commissioners the expert services of Captain Greely
S. Curtis, Consulting Engineer, for the purposes of the examina-
tion, which tender was accepted. Acting under the instruction of
the Commissioners, Capt. Curtis examined into certain features
of the organization, administration and operation of the Fire De-
partment, (other branches of the investigation having been
assigned to the New York Board of Fire Underwriters) and on
behalf of The Merchants' Association, made to the Commissioners
of Accounts the following report thereon.
VII.
NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT
INVESTIGATION.
TOPICS.
ORGANIZATION.
SUPERVISION.
SUBDIVISIONS.
MEMBERSHIP AND SALARIES.
ADMINISTRATION.
COMMISSIONER AND DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS.
HEADQUARTERS STAFF.
FIRE MARSHAL.
OPERATION.
ENLISTMENT.
PROMOTION.
RETIREMENT.
FIRE METHODS.
PERSONNEL.
UNIFORMED FORCE.
PARKER BUILDING FIRE. (APPENDIX A).
PERSONAL OBSERVATION AND COMMENTS.
REPORT ON HOSE SPECIFICATIONS. (APPENDIX B)
CONTENTS.
PART I.
ORGANIZATION. PAGE.
SUPERVISION 3
SUBDIVISIONS 4
MEMBERSHIP AND SALARIES 7
ADMINISTRATION.
FIRE COMMISSIONER 9
DEPUTY FIRE COMMISSIONERS 9
HEADQUARTERS STAFF 1 1
Secretaries and chief clerk 1 1
Reports and records 12
Clerical force 13
Bookkeeping 13
Purchasing and storekeeping 14
Messenger service 14
Supervision of headquarters building 14
Relief fund 15
Business administration 15
Transfers and temporary details 16
Methods 17
Efficiency of the staff 19
BUREAU CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT:
Staff 20
BUREAU OF FIRE MARSHAL:
Organization and personnel 21
Duties 22
Possible improvements 22
FIRE FORCE: OPERATION:
ENLISTMENT 24
Requirements 24
Examinations 25
Selection of eligibles 31
Probationary period 32
PROMOTIONS:
Charter provisions 32
Rating candidates 34
Selection of eligibles 37
RETIREMENT 38
XI.
PERSONNEL. PAGE.
RECORDS OF CHIEF OFFICERS 40
DIAGRAMS.
CHART A. Department Organization. Facing page 4
CHART B. Headquarters Staff, Manhattan.
Facing page 6
CHART C. Bureau Chief of Department.
Facing page 1 1
PART II.
OPERATION: FIRE METHODS.
INTRODUCTORY < 51
WATER SUPPLY:
Adequacy of distribution system 51
Hydrant tests 51
Supply at past fires 52
SELECTION OF HYDRANTS:
Instructions to department 55
Method for locating engines 58
ATTACHING TO HYDRANTS :
Size of connection 59
Choice of hydrant outlet 60
OPERATION OF ENGINES:
Instructions governing water delivered 60
Speed of engines 61
Slip of pumps 62
Size of streams 62
Steam pressures 63
Water pressures . 64
Handling of engines 65
ARRANGEMENT AND SELECTION OF HOSE:
Use of large size hose 65
Siamesed lines of hose 66
Increased supply for fires 67
Superfluous hose 67
SELECTION OF NOZZLES:
Size of nozzles . 69
Type of nozzle 69
USE OF WATER TOWERS:
Number of streams 7°
Connecting pipes 70
Number of towers employed 71
Use with high pressure service ' 71
xn.
USE OF STANDPIPES: PAGE.
Advantages and disadvantages 71
Suggestions for portable standpipes 72
USE OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS, ETC.:
Regulations and practice 73
Perforated pipes 74
Sprinkler installations 75
CHEMICAL ENGINES:
Lack of equipment in Manhattan 76
Advantages of chemical apparatus 77
LADDER SERVICE:
Practice of New York department 8 1
Extension ladders 81
MISCELLANEOUS APPLIANCES:
Smoke helmets 82
Ladder pipes 83
Deluge sets and turret nozzles 84
Hose couplings 85
SUGGESTIONS ON HIGH PRESSURE SERVICE:
Pressure on hose 86
Reducing valves and gauges 87
GENERAL TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY:
Trained engineers 88
IMPROVEMENTS RECOMMENDED:
Fire Methods 89
PART III.
APPENDICES.
OBSERVATIONS ON PARKER BUILDING FIRE (Appendix A)
Operation of fire engines 97
Operation of water towers 100
Handling of fire streams 101
Generalship 103
Selection of hydrants 103
Ladder service 103
Life-saving work 104
Three-inch hose couplings 104
Safeguarding the Florence House 104
Chemical engines 106
Execution of orders 106
Water supply 107
Recapitulation 108
REPORT ON HOSE SPECIFICATIONS (Appendix B) 112
XIII.
OF THE
f UNIVERSITY )
OF //
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
NEW YORK, June 4, 1908.
Frank R. Chambers, Esq.,
Chairman Committee on Insurance
The Merchants' Association of Nezv York
SIR:
I have the honor to transmit herewith a complete copy of the
report on the New York Fire Department which I presented to
the Honorable Commissioners of Accounts in the course of their
investigation.
This is accompanied by the report made by Mr. H. F. J.
Porter on certain features of the Fire Department. Most of the
essential points contained in Mr. Porter's report have been em-
bodied in my full report and will be found in Part I of that
report.
The recommendations concerning the subjects touched on in
Part I do not appear in the report as presented to the Commis-
sioners of Accounts, as it was considered wiser that these recom-
mendations should be taken up by the Merchants' Association
directly with the Fire Department. The recommendations
referred to are as follows :
IMPROVEMENTS RECOMMENDED.
CONCERNING THE HEADQUARTERS OFFICIALS AND METHODS OF
THE NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners.
That the position of Deputy Commissioner be made per-
manent and appointments to that position be subject to the
Civil Service rules.
XIV.
Headquarters Staff.
That transfers in the clerical staff be made only when
the service will obviously benefit thereby.
That those temporary details which have become practi-
cally permanent be recognized and be made permanent
transfers.
That periodic conferences be held by the heads of the
various bureaus under the supervision of the Fire Com-
missioner or a Deputy Commissioner.
That the services of a methodizer be engaged at suitable
intervals to modernize the methods employed in handling
the business of the department.
That the annual report of the department be properly
edited and issued without unreasonable delay.
That the transactions of the Fire Department be made
available for publication in the City Record with greater
promptness than obtains at present.
That the Bureau of Violations and Auxiliary Fire Appli-
ances be established upon a proper basis and be organized
with sufficient permanent members to carry out its work
efficiently.
That the men detailed from the uniformed force to per-
form clerical and other duties be given proper training in
the service to which they may be assigned only after an in-
vestigation has shown that the individual men are capable
of executing such service efficiently. This refers particularly
to what is known as " medical details."
That proper steps be taken to lessen the interruptions to
which the staff at headquarters are at present subject.
Fire Marshal.
That the work of the Bureau of Fire Marshal be made
more effective through disseminating the information gath-
ered by that office more fully, and also through closer co-
operation between the Fire Marshal's office and the under-
writing interests.
xv.
In carrying out the investigation I have received every assist-
ance from the Commissioners of Accounts and courtesies from
the Fire Department, particularly through the late Commissioner
Bonner and Chief of Department Edward F. Croker. Com-
missioner Hayes also very courteously rendered Mr. Porter valu-
able assistance both personally and through the subordinates at
headquarters in the progress of the work carried out by the
latter gentleman.
Respectfully submitted,
GREELY S. CURTIS,
Consulting Engineer.
XVI.
PART I
ORGANIZATION
ADMINISTRATION
OPERATION: Fire Force
ORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
SUPERVISION.
HP HE Fire Department is under the responsible supervision of
a single Commissioner, who is appointed by the Mayor.
Under the Charter, Section 95, the Mayor may remove the Fire
Commissioner at any time whenever in his opinion the public
interest requires it. Other than this no stated period is set for the
Commissioner's term of office, but it is customary to change the
incumbent of the position of Fire Commissioner whenever a new
city administration takes office.
The Commissioner has power under the Charter to appoint
and at pleasure remove, two Deputy Commissioners, who are
expected to perform such duties as may be directed by the Com-
missioner. In recent years the practice appears to be for the
city administration to designate the Deputy Commissioners with
the acquiescence of the Commissioner. One of the Deputies is
delegated to perform such duties and business of the Fire Depart-
ment in the Boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens as may be directed
by the Commissioner. In practice this Deputy is given practically
a free hand in the management of the department in Brooklyn
and Queens except that his actions are nominally subject to the
approval of the Commissioner. The other Deputy takes charge
of the maintenance of discipline and many routine matters in
the Boroughs of Manhattan, The Bronx and Richmond, his
actions also being subject to the approval of the Commissioner.
The Commissioner has power to authorize one of his Deputies
in his absence to assume all the functions of the Commission-cr
except in regard to appointments, promotions or dismissals in
the uniformed force.
Under the Charter, the Commissioner has the exclusive power
to govern and manage the department, to make all necessary
purchases, and to organize it into such bureaus as may be con-
venient and necessary for the performance of the duties imposed
3
by the Charter. Also to select the heads of all bureaus and their
assistants. He is, however, restricted in making changes in the
uniformed force through the operation of the Civil Service act,
and also to a slight extent by the Charter provision that assign-
ments to duty and promotions in the uniformed force shall be
made by the Fire Commissioner upon the recommendation of
the Chief of Department. This provision has apparently lost
part- of its efficacy in recent years.
SUBDIVISIONS.
y"PHE work of the department is subdivided into ten bureaus
or branches in Manhattan and seven in Brooklyn. These
bureaus are indicated diagrammatically on Chart A, submitted
herewith, in which the Bureau of Chief of Department and the
Bureau of Fire Alarm Telegraph are further subdivided accord-
ing to borough limits for convenience on the city pay rolls. The
bureaus specified on the chart are listed in the order in which
their respective pay rolls appear in the budget for the currtent
year.
BOROUGHS OF MANHATTAN, THE BRONX AND RICHMOND.
Headquarters Staff.
Bureau of Combustibles.
Bureau of Fire Marshal.
Repair Shops.
Hospital and Training Stables.
Superintendent of Buildings.
Bureau of Chief of Department. (Manhattan Bronx and
Richmond.)
Bureau of Fire Alarm Telegraph. (Manhattan, Bronx and
Richmond. )
Bureau of Violations and Auxiliary Fire Appliances. (No
• pay roll.)
Relief Fund. (No pay roll.)
BOROUGHS OF BROOKLYN AND QUEENS.
Headquarters Staff.
Bureau of Combustibles.
Bureau of Fire Marshal.
HB
it
H£AD
0
BU/t£A(J OF COMBUST/ Bi£S
BUftEAU Of &/?£
XEP/t/fl SHOPS
HOSF/TAL fr 77f/l//V//VG 'SW&ifS
SUf*r.
BVftfAU Of F//?£ AlARM TflfGKAPH
BUJfEAU Of WOLA T/OW3 &AUX. F/RE JPP.
33
Of r'S?£ 2) Eft Q © ©
CD©
/?£l J£F FUND
STABlfS
/?£/*/)/* SHOP'S
0)
Repair Shops.
Hospital and Training Stables.
Bureau of Chief of Department.
Bureau of Fire Alarm Telegraph.
The above bureaus and subdivisions stand on different foot-
ings. In the latest report issued by the Fire Department the
Secretary of the Relief Fund is listed with the headquarters
staff, the officers in charge of the Repair Shops, and o,f the
Hospital and Training Stables in both Manhattan and Brooklyn
appear under the Bureau of Chief of Department, while the
subordinates in these two branches are listed under Repair Shops,
and Hospital and Training Stables, respectively.
The Bureau of Violations and Auxiliary Fire Appliances does
not appear in the list, as the officer in charge and his subordi-
nates are almost all detailed from the Bureau Chief of Department.
The status of this particular bureau has been a cause of con-
siderable friction since its establishment in December, 1903.
Under the Charter, Section 727, the Bureau Chief of Department
is charged with the duty of preventing and extinguishing fires
and of protecting property from water used at fires. The claim
is made that in virtue of this section of the Charter, the Bureau
of Violations and Auxiliary Fire Appliances, which has to do
with the prevention of fires and appliances to supply water for
their extinguishment, belongs properly under the control of the
Chief of Department. Under the existing arrangement the officer
in charge of the Bureau of Violations and Auxiliary Fire Appli-
ances reports directly to the Fire Commissioner and is in no man-
ner responsible to the Chief of Department, leaving, it is claimed,
the latter responsible official with practically no knowledge of
what appliances are ordered or what notices are served to pro-
vide auxiliary fire appliances. In this connection, reference is
made to letters from the Chief of Department to the Fire Com-
missioner under dates of February 26, 1904, and February 8, 1908.
In the letters referred to, the Chief of Department asks that de-
tails of members of the uniformed force to the Bureau of Viola-
tions be revoked, indicating thereby, that the details exist in
contravention of the intent of Section 728 of the Charter. Section
728 provides that assignments to duty in the uniformed force
shall be made by the. Fire Commissioner upon the recommenda-
tion of the Chief of Department.
It is recommended that the Bureau of Violations be estab-
lished on a permanent basis, preferably with civilian employees
and a competent engineering staff all appointed through the Civil
Service Commission.
The general subject of fire prevention is of so great impor-
tance that it deserves fuller recognition by the Fire Department.
A Bureau of Fire Prevention under a permanent officer of rank
analogous to that of the Chief of Department could add materi-
ally to the security of the city if given proper authority and
organization. The present Bureaus of Violations and Auxiliary
Fire Appliances, of Combustibles and of the Fire Marshal would
properly become subdivisions of the proposed Bureau of Fire
Prevention as all of them have to do more with the prevention
rather than the extinguishment of fires. With wider powers to
require automatic building protection, correction of dangerous
conditions, establishment of stricter building laws, etc., such a
bureau could do much to improve fire conditions in the city.
Bureau Chief of Department.
The entire fire fighting force of the five boroughs is divided
into thirteen divisions under the control and supervision of the
Chief of Department. Each division is under the immediate
supervision of a Deputy Chief, and in addition the four divisions
in Brooklyn and Queens are supervised by the Deputy Chief in
charge of those boroughs. The Boroughs of Manhattan and
The Bronx are divided into seven divisions, the larger part of
the Bronx forming a single one of these seven divisions. The
Borough of Richmond is a separate Fire Department division.
The seven fire boat companies are not attached to any of the land
divisions but form a separate marine division under an Acting1
Deputy Chief.
With the exception of the marine division which comprises
a single battalion, each division is subdivided into two or more
battalions. With one exception each Manhattan division com-
prises three battalions, the Bronx division consists of four bat-
talions, the Richmond division of two battalions. Three of the
6
Brooklyn and Queens divisions are made up of five battalions
each, the fourth division having six battalions. Each of the
forty-five battalions is commanded by a battalion chief who has
from four to seven companies under his charge.
MEMBERSHIP AND SALARIES.
December 31, 1907, the total number of employees of the
Fire Department was 4,609. (According to list in City
Record, Vol. 36, No. 10562, Pages 88 to 134.)
The number of men in the uniformed fire force including all
chief officers, company officers, engineers of steamers and firemen
was 4,066, exclusive of medical officers, chaplains, pilots, stokers,
etc.
SUMMARY OF MEMBERSHIP.
MANHATTAN BROOKLYN
THE BRONX AND
RICHMOND. QUEENS.
Headquarters Staff 36 18
Bureau Chief of Dept. :
Uniformed Fire Force. . . 2489 1568
Staff, etc., including
medical officers, Chap-
lains, clerks 13 9
Marine Engineers, Pilots,
ununiformed firemen,
stokers, etc 59 10
Bureau of Combustibles. . . 15 10
Bureau of Fire Marshal ... 12 7
Bureau of Fire Alarm Tele-
graph 98 36
Repair Shops 119 39
Hospital and Training
Stables 24 4
Supt. of Buildings' Branch. 34 ....
TOTAL.
54
4066
22
69
25
19
134
158
28
34
Total Membership 2908 1701 4609
Officers and firemen detailed from Bureau of Chief of Depart-
ment to other bureaus are included above under Bureau Chief of
Department, Uniformed Fire Force.
UNIFORMED FORCE. — BUREAU CHIEF OF DEPT.
December 31, 1907.
(Figures taken from City Record, Loc. Cit.)
MANHATTAN BROOKLYN
THE BRONX AND TOTAL.
RICHMOND. QUEENS.
Chief ^of Department i .... i
Deputy Chiefs 8 7 15
Battalion Chiefs 32 28 60
Medical Officers 6 5 n
Chaplains 2 2 4
Foremen . . 132 104 236
Assistant Foremen 208 138 346
Engr. of Steamers 244 194 438
Pilots and Marine Engineers 13 6 19
Firemen, First Grade.... 1060 804 1864
Second .... 233 108 341
Third " 198 104 302
Fourth " 382 81 463
Total 2519 1581 4100
UNIFORMED FORCE. — SALARIES.
Chief of Department $7,000
Deputy Chief in charge of Brooklyn and Queens .... 5 ,000
Deputy Chiefs 4,200
Battalion Chiefs 3,300
Medical Officers 3,300
Chaplains i ,000
Foremen 2 , 1 60
Assistant Foremen 1,800
Engineers of Steamers ,600
Marine Engineers ,400
Pilots ,500
Firemen, First Grade ,400
Second " ,200
Third " ,000
Fourth " 800
ADMINISTRATION.
FIRE COMMISSIONER.
Fire Commissioner receives a salary of $7,500. He is
under bonds of $20,000 as Commissioner and $100,000 as
Treasurer of the Relief Fund and the Life Insurance Fund. A pri-
vate secretary at $2,500 is provided for him, also an automobile
and chauffeur, the latter being detailed from the uniformed force.
The present Commissioner, Nicholas J. Hayes, has been en-
gaged in the public service for many years, and is the Democratic
leader of the 28th district. He resigned from the position of Fire
Commissioner to become Sheriff of New York County, January
ist, 1906, which position he held for two years. Commissioner
Hayes was succeeded in the fire department by Commissioner
John H. O'Brien, January I, 1906 to October 10, 1906, who was
followed by Fire Commissioner Francis J. Lantry, October 10,
1906 to February 10, 1908. Hugh Bonner, former Chief of the
Department held the position of Commissioner from February n,
1908, until his death on March 13, 1908. Commissioner Hayes
took charge on March 20, 1908.
DEPUTY FIRE COMMISSIONERS.
I 1 NDER the Commissioner and immediately responsible to him
^ are the two Deputy Commissioners authorized by law at sal-
aries of $5,000 each. One Deputy Commissioner sits in Manhat-
tan, the other taking charge of department affairs in Brooklyn
and Queens. Under the Charter, the authority and powers of
the Commissioner may be delegated to one of the Deputy Commis-
sioners, except that the latter may not control either the promo-
tion or removal of members of the uniformed force. The custom
has been for the Deputy Commissioners to take charge of the trials
of members of the uniformed force, to attend to furnishing sup-
plies, and many routine matters connected with the department.
The Deputy Commissioner in charge in Brooklyn and Queens has
in the recent past exercised wide control over the Fire Department
affairs in those boroughs subject to the formal approval of the
Commissioner.
The two present Deputy Commissioners, Messrs. Patrick A.
Whitney and Charles C. Wise, are -reported to take an active
interest in politics, the former being secretary of the Democratic
organization in the I2th district, known as the Anawanda Club.
Mr. Whitney was appointed Deputy Commissioner, February
u, 1908.
Under Commissioner Wise who was appointed Deputy Com-
missioner in charge of Brooklyn and Queens in January 1906, the
paid department has been extended throughout the more impor-
tant portions of the Borough of Queens where formerly the pro-
tection consisted exclusively of volunteer companies.
POLITICAL APPOINTEES.
HP HE effect of placing active political leaders in charge of the
* Fire Department is generally recognized as injurious to the
morale and efficiency of the department. At the same time it is
difficult or impossible to secure competent evidence to prove any
direct connection between political influences and a lowered condi-
tion of efficiency in the department. Unfortunately the mere re-
ports that one man failed of promotion because his politics were
not right and that another escaped with a slight penalty because
he was solid with the proper leader, are sufficient to produce an
effect on the rank and file without the presentation of legal evij
dence to substantiate the reports. Claims have been made that
those who are " right " politically have been given easy assign-
ments at headquarters, or have been otherwise taken care of when
in difficulties. It is obvious that these claims are incapable of
proof; but proofs are not necessary in order to establish the
general belief throughout the department that certain men either
profit or suffer through political influences. As a result, the
morale of the force is affected, discipline is impaired and the effi-
ciency of the entire organization is distinctly lowered.
In contrast to these conditions, statements have been made by
those in a position to know that the appointment of Hugh Bonner
to the Commissionership was immediately followed by a toning up
10
O;-TH£
UNIVERSITY
OF
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s«f
I 3
I
r
-
5 s 3 $ 5
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of the discipline throughout the fire force and by a noticeable
improvement in the general morale and efficiency of the depart-
ment.
HEADQUARTERS STAFF.
Secretary of Fire Department.
"IP HE routine office work of the department is in charge of the
* Secretary of the Department, Mr. William A. Larney, who
was appointed to his present position by Commissioner Lantry,
December 4, 1907; salary, $4,800. The mail of the department
comes to him in the morning for distribution or answer. He
attaches his signature to such routine papers of the department
as require it. Mr. Larney previously occupied the position of
Inspector of Combustibles in the department.
Secretary to Fire Commissioner.
Mr. Mark Levy occupies the position of Secretary to the
Commissioner at a salary of $2,500. Mr. Levy was appointed
to this position in April, 1908, having been previously associated
politically with the present Commissioner.
Assistant Secretary of Fire Department.
Most of the routine work of the department is supervised by
John R. Shields, the Assistant Secretary of the Fire Department,
who has been attached to the headquarters staff for some thirty-
five years. His salary is $3,500. The work coming under Mr.
Shields' supervision includes general charge of the clerical work,
preparation of contracts, reports and records.
Chief Clerk.
The clerical work of the department is handled by the Chief
Clerk, George D. Perley, who was appointed April, 1893. His
salary is $2,400. On an average some seventy-five letters, both
foreign and inter-departmental have to be disposed of daily.
There are also reports of all fires amounting to twenty or thirty
per day. The reports of the different bureaus and the annual
report of the department are prepared by the Chief Clerk.
The Chief Clerk is assisted by three stenographers and type-
ii
writers at salaries of $1,200 each. Two of these assistants are
carried on the pay roll of the Bureau of Chief of Department
and take the places of two other stenographers, who, while carried
on the roll of the Headquarters Staff, are detailed to wtork in other
bureaus. As these details were made originally more than four
years ago, it would seem advisable to make them permanent
transfers. The clerical work of the department is fairly well and
efficiently performed. The services of the stenographers and
typewriters are extended throughout the office wherever needed.
DEPARTMENTAL METHODS.
Annual Report.
D ECENTLY the annual reports have been published within a
* *• year or so of the expiration of the period to which they refer.
While the interval before publishing is an improvement on the
practice of a few years ago, nevertheless the delay materially less-
ens the value of the report when it is issued and is an indication of
unbusinesslike methods. The editing of the annual report is also
open to improvement, as for example, the list of the apparatus in
service is confused (see pages 92 to 151, annual report of 1906.)
The amount of hose on hand apparently is not stated in the
report. The question of hose is referred to by the Commissioner
on page 8, by the Chief of Department on page 19, and on page
257 is a statement of the amount of hose received by the repair
shop in the course of the year.
Reports of the number of alarms of fire received etc., appear
in several pages of the annual report and the figures given do
not tally with each other. The report of the medical officer in
Manhattan appears on page 263, while no report is made by any
similar officer in Brooklyn and Queens. Many other irregulari-
ties, all of which show a lack of proper editing, are to be found
throughout the report.
Department Transactions.
The record of the work and proceedings of the department
are prepared in the office of the Chief Clerk for publication in
the City Record. This publication is intended to give the citizens
12
an opportunity of keeping track of what is done in the Fire
Department, but the value of this information is greatly lessened
by the delay which occurs before the reports are published.
Other city departments are able to present the doings of their
bureaus in the City Record within two or three weeks, and there
seems to be no reason why the Fire Department should not do the
same. As it is, awards of contracts, executive action and similar
important facts remain unreported often for a period of months
before they appear in the City Record.
For example, an inspection of the files of the City Record
made on April 13, 1908, showed that the latest report of the Fire
Department transactions appeared on February 25, 1908, and
referred to actions which had taken place between January 13
and January 18. Earlier entries, as for example the report
appearing in the City Record of February I, 1908, referred to
transactions of the Fire Department in November, 1907.
Clerical Force.
The work of preparing proposals, bids and contracts and
keeping up the files relating thereto, is handled by David Graham,
appointed 1870, who is assisted by John Brower appointed in
1895. These two clerks receive salaries of $1,800 and $1,200
respectively, and keep the records of all appointments to the
department, assignments, etc. They have the services of a steno-
grapher and typewriter at $1,200. This staff handles its work
fairly well. The records of assignments, etc., are kept in book
form which makes them less easy of access than if they were
properly arranged in the form of a card catalog. Should this form
of record be adopted, the cards should include additional data
which is not now incorporated in the records so that the depart-
ment would have full information regarding all the persons in
its employ.
Book-keeping.
The book-keeping of the department is under the charge of
L. O. Winkelbach, appointed 1894, at a salary of $1,800. He is
assisted by one clerk and a typewriter, at $1,500 and $1,600
respectively. The typewriter, William B. Watts, has been de-
tailed to this work from active fire service on account of tempo-
13
rary disability and may at any time be recalled to his other duties.
He has occupied his present position for some three years and
has become efficient in the work. If such a high salaried man is
desired, it would be well to have him permanently transferred
to his present position to avoid the necessity of breaking in a
new and possibly less efficient man. The investigation of the
book-keeping branch of the Fire Department having been assigned
to others, no further comments are made in this place other than
to suggest that loose leaf ledgers might simplify the work in this
branch.
Purchasing and Storekeeping.
The work of purchasing and handling supplies is carried on
by a force under W. F. Healy, Clerk and Acting Cashier, at a
salary of $1,800. The force includes a stenographer at a salary
of $1,050 and a medical detail at $1,200.
The Storekeeping is under the charge of Frank McCaffrey,
Storekeeper, at $1,500 who inspects all supplies as they are re-
ceived at headquarters. J. R. Day at $1,500 and Captain E. F.
Ryan, at $2,160, a medical detail from the uniformed force, act
as inspectors of fuel. Four firemen, all medical details from the
uniformed force, assist as receiving clerks and watchmen at store
rooms. Two drivers complete the staff of the Storekeeper.
Messenger Service.
The messenger service of the department is supplied by medi-
cal details from the uniformed force, i.e., firemen who have been
injured in the performance of their duties and are convalescing.
According to the Charter (Section 790) these men must render
some service and the service here rendered is suitable and satis-
factory. As previously noted, other convalescent firemen are em-
ployed in various clerical capacities at headquarters.
Supervision of Headquarters Building.
The headquarters building is under the care of Captain M.
Donohue of the uniformed force, who has had charge since
January 1904. Two engineers, one a detailed engineer of steamer
from the uniformed force, and two stokers are in charge of the me-
chanical plant ; salaries, $4.50 and $3.00 per day. Three men are
employed at $2.50 per day to maintain a constant elevator service ;
14
two of the night men serve as watchmen and to some extent as
cleaners. Four men and two scrubwomen are also employed as
cleaners at $2.50 and $1.00 per day.
The Relief Fund and its Administration.
The Relief Fund of the Fire Department which in 1906 had
total receipts in excess of $600,000, is maintained under the
Treasurership of the Fire Commissioner assisted by a secretary
appointed for the purpose. The present Secretary, Peter J.
Quigley, was appointed April, 1904, and receives a salary of
$3,000 per year. This position is exempt from the control of the
Civil Service Commission. There seems to be no good reason
why it should not be included with the others under the Civil
Service control.
The Relief Fund is frequently augmented by donations from
generous citizens who wish to testify their appreciation of the
work of the Fire Department. As a matter of fact, such dona-
tions do not directly benefit the Fire Department, but are prac-
tically transferred to the general purposes of the city. This con-
dition obtains in consequence of a decision of the Corporation
Counsel to the effect that the amount of the Relief Fund principal
existing May 3, 1904, of $848,555.74 must be neither encroached
upon nor exceeded. As the Relief Fund receives the larger part
of its support from the excise tax, the Comptroller limits pay-
ments from this source to so much as is sufficient to provide for
the difference between the obligations of the fund and the income
to it from other sources. The effect of this ruling is such that if
a citizen makes a donation to the Relief Fund, the amount of his
donation is withheld by the Comptroller from the next payment
made by the latter to the Relief Fund from the excise taxes.
In other words the citizen does not give his money to the
Firemen's Relief Fund at all, but indirectly to the city for ordi-
nary municipal purposes. This situation should be made generally
known to the public for the benefit of future benefactors of the
Fire Department whose donations could presumably be turned to
better account along other lines.
Business Administration.
Considering the Fire Department as a business organization,
15
the Commissioner and his two Deputies represent practically the
president and two vice presidents or general managers, the latter
being the active agents in administering the business of the de-
partment on the two sides of the East River. The Chief of De-
partment represents the superintendent of the operating forces.
The heads of bureaus represent the superintendents of less im-
portant though allied divisions, while the position of Secretary
is comparable to the same position in a business organization.
Long experience in the industrial world has demonstrated that to
obtain the highest efficiency the positions referred to above should
be occupied by experienced men trained to their respective duties
and familiar with all the work of their associates with which their
own parts of the organization comie in contact.
To obtain adequate experience and familiarity with their re-
spective duties requires permanence in their tenure of office and
a proper method of selecting the incumbents. Thus, to put the
Fire Department organization on a business basis, both Deputy
Commissioners and the Secretary should be appointed under
approved Civil Service methods and should become permanent
members of the department.
Charter Revision.
In order to secure a change in the status of the Deputy Com-
missioners and the Secretary of the department it would be neces-
sary to secure modifications of those sections of the City Charter
which affect the Fire Department. If the change to permanent
Deputy Commissioners should be made, the appointment of the
right kind of men to the positions mentioned would result in re-
taining men of experience and familiar with the service in posi-
tions where these qualifications are of great value. By carrying
out such reconstruction in the organization of the department the
efficiency of the force should be improved and its efficient opera-
tion remain undisturbed by changes in the city administration.
Transfers and Temporary Details.
The administration of the department has hitherto differed
from that of a business organization in many ways, prominent
among which is the system of transfers and temporary details.
Several transfers have recently been made in the administrative
16
personnel of the department, some of which have been to the
detriment of the work in the various bureaus affected. Changes
in the personnel have been made apparently without considera-
tion of the welfare of the bureaus where the employees are en-
gaged, with resulting demoralization in the organization and
deterioration in efficiency.
To a limited extent the method employed by the department
to make temporary details of individuals from one bureau to
another in order to relieve -temporary congestion is unobjection-
able. It has happened, however, that in several cases temporary
details have been allowed to stand so long that they have become
practically transfers. On account of these conditions the cost of
running the different bureaus as it appears on the pay rolls may
not represent the actual cost, owing to the fact that several per-
sons employed in certain bureaus are carried on the pay rolls of
some other bureau.
The Bureau of Violations and Auxiliary Fire Appliances may
be cited as an example of the practice mentioned above. All of
the persons engaged in the wrork of this bureau are carried on
pay rolls of other bureaus, while the Bureau of Violations has no
pay roll of its own whatever.
Transfers without Approval by Heads of Bureaus.
In some cases transfers are made without deference to the
heads of bureaus affected. Such a practice is to be deprecated
as it is obvious that when a superior officer passes over the heads
of his responsible chiefs of bureaus and interferes with the rank
and file of subordinates direct he can no longer hold his officers
responsible for the results.
Uneconomic Methods.
The work of the staff suffers from the frequent transfers and
details which are made in its personnel. Many of the men detailed
have had no preliminary training for office work and have not! a
fundamental education to make them efficient for such occupation.
They are, however, usually assigned to any work on which extra
assistance is needed. This means that the time of others is neces-
sarily taken up in educating them. In some cases this time is
17
absolutely wasted, as the man detailed may not have the prelimi-
nary training necessary as a basis for his further instruction. In
many cases a detailed fireman scarcely becomes proficient before
he returns to active service on the force, and again the time of
those in his group on the staff is taken up in educating his suc-
cessor. Such arrangements are not economic nor productive of
good results.
It seems advisable to establish a system whereby a man's
qualifications for clerical work should be promptly ascertained,
so that if found to possess capabilities which could be utilized for
clerical work, he might be trained by competent teachers and
possibly become a permanent transfer to the clerical force. If he
is not of the proper calibre and has no propensity for office work
he should not absorb the time in educating him of others whose;
time is mjore valuable in the performance of their regular work.
A detail in which a slight saving could be effected is found in
the quality of the stationery used for requisitions and other rou-
tine matters within the department. Printed pads and forms
would be less expensive than the lithographed paper now em-
ployed for all purposes.
Methodizer.
Throughout the department it is noticeable that methods which
were installed thirty years ago are still in use. Modern business
methods should be applied to the general conduct of the depart-
ment and its bureaus, and a vigorous effort should be made to
modernize the department throughout. As the best means to
attain this end it is recommended that the services of a " Method-
izer " or an industrial engineer be retained periodically to advise
the heads of the department in regard to the introduction of the
most efficient methods.
Conferences.
One method suggested for increasing the efficiency of the
organization is to establish conferences at which the heads of
bureaus should meet periodically. It would be well to hold these
conferences both in Manhattan and Brooklyn, preferably with
the Fire Commissioner as presiding officer. In his absence the
Deputy Commissioner of the appropriate borough should preside.
18
Through such conferences it is possible that the former atti-
tude of the administration which has produced an atmosphere of
distrust and espionage might be changed towards one better
adapted to encourage the development of efficiency. A brief in-
vestigation of the existing conditions is sufficient to convince one
that there is a lack of cooperation between certain responsible
officers of the department which tends greatly to interfere with
the best efficiency of the department.
A change in the attitude from distrust towards closer coopera-
tion should result in a marked increase in efficiency.
Efficiency of the Staff.
While a brief inspection of the work of the headquarters staff
indicates that it is fairly efficiently performed, the term should
be understood as having merely a relative value. A city depart-
ment like the Fire Department which is not organized to prose-
cute a business for profit on a competitive basis, and whose-
organization is supplied through the Civil Service Commission;
cannot be compared with an industrial or commercial enterprise^
but must be compared with other similar organizations.
As a whole, the routine discipline of the office staff is as good
as can be expected where offices are open. Members of the
uniformed force and others have practically free entry at anyf
time and as a consequence the clerks have their attention distracted-
or become engaged in conversation to the detriment of their rou-
tine work. Some clerks report that owing to interruptions during
the day, they frequently stay late after hours in order to bring*
their work up to time. Such interruptions would presumably be-
materially lessened by dividing the offices with low partitions or
rails and restricting the public to a reception room at the entrance
to the general office.
The individual employees are fairly punctual and the city
office hours are adhered to. The order prohibiting smoking about
the building appears to be generally recognized by the staff.
19
BUREAU OF CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT.
Staff, Etc.
'HpHE actual office staff of the Bureau of Chief of Department
* consists of six clerks, one draughtsman, one stenographer and
four messengers. The staff as it appears in the City Record
consists of twfo clerks, one draughtsman and two stenographers.
Considerable changes have been made through details and
transfers, so that the actual office force in the bureau consists
of two clerks and one draughtsman permanently attached to the
bureau, one stenographer detailed from the headquarters staff,
one disabled captain from the uniformed force and three first-
grade firemen, all four of whom are engaged on clerical work,
and four first grade firemen detailed to the staff to act as mes-
sengers. The two stenographers officially attached to the bureau
have been continuously detailed to other bureaus for several years.
The Chief Clerk who had charge of the running of the Chief's
office, handling correspondence, reports, records, etc., for the last
12 years, was transfered in March, 1908, to Brooklyn head-
quarters. Elmer E. Kinney, a clerk receiving $1,650, or $750
less than the former incumbent was put in place of the former
Chief Clerk. It will probably require many years' service before
the new Chief Clerk is able to handle the work of the bureau as
efficiently as the man displaced.
The records of the daily strength of all companies in the uni-
formed force are kept by Geo. H. Teller, clerk, at $1,350. Reports
from every fire company are consolidated by the Chiefs of Battal-
ions and forwarded to headquarters, where the information is
transferred to several record books. The information filed by
this clerk includes the movements of all members of the uniformed
force, leaves of absence, reliefs of officers, men detailed to specific
duties, and also a record of the department apparatus with changes
of locations to which it may be assigned.
The draughtsman, Geo. S. Pentz, makes maps of the city
showing locations of fire hydrants, water mains, fire alarm boxes,
etc., and assists in arranging the assignments of companies and
other work of similar nature.
20
The detailed captain and one of the detailed firemen have
charge of the fire record journal and keep a full account of the
fires which occur.
The other two first-grade firemen attend to keeping records
of appointments, promotions, retirements, etc., of the uniformed
force and keep the files of all communications, records, etc. One
of the firemen, David J. Curley, attached to Engine Company
No. 14, usually volunteers as an aide to the Chief at all serious
fires occurring during the 'night time. Fireman Curley was
ordered back to fire service on April 21, 1908. Through this
change, made during the absence of the Chief of Department,
work in the Chief's office is again hampered. Both Rosenthal,
the former Chief Clerk, and Curley enjoyed the confidence of the
Chief and had become efficient workers, through many years*
experience in their positions.
BUREAU OF FIRE MARSHAL.
Organization and Personnel.
HpHIS bureau is under the supervision and management of the
Fire Marshal, an officer appointed by the Fire Commissioner
and removable only for cause. The work of the bureau is per-
formed by the Fire Marshal and ten Assistant Fire Marshals,
aided by a clerical force of three men. The Marshal receives a
salary of $3,000 while his most experienced assistant receives
$2,000. Three of the remaining assistants have salaries of $1,800,
the others getting $1,500. Two clerks receive $1,500 each; the
third member of the clerical force is both an interpreter and drafts-
man. His salary is $1,200. Four firemen and policemen were*
detailed to the bureau until recently, the details being revoke^
by Commissioner Bonner.
The present Fire Marshal, Peter Seery, entered the Fire
Department in 1877, serving as an Inspector of Combustibles and
was appointed Fire Marshal in 1898. In 1902 an attempt Was
made to remove Mr. Seery but he was reinstated two years later
by the Supreme Court. Mr. Seery alleges that the removal was
due to partisanship. He has passed his seventieth year, but still
takes a decided interest in the work of his bureau.
21
ASSISTANT FIRE MARSHALS.
NAME. APPOINTED SALARY.
Thos. B. McGuire Nov., 1899 $2,000
Jas. H. Lestrange Aug., 1899 1,800
Peter R. Kilgallen May, 1907 1,800
Herman W. deMalignon July, 1898 1,800
Samuel B. Willis Nov., 1899 1,500
John P. Prial Dec., 1899 ^S00
John McGough July* 1900 1,500
Henry J. Hinck May, 1907 1,500
Chas. O. MacCarthaigh Sept. ,1907 1,500
David J. Kelly Feb., 1908 1,500
Duties.
The Fire Marshal is required to investigate all fires which
cause loss, particularly those resulting from carelessness or in-
cendiarism. It is also his duty to enter buildings and examine all
heating appliances and other sources of danger from fire.
In the year 1907 ,the Fire Marshal secured 48 arrests for
arson resulting in seven convictions. This number of arrests
is decidedly above the average of previous years, while the number
of convictions is about half the number of convictions secured in
each year since 1902.
ACTION OF FIRE MARSHAL'S BUREAU.
YEAR. ARRESTS FOR ARSON. CONVICTIONS.
1903 29 12
1904 34 14
^905 57 14
1906 35 12
1907 48 7
Possible Improvements.
While the proportion of convictions secured to the number
of arrests for arson is very small, there is no obvious method by
which this condition can be radically improved.
Inasmuch as it is part of the duty of the Fire Department to
prevent fires as well as extinguish them, it would appear proper
for the Fire Marshal to assist in the prevention of fires if possible
through the wider dissemination of the information secured by
him in the course of his investigations. The Fire Marshal's
22
bureau has collected voluminous statistics on the causes of fires,
which should be turned to account for the purpose of preventing
future fires. Suggested channels through which the information
might be utilized are, the public schools, architectural societies
and journals, the daily press, the Department of Buildings, and
State Factory Inspection and others. Although the last annual
report contained a recommendation from the Fire Commissioner
suggesting cooperation with the Board of Education along the
lines suggested above, the Fire Marshal's office has not yet been
called upon for any information by the Board of Education.
It is probable that fire losses could be materially lessened
through closer cooperation between the insurance interests and
the Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal has more than once com-
mented on the fact that insurance companies will continue to give
insurance to many policy holders who have profited — sormetimes
repeatedly — from fires of suspicious origin. The fire situation
would be improved if the information secured by the Fire Marshal
regarding the origin of previous fires were utilized by the in-
surance companies before issuing further policies to certain poli-
cy holders of careless or unscrupulous character.
OPERATION: FIRE FORCE.
ENLISTMENT.
Requirements.
CANDIDATES for membership in the Fire Department have
^ to conform to certain requirements established by the City
Charter and to additional requirements as to size, etc., established
by the Municipal Civil Service Commission. They must pass
medical, physical and mental examinations — the physical and men-
tal examinations being competitive — and must present proper
vouchers for good character. If successful in filling all the re-
quirements, their names are placed upon a civil service list of
eligibles, those whose names stand at the head of the list receiving
first consideration by the Fire Commissioner for appointment to
the force.
The requirements under the City Charter are summarized
briefly as follows:
i. — Must be a citizen of the United States.
2. — Unconvicted of felony.
3. — Able to read and write English understandingly.
4. — Citizen of New1 York State at least one year.
5. — Over 21 and under 30 years of age.
6. — Must reside in New York City while a member.
7. — Must not belong to any political club.
The minimum wteight and height prescribed by the Civil Ser-
vice Commission is 137 pounds and 5 feet 7 inches height with a
minimum chest measure of 35 inches and with a mobility of 2
inches.
The medical requirements call for satisfactory condition of
nose, mouth, teeth, arms, legs, hands and feet, eyes, ears, res-
piration, circulation, brain and nervous system. The applicant
must be free from certain skin diseases and from evidence of
intemperance in the use of stimulants or drugs. Body must be
24
well proportioned, of good muscular development and show care-
ful attention to personal cleanliness. Obesity, muscular weak-
ness, poor physique, rupture, varicose veins, and venereal diseases
must cause rejection.
Some objection has been made by Fire Department officers to
the comparatively poor physique of some recent appointees. While
the members of the Civil Service Commission express themselves
as ready to consider any reasonable suggestion from the officials
of the Fire Department, it does not appear that the responsible
officers have seriously urged changing the requirements in recent
years.
It would, therefore, seem advisable to arrange for periodic
conferences between the officials of the Fire Department and of
the Civil Service Commission in order to correct any features of
the requirements for eligibility which may produce undesirable
results in practice.
Examinations.
Examinations for applicants to the fire force have been held
in 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904 and 1907. Applicants fill out blanks
stating their nativity, citizenship, etc., which blanks are obtainable
only at stated times, just prior to the holding of each examination.
Four residents of the city, of good character and standing, must
vouch for the honesty, courage, sobriety and reputation of each
applicant.
The Civil Service examination comprises two parts which
bear equal weight in determining the fitness and standing of the
candidates.
Physical Examination. — The examination for physical de-
velopment and strength is made by the physical examiners.
Credit is g'iven for satisfactory measurements in regard to girth,
depth of chest, depth of abdomen, girth of arms and legs and
particularly muscular condition.
The strength of the applicant is tested by his ability to chin
and dip a total of 20 times, to lift a ob-pound dumb-bell over his
head with either hand, to rise to a sitting posture with a 35-pound
dumb-bell behind his back, and to jump a maximum height of
25
4 feet 8 inches. The strength of the back, leg, and upper arm
mfuscles are measured on testing machines.
Mental Examinations. — Those who have successfully passed
the physical examination are required to take a mental examina-
tion. Candidates are given a simple memory test, three or four
questions in ordinary arithmetic, and examinations to show their
familiarity with the government of the city and the geography
and the character of some one of the five boroughs selected by
each candidate.
The questions presented in the latest examination for firemen,
held February 7, 1907, were the following : —
Examination for Fireman, February 7, i9of, Municipal Civil
Service Commission, New York.
MEMORY TEST.
Orders have come from headquarters to investigate a charge that an
officer of this department interfered with a U. S. mail wagon at the fire
at Broadway and Forty-second Street. You are directed to look into the
matter at once and make a report without delay.
GOVERNMENT.
1. What matters are controlled by the Department of Water Supply,
Gas and Electricity?
2. Name the City Departments having charge of
(a) The inspection of steam boilers;
(b) Public Markets;
(c) Vaccination of school children;
(d) Care of street lamps;
(e) Public ferries;
3. What Government (Federal, State, County, City or Borough) has
control of collection of the tariff on imported goods, murder trials, the
building of a private residence in New York City, and the militia ; also
the cleaning of streets?
4. Give one reason in each case why the city finds it necessary to
look after
(a) Places where explosives are kept for sale;
(b) Employment agencies;
(c) Pawnbrokers;
(d) Boilers in buildings;
(e) The sale of milk.
26
5. From what City Official or Department must a permit or license
be obtained for each of the following :
(a) To sell milk at retail;
(b) To conduct a newspaper stand under an elevated railroad
station ;
(c) To use blasting powder;
(d) To conduct a pawnbroking business.
LOCALITIES.
Take One Borough Only.
I. MANHATTAN.
1. What is the character of the buildings on the following blocks?
Broadway, 8th Avenue, 57th and 58th Streets;
Park Avenue, Lexington, 5oth and 5ist Streets;
44th to 46th Streets, east of ist Avenue;
i3th and i4th Streets, Broadway and 4th Avenue;
I3th and I4th Streets, Qth and loth Avenues.
2. Along what streets or avenues would a person pass in walking
(a) From the Hotel Astor (new) to the old Astor House;
(b) From the Astor House to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel ;
(c) From the Waldorf-Astoria to the Astoria Ferry;
(d) From Astoria Ferry to Astor Library;
(e) From Astor Library to Astor Theatre?
3. Locate by streets each of the following buildings and state what
elevated railroad station is nearest to each:
(a) Normal College;
(b) Union Dime Savings Institution;
(c) Seventy-first Regiment Armory;
(d) Manhattan Opera House;
(e) New York Sub-Treasury.
4. Where are the following districts or neighborhoods? (Give
boundaries as far as possible) :
(a) San Juan Hill;
(b) Gramercy Park;
(c) Hell's Kitchen;
(d) Kingsbridge;
.(e) Chinatown.
5. What sort of buildings will be found in the sections having the
following boundaries? (Answer with special reference! to character
of building, that is, whether residence or business, fireproof or not,
crowded or vacant, etc.) :
(a) 4ist and 43d Streets, 7th and 8th Avenues;
(b) 56th and 58th Streets, 5th and 6th Avenues;
(c) 22d and 23d Streets, 5th and 7th Avenues;
(d) 15th and 2Oth Streets, Broadway and Irving Place;
(e) 52d and 54th Streets, 8th and nth Avenues.
27
II. BROOKLYN.
1. What streets run about
(a) East and West, between the East River and Court Street
at Atlantic Avenue ;
(b) East and West between the East River and Newtown Canal
on the North side of Greenpoint Avenue;
(c) Northwest and Southeast between Broadway and Wyckoff
Avenue at Putnam Avenue;
(d) East and West between Nostrand and Schenectady Avenue
at Bergen Street?
2. Give the routes of the following surface railroad lines:
(a) Church Avenue line;
(b) Marcy Avenue line;
(c) Lorimer Street line.
3. Give the principal boundaries of the following:
(a) Greenwood Cemetery;
(b) Fort Greene;
(c) U. S. Navy Yard;
(d) Tompkins Park.
4. What is the distance in miles from Borough Hall to the following
places :
(a) Holy Cross Cemetery;
(b) Bushwick Park;
(c) Washington Cemetery;
(d) Winthrop Park?
5. Locate the following:
(a) Erie Basin;
(b) Hanover Club;
(c) Adelphi Academy;
(d) St. John's College;
(e) Kings' County Hospital.
III. BRONX.
1. Give the location, as far as possible, with the street boundaries, of
each of the following :
(a) Van Cortlandt Park;
(b) Port Morris;
(c) City Island;
(d) Mott Iron Works;
(e) Catholic Protectory.
2. At what station of the elevated railroad or subway extension would
you get off so as to reach most conveniently
28
(a) The Commissioner's Office, Claremont Park;
(b) Lebanon Hospital;
(c) Fordham College;
(d) The Zoological Garden;
(e) Morris High School?
3. How would you travel, using street or steam cars, from Kings-
bridge subway terminal to the office of the Coroner of The Bronx, and
thence to the office of the Park Commissioner for the Bronx? Name
every street used.
4. Name the streets used by the cars of
(a) The Port Morris line;
(b) The Sedgwick Avenue line;
(c) The Southern Boulevard line;
(d) The Tremont and Westchester line;
(e) The West Farms and Williamsbridge line.
5. Name at least four bridges stretching from The Bronx to Man-
hattan and specify the streets or avenues connected by each bridge.
IV. QUEENS.
1. Locate three different places in Borough of Queens where fac-
tories and tenement houses make the locality dangerous in case of fire.
2. State the places in the Borough of Queens where the City has
.already established the paid fire department.
3. Name five volunteer fire departments or companies which are now
operating in the Borough of Queens.
4. (a) Name five stations of the Long Island Railroad situated in
the Third Ward (former town of Flushing) ;
(b) Through what waters would you pass in sailing from Flush-
ing Creek to Bayside?
5. Which of the following are manufacturing districts :
(a) Woodhaven, College Point, Auburndale, Ramblersville,
Elmhurst, Astoria, Hollis, Hunter's Point, Creedmoor,
Glendale?
(b) Give the most direct way of reaching those named by you
from the Borough of Manhattan. If trolley is given,
mention trolley line; if Long Island Railroad, give
division and name of station.
V. RICHMOND.
1. By what bodies of water is Staten Island surrounded? Name all.
2. Name the lines of the Staten Island Rapid Transit Railroad and
give their terminal points.
29
3. On which of these lines are the following towns: Princess Bay;
Port Richmond; Rosebank; Snug Harbor; New Dorp?
4. Locate the following offices: President of Borough; Coroner;
Board of Health; County Clerk; Tax Offices.
5. Locate the following highways and name the points connected
by them : Richmond Turnpike ; Clove Road ; Amboy Road ; Richmond
Road.
ARITHMETIC.
Give all the figuring on the ruled sheets.
1. A man bought 9 shirts at 80 cents apiece; 2 ties at 35 cents each;
10 collars at 25 cents apiece ; a pair of gloves for 75 cents ; and 2 suits
of underwear at 95 cents a suit. What did the man pay for them
altogether ?
2. If 895 miles of canal in the United States cost $541,475, what was
the cost of each mile?
3. A grain dealer bought 2,480 bushels of wheat on Monday; 788
bushels on Tuesday ; 1,565 bushels on Wednesday ; 2,684 bushels on Thurs-
day; 985 bushels on Friday, and 3,867 bushels on Saturday. How many
bushels did he buy during the week?
4. If in one year the Fire Department of New York cost $9,750,684,
and that of Chicago cost $4,690,853, how much more did one cost than the
other ?
In order to obtain a perfect mark of 100 per cent, on the
examination, candidates must answer all the questions correctly.
They are not given the privilege of selecting certain questions
out of every group but must answler every question in each group,
omitting only the locality questions concerning the four less
familiar boroughs.
Should the candidate happen to be unfamiliar with any one of
the 24 localities specified in the question of localities, his rating
would suiter accordingly and the same is true with regard to
knowledge of the several facts under the subject of " Govern-
ment."
It follows from this that the ranking depends considerably
upon the chance whether a candidate happens to be familiar with
the individual subjects and locations selected by the examiners.
If each candidate were permitted to select, say five questions out
of each group of seven, there would be less probability of mere
chance affecting his rating. At the same time the use of such a
30
method of permitting selections of questions from groups would
result in grading intelligent candidates more nearly alike and
would consequently throw greater weight upon the physical part
of the examination as a whole.
As complaint has been made by several responsible officers as
to the stamina of the men secured through the Civil Service
examinations, it is believed that such a change in the niental
examinations would result in improving the physique of the class
of men eligible for appointment without lowering the standard of
intelligence required. This change is in line with the present
practice by which those candidates who receive a rating of 80
per cent, or more on physical development and strength, and a
final average of 75 per cent, are eligible for appointment, even
though their mental examination ratings may fall below the estab-
lished minimum of 70 per cent.
Another change which it is believed would improve the quality
of men secured is in returning to annual examinations. It is
obvious that more desirable men in the aggregate w|ould apply
for admission to the department in three annual examinations
than would be the case at a single examination held every three
years. Also by holding an examination each year only the cream
of the applicants would be selected in the course of the year, while
under the system of longer intervals between examinations the
appointing officer has to take men from further down the list.
Selection of Eligibles.
After the candidates have successfully passed the examina-
tions, their names are published on the list of eligibles, arranged
according to the ratings obtained at the examinations. When new
members are to be appointed to the force, the Fire Commissioner
is given the names of the men standing at the head of the eligible
list, the number of names presented to him for consideration by
the Civil Service Commission being at least 66% per cent, in
excess of the number of vacancies to be filled.
The choice of the Commissioner is further restricted in this
list so that he has to appoint at least three out of the first five
names, and roughly speaking three out of each succeeding} five
names. It is customary to select the names in accordance with
31
their standing on the eligible list, though exceptions are made
in some cases at the discretion of the appointing officer.
It is reported that political districts are sometimes considered
in making the selection.
Probationary Period.
New men when appointed are assigned to the downtown com-
panies. They are required to attend the school of instruction for
thirty days and during that time are liable to rejection if unsat-
isfactory. At the expiration of the thirty days they become per-
manent members of the department. It has been suggested that
a probationary period of thirty days during which the men are
for much of the time away from the companies to which they
are assigned is insufficient to determine whether the new mein
are properly qualified to become good firemen. In some other
cities it is the practice to keep new men on probation for as much
as six months. During this time if any of the probationers fail
to make a good showing at the school of instruction they are
sent back to the school to repeat the course before being either
permanently accepted or rejected. Such a procedure seems well
adapted for weeding out the unfit, particularly when, as is some-
times done, company officers make systematic monthly reports
as to the work and capabilities of the probationers assigned to
their companies.
PROMOTIONS.
Charter Provisions.
PROMOTIONS in the uniformed force are made by the Fire
Commissioner, subject to the restrictions imposed by Section
728 of the Charter. This section reads as follows :
" The Fire Commisioner shall have power to select heads
of bureaus and assistants and as many officers and firemen
as may be necessary, and they shall at all times be under the
control of the Fire Commissioner, and they shall perform
such duties as may be assigned to them by him, under such
names or titles as he may confer; provided, however, that
assignments to duty and promotions in the uniformed force
shall be made by the Fire Commissioner upon the recom-
mendation of the Chief of Department, and in case any rec-
ommendation so made by the Chief shall be rejected, he shall,
32
within three days, submit another name or names, and continue
so to do until the assignment or promotion is made. Promo-
tions of officers and members of the force shall be made by
the Fire Commissioner as provided in section one hundred
twenty-four of this act on the basis of seniority, meritorious
service in the department and superior capacity as shown by
competitive examination. Individual acts of personal bravery
may be treated as an element of meritorious service in such
examination, the relative rating therefor to be fixed by the
Municipal Civil Service Commission. The Fire Commis-
sioner shall transmit to the Municipal Civil Service Com-
mission in advance of such examination the complete record
of each candidate for promotion."
Under this provision the Chief is required to recommend one
name after another until a selection is made. At the same time
by the operation of the Civil Service law, the Commissioner is
limited in his choice in filling any vacancy to one of three names
certified by the Civil Service Commission. As a result the pro-
vision of Section 728, giving the Chief of Department authority
to recommend names for promotion loses its effectiveness and
has become practically a dead letter.
Serious consideration should be given to the question whether
the provision is a desirable one and should receive due recogni-
tion. As the Chief of Department is held responsible for the work
of the uniformed force, it is certainly proper that he should be
clothed with some authority in regard to recognizing merit among
his subordinates by having a voice in the selections for promotion.
At the same time it is recognized that the Commissioner must be
the final appointing officer and that the rights of rival candidates
for promotion must continue to be protected by the Civil Service
requirements. To meet this situation it is suggested that the
Chief of Department have the right to present three names for
consideration for promotion to the Fire Commissioner, in filling
each vacancy, and that one of these three must be selected by the
appointing officer. It is further suggested that the Chief should
be limited in his choice of names to the three names certified as
at present by the Civil Service Commission but with the addition1
of the names of any other candidates who may have been pre-
viously passed over by the Commissioner, and whose rating on
the list of eligibles is higher than those of the three men being
33
certified in due course. In this way the Chief could see to it that
not imore than one or possibly two well qualified men of high
standing were deprived of promotion permanently by the Com-
missioner.
Rating Candidates for Promotion.
The Civil Service Rules prescribe that the ratings shall depend
half upon written papers on pertinent subjects and half upon com-
parative conduct, seniority and efficiency in previous service, the
two halves being given equal weight in determining the rating of
each candidate. The Rules further provide that promotions shall
be made one grade at a time with not less than one year's service:
in each grade. Some complaints have been made that the method
of rating does not give sufficient weight to the executive ability
and actual efficiency of the abler men. In the past men have re-
ceived uniform rating for conduct, modified only by awards for
meritorious service or by penalties inflicted as a result of charges.
Thus if neither awards nor penalties appear on a man's record
he receives a rating of 95 per cent. This figure is raised I per
cent, for each commendation or honorable mention received and
2 per cent, when the appointee has earned a medal. The total
credits are usually limited to five. On the other hand the rating
is lowiered one-half of one per cent, for each day's fine inflicted,
except that fines imposed during the first half of the candidate's
entire term of service affect his rating only to the extent of one-
quarter of one per cent, for each day's fine instead of one-half of
one per cent.
To secure a better basis of rating for previous service tihe
Civil Service Commission in 1899 established the rule (Rule XV.
Sections 7 and 8) that in each department or office continuous and
permanent records of efficiency, character, and conduct should
be kept of all persons employed in graded positions therein.
" Such records shall be known as ' efficiency records ' and the
entries made therein shall have reference to (a) quality of work
performed by each such officer or employee; (b) the quantity of
work performed by him; (c) his general conduct; (d) his
punctuality and attendance; (e) his executive ability and capac-
ity for initiative, where his work is of a character tihat will
permit definite estimation.
34
" The entries upon an efficiency record shall be made by the
administrative officer most closely in touch with the work of the
officer or employee to be rated, who shall be designated for such
purpose by the appointing officer. Such entries shall be made
monthly, and the following terms shall be employed to indicate
the degree of efficiency: (a) Far above average; (b) above aver-
age; (c) average; (d) below the average; (e) far below the
average. A transcript or summary of such record and all rewards
or measures of discipline shall be furnished to the Commission an-
nually and shall contain the certification of the appointing officer
that such entries were made monthly ; and whenever the Commis-
sion so requires, like certification of the full record of each candi-
date shall be furnished by the appointing officer in advance of a
particular examination." The foregoing rule of the Civil Service
Commission is reported to have been practically disregarded up
to the beginning of the present year.
In January 1908 forms were sent to all commanding officers
on which the efficiency records of every member of the Fire De-
partment should be entered as called for in the above mentioned
rule. The practice of the department, however, in the last three
months indicates that little, if any, actual improvement will be
secured in establishing thereby a true efficiency basis for promo-
tion. It is reported that all members receive a uniform grading
of " average " except when they have either received awards or
suffered penalties such as would have affected their standing
under the operation of the previous system. As a result it is likely
that future efficiency records will be as colorless and devoid of
proper grounds on which to rate a man's actual efficiency as they
have been in the past. With all efficiency records comparatively
uniform the written examinations then become by far the most
important element in determining the rating of a candidate.
While ability to pass a good written examination is a deisirable
qualification for a Fire Department officer, it ought nevertheless
be secondary to his practical fire fighting efficiency and his
ability to handle men to the best advantage. It is in regard to
the latter qualifications of individual candidates that the opinions
of the responsible superior officers are most valuable and it is for
this reason, among others, strongly urged that the superior offi-
cers be given a voice in the selection of men for promotion;.
35
In another part of this report the suggestion is made that all
officers be given suitable opportunities to obtain instruction in the
general principles and practice of engineering. In order to make
such a plan effective, the examinations for promotion should
recognize engineering knowledge as a requirement for eligibility
to the higher positions, and such examinations should include
questions on some of those engineering principles which are of
direct value in strengthening the work of the Fire Department.
The character of the present written examinations is indicated
by the sample questions submitted herewith, which were presented
to candidates at the recent examination for promotion to assist-
ant foreman, held September 26, 1907.
MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION.
PROMOTION TO ASSISTANT FOREMAN. — FIRE DEPARTMENT.
RULES AND REGULATIONS.
Date: Sept. 26, 1907.
1. A fireman who has been absent for a week without leave reports back
and goes to work with the explanation that he had been sick. Is
any rule violated? If so, under what circumstances could he go to
work while the cause of absence is still being investigated?
2. What articles of property in possession of members of the uniformed
force must be examined at each roll call, and what are the penalties
inflicted for the loss of each of them ?
3. What follows the order : " Stretch in" ? What follows if a second
line is required?
4. Describe the conditions which should be observed in regulating leaves
of absence,, so as to keep the fire company at all times in a thor-
oughly efficient state.
5. What are the regulations concerning the feeding and watering of
horses that they may be kept in the best possible condition?
LAWS AND ORDINANCES.
I. (a) Name the styles or types of buildings in which fire escapes are
required, (b) What notice must a manufacturer of fire escapes
attach to his finished work? (c) In buildings requiring fire
escapes, what provision is made by law for exit through scuttle or
bulkhead, as the case may be?
36
2. Under what conditions are dealers in blasting materials permitted to
employ persons to take care of and handle the explosives used in
their business?
3. (a) What officers of the Fire Department, if any, have the right to
enter buildings for purposes of inspection and at what times may
such inspections be made? (b) What power have they to en-
force compliance with laws or ordinances and what penalty is
prescribed, if any, for failure to obey a fire department order?
4. A fireman detailed to the X. theatre finds adjustable or folding chairs
attached to aisle seats. He orders their removal, but the
proprietor of the house refuses on the ground that they are never
used. What is the fireman's duty? Give reasons for your answer.
5. (a) How is the Life Insurance Fund of the Fire Department main-
tained? (b) To whom, and to what amount, and when are pay-
ments made from the Life Insurance Fund?
ADMINISTRATION.
1. Name the companies that would respond to a third alarm of fire at
Claflin's, Church and Worth Streets, Manhattan, or at the depart-
ment store of Abraham & Straus, Brooklyn.
(Answer one and not both.) »
2. Describe the quickest and most effectual way in which you would
get your company to work on a standpipe for a twenty-story
building.
3. Explain how the " Salvage Corps " comes into contact with and co-
operates with the Fire Department.
4. If a line burst between the fifth and sixth story of a six-story building,
how should it be replaced?
5. On the way to a fire with your company, you find the streets blocked as
the result of a collision between a trolley car and an automobile,
both of which are on fire. Several persons, seriously injured, are
imprisoned in the wreck and are urgently in need of assistance.
In the absence of the police, what would you do under such
conditions ?
REPORT.
As Company Commander you ascertain that the walls in a certain build-
ing are cracked and in danger of falling. Make the necessary report
to the proper official and recommend what steps should be taken to
prevent accident.
Selection of Eligibles.
An inspection of the latest lists of eligibles for promotions
shows that there has been no serious abuse of the competitive
37
idea by the appointing officer. For example, ten men have been
promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief from the latest list of
eligibles which was established in 1903. The first nine men, who
were appointed were those who occupied the nine leading positions
on the list and the tenth appointee stood eleventh in rank on the
list. From the latest list of eligibles for promotion to Battalion
Chief forty-eight men were promoted. All of those who ranked
among the leading forty-five received promotion. Eleven men
were passed over, but of these eleven, eight were subsequently
re-certified and promoted, leaving only three men finally passed
over out of a list of fifty-one eligibles. One man, Captain Patrick
Foley, was re-certified by special request on June I, 1907, but
failed to receive promotion ten days later when seven other
Captains with lower ratings were promoted. On the list for
foreman, established February 27, 1906, eighty- four eligibles have
been promoted out of the first ninety-two names. Fifteen eligibles
have been considered three times and were subsequently re-certi-
fied by special request and promoted. Four others all of whose
names were among the lowest thirty presented for consideration
have been passed over and have not been re-certified.
The latest list of eligibles for promotion to assistant foreman
was established December 30, 1907. The late Commissioner
Bonner in February 1908, promoted sixteen eligibles from this
list. In making his selections, he passed over five names out of
the first twenty-one considered.
A review of the foregoing figures shows that the privilege
which the Commissioner has to pass over two out of every group
of five names on the eligible list has not been abused in the recent
past.
RETIREMENT.
A MEMBER may be retired on his own application after
** twenty years' continuous service, if the Board of Medical
officers certify that he is unfit for fire duty. In such a case he
receives half pay for life. Men totally disabled in service may
retire on half pay after serving ten years. A man partially dis-
abled in the line of duty may be retired on light duty with partial
pay. There is no established age limit at which a man must re-
38
tire from active duty. It is suggested that the attention of the
Charter Revision Commission be directed to two cases in which
compulsory retirement were successfully fought by members of
the force. The first of these was the case of the present Fire
Marshal, who was re-instated by the Supreme Court in January,
1904, after being removed in 1902. As a result of the decision
of the Supreme Court it becomes impossible for the Fire Com-
missioner to remove any officer of standing like that of the Fire
Marshal against his will, except on charges. The position of Fire
Marshal thus becomes practically a life position, without any pro-
vision for replacing the incumbent even when old age or other
causes may seriously impair his efficiency. The second case re-
ferred to was the re-instatement of Captain Robert Oswald, now
attached to Hook and Ladder Co., No. 16, but permanently de-
tailed to light duty at headquarters on account of disability. The
Board of Medical Officers certified that Captain Oswald was un-
fit for further duty and an attempt Was made to retire him on
half pay. The attempt was successfully fought by Captain
Oswald who now receives the full pay of a foreman for doing
light clerical work in the Chief's office.
Inasmuch as members disabled in the line of duty receive com-
pensation at half pay after retirement, it would seem proper to
place the decision as to retiring disabled members in the hands of
the Fire Commissioner rather than leave it to the choice of the
member directly interested. The Fire Commissioner is in the
better position to know whether the city could afford to retain the
services of a disabled man at an expense equal to the second half
of his salary.
39
PERSONNEL.
T T has seemed advisable to restrict this report on the personnel
of the Fire Department to such information as might be ob-
tained from the official records of the department. Other sources
of information have in several cases proved unreliable and con-
tradictory. Furthermore, the efforts of your investigators were
hampered by instructions sent from headquarters directing the
members of the department to avoid touching on personalities
when giving information to your investigators.
It appears from the records that with one exception every
officer above the rank of foreman has served at least fifteen years
in the department, thereby guaranteeing that the work of the
department should be conducted under the supervision of thor-
oughly experienced men. The only chief officer with less than
fifteen years' service is Battalion Chief H. P. Kirk, who was
appointed to the department in September, 1893. The records at
headquarters furnish the following additional information in re-
gard to the individual records of the present chief officers :
RECORDS OF CHIEF OFFICERS.
MANHATTAN, THE BRONX AND RICHMOND.
PROMOTED.
ROLL OF MERIT.
CHARGES.
Chief of Dept.
CROKER, Edward F. 1884 1888 — Without risk. 1890 — R e p r i -
Born 1863 1886 1898 — With risk. manded.
Appointed . .1884 1893
Dismissed. . .1902 1898
Reinstated ..1904 1899
Deputy Chiefs
DUANE, WM. 1871 1891 — Stephenson Medal.
Born 1840 1881
Appointed . .1868 1892
1899
AHEARN, T. J. 1881 1885 — With risk. 1877 — Excused.
Born 1851 1886 1885
Appointed .. 1873 1893 1890
1900 1891 — Bennett Medal.
1899 — Without risk.
1901 — With risk.
KRUGER, C. W. 1877 1895 — Stephenson Medal. Fined 2 days' pay.
Born 1851 1895
Appointed . .1872 1897
Died 1908 1903
BINNS, JOHN 1884 1884 — With risk. 1885 — R e p r i -
Born 1857 1884 1885 — Bennett Medal. manded.
Appointed. . .1882 1897
1903
LANGFORD, T. R. 1896 1893 — Without risk. 1889 — Fined 20
Born 1864 1898 1893 days' pay.
*• Appointed. .. 1886 1901 1894
1903 1896
1896
CALLAGHAN, R. W. 1891
Born 1863 1895
Appointed. . . 1885 1898
1906
MCCARTNEY, J. J. 1887 1888— With risk.
Born 1850 1895 1896 — Stephenson Medal.
Appointed. . . 1884 1899
1907
GUERIN, WM. 1894
Born 1868 1896
Appointed. . . 1890 1897
Resigned. ... 1892 1900
Reinstated ..1894 1906
Battalion Chiefs
MARTIN, M. 1886
Born 1846 1897
Appointed . .1873 1905
SHORT, P. 1880
Born 1850 1883
Appointed . .1875 1886
Resigned 1887 1889
Reinstated... i888(?)
SHAY, C. H. 1878
Born 1856 1878
Appointed . .1877 1879
1879
1880
TERPENY, E. F. 1882
Born 1858 1886
Appointed. . . 1880 1894
1896
1900
BROGAN, J. C. 1891
Born 1854 1898
Appointed. .. 1880 1907
1809 — Without risk.
1900
1885— With risk.
1886 — Bennett Medal.
1887 — Without risk.
1888 — With risk.
1885— With risk.
1 8 82 — Charge dis-
missed.
King, T., No. i. 1883 1888 — Without risk. 1882 — Charge dis-
Born 1853 1886 1895 missed.
Appointed.. .1881 1898 1898 — With risk. 1887 — Fined 2
1900 days' pay.
1905 1888— Fined 5
days' pay.
SLOAN, P. 1889 1903 — Stephenson Medal.
Born 1854 1897
Appointed. . . 1881 1903
KANE, T. F. 1890 1896— Charge dis-
Born 1859 1893 missed.
Appointed.. .1882 1905 1905 — C h a r g e
revoked.
BARRETT, T. F. 1889 1884— With risk.
Born 1858 1893 1885 —
Appointed. . .1883 1903 1886 — Without risk.
1897
KING, J. F. 1897 1885— With risk. 1888— Fined 2
Born 1857 1900 1888 days' pay.
Appointed. . . 1883 1903 1899 — Without risk.
ANDREWS, P., Jr. 1897 1897 — Without risk.
Born 1863 1901
Appointed. . . 1884 1907
DUFFY, WM. J. 1897 1889— Without risk. (?)
Born 1862 1900 1898
Appointed. . . 1884 1906
GRAY, F. J. 1891 1890 — Without risk.
Born 1859 1896
Appointed. .1884 1897
1902
DEVANNY, J. F. 1892 1902 — Stephenson Medal.
Born. 1856 1897
Appointed.. . 1884 1903
SKELLY, T. F. 1892 1897 — With risk. 1891 — Fined i
Born 1862 '1898 day's pay.
Appointed.. .1884 1906 1892 — R e p r i -
manded.
CONLON, J. B. 1898 1893 — Without risk. 1890 — Fined i
Born 1858 1900 1905-Stephenson Medal. day's pay.
Appointed. . . 1885 1906
BEGGIN, W. T. 1895
Born 1864 1898
Appointed. . . 1886 1903
1896 — Without risk.
1903
1889 — Fined i
day's pay.
1890— Fined 10
days' pay.
1903 — Judgment
rescinded and
charge filed.
ROOT, E. S.
Born 1857
Appointed.. .1886
WORTH, E. J.
Born 1861
Appointed.. .1888
HOWE, J. P.
Born 1868
Appointed. . .1890
GRAHAM, P. J.
Born 1867
Appointed.. .1890
1887
1898
1901
1903
1895 — Without risk.
1897
1897 1896 — Without risk.
1901 Stephenson Medal.
1897
1900
1903
1897
1901
1907
HAYES, T. J.
Born 1868
Appointed.. .1891
CRAWLEY, JOSEPH
Born 1869
Appointed. . . 1891
KENLON, JOHN
Born 1860
Appointed. . .1887
NORTON, T. F.
Born 1859
Appointed.. .1887
O'CONNOR, J. A.
Born 1865
Appointed... 1 88 8
DOUGHERTY, T. F.
Born 1865
Appointed.. .1888
Ross, G. L.
Born 1866
Appointed.. .1888
1900
1906
1897
1900
1906
1895
1896
1903
1894
1897
1900
l894 —
Pulitzer Medal.
1896 — Without risk.
1896
1899
1897 — Bonner Medal.
1900 — With risk.
1900 — Without risk.
1897— With risk.
i897
1900
1904
i893
1897
1900
1905
1892
1897
1900
1903
1899— With risk.
1900 — Without risk.
1903 — Class E.
1896— With risk.
1898
1890 — R e p r i
manded.
1890 — Fined 3
days' pay.
1890 — Laid over.
1890 — Fined 10
days' pay.
1 89 2 — Suspended.
1893 — Fined 2
days' pay.
1895 — Fined 3
days' pay.
1903 — R e p r i •
manded.
1903 — Charges dis-
missed.
1906 — Fined 3
days' pay, fine
remitted.
1904 — Class A.
1905-Stephenson Medal.
I9°3 — Class D.
X9°3 — With risk.
1902 — With risk.
43
1906 — F i n e d i
day's pay, fine
remitted.
FARRELL, GEO. F. 1887
Born ....... 1855 l89r
Appointed. . . 1880 1900
MCKERNAN, O. 1899
Born ....... 1869 1901
Appointed. . . 1892 1907
1899
1901
GAL.VIN, B. J.
Born ....... 1870
Appointed. . . 1893
Veterinary Surgeon
SHEA, JOSEPH 1884
Born ....... 1847 l893
Appointed.. . 1884
1895 — Without risk.
1904 — Class D.
1905 — Charges dis-
missed.
RECORDS OF CHIEF OFFICERS.
BOROUGH OF BROOKLYN AND QUEENS.
PROMOTED.
ROLL OF MERIT.
CHARGES.
Deputy Chiefs
LALLY, THOS. 1873 1874
Born 1847 1881 1877
Appointed. .. 1870 1884 1822
1900 1891
1904 1891
1899
MURRAY, JAS. F. 1881 1899 — With risk.
Born 1851 1894
Appointed. . . 1878 1898
1902
BURNS, J. J. 1886 1894 — With risk.
Born 1861 1894 1897
Appointed. . .1883 1898 1903 — Class D.
1903
GOODERSON, F.W., Jr. 1880 1903 — With risk.
Born 1856 1883 Class B.
Appointed. . . 1879 1884
1897
1903
DUFFY, F. J. 1889 1893
Born 1855 1892
Appointed. . . 1880 1899
1903
MARTIN, J. B. 1889
Born 1861 1893
Appointed. . . 1884 1900
1906
44
1879 — Charges dis-
missed.
1880 — Charges dis-
missed.
1881 — R e p r i -
manded.
O'HARA, J. 1887
Born 1859 1889
Appointed. . . 1882 1897
1898
1907
DONOHUE, J. J. 1896 1899
Born 1860 1900 1900
Appointed. . . 1889 1906
REILLY, JAMES 1896
Born 1862 1900
Appointed. . . 1885 1906
HAUCK, L. T. 1896 1903— Class D.
Born 1863 1902
Appointed. . . 1891 1907
MCKENNA, E. J. 1897 1904— Class D.
Born 1865 1900
Appointed. . . 1891 1907
LARKIN, T., No. 2 1890 1886— With risk.
Born 1857 1897 1893
Appointed.. .1884 1903 1896
1887 — Strong Medal.
1900 — Stephenson Medal.
1906— Class B.
1907 — Class A.
MURPHY, JOHN 1884
Born 1846 1896
Appointed. . . 1880 1900
CUMMINGS, J. 1891 1893 1885— R e p r i -
Born 1863 1894 manded.
Appointed. . . 1885 1900
DOOLEY, J. J. 1887 1884
Born 1857 1889 1891
Appointed. .. 188 1 1902 1894
1894
CLARK, WM. C. 1893
Born 1861 1897
Appointed. . . 1884 1902
ROGERS, WM. C. 1887 1894 1901 — R e p r i -
Born 1861 1895 manded.
Appointed. . . 1885 1903
MATSCHKE, B. H. 1894 1892
Born 1865 1896 1895
Appointed. .. 1890 1903 1895
1898
SMITH, M. J. 1897 1891 1902 — Charges dis-
Born 1867 1900 1894 missed.
Appointed. . . 1890 1907
45
STONE, CHAS. H. 1886 1899 — Without risk.
Born 1863 1893
Appointed. . . 1885 1900
1906
WACKERMAN, H. 1891 1887
Born 1860 1894
Appointed. . . 1887 1907
KIRK, H. P. 1896 1895
Born 1870 1900 1896
Appointed. . .1893 I9°S l899
1897
1903 — Class E.
FARRELL, J. T. 1896 1888
Born 1862 1900 1903
Appointed. . . 1887 1905
MAKER, PA. 1889 1902 — With risk.
Born 1863 1891 1903 — Class B.
Appointed. . . 1886 1898
1903
GRAHAM... M. E. C. 1895 1884 — With risk.
Born 1861 1896 1885
Appointed. .. 1882 1903
HAUCK, H. 1897 1895 — With risk-
Born 1866 1901
Appointed. . . 1889 1905
LAWRENCE, WM. E. 1897 1899 — Without risk.
Born 1868 1901
Appointed. . . 1890 1906
LANGAN, JAMES 1894 1888
Born 1861 1900 1892
Appointed. . . 1887 1906
McGuiRE, PAT 1891
Born 1854 1894
Appointed. . . 1883 1906
LUCAS, P. F. 1894 1890 — Without risk.
Born 1860 1896 1891 — With risk.
Appointed. . .1887 Z9°3 l89I — Without risk.
1893 — Bennett Medal.
1895 — Without risk.
46
1890 — Fined 5
days' pay.
i894-Seven Ch'ges,
all dismissed.
1902 — Charges dis-
missed.
1905 — R e p r i -
manded.
1906 — R e p r i -
manded.
1894 — Fined i
day's pay.
1888 — Fined
day's pay
reprimanded.
3
nd
1895 — R e p r i -
manded.
1902
1883 — R e p r i -
manded.
1890 — F i n e d i
day's pay.
1891 — Fined 5
days' pay.
1885— Fined
day's pay.
1890 — R e p r i -
manded.
1902 — Charges dis-
missed.
MCCARTHY, WM. 1885 1894
Born 1847 l892
Appointed. . . 1873 1898
KELLOCK, JAS. 1885 1895
Born 1847 1896
Appointed. ..1871 1898
NORTON, ED. J. 1889
Born 1854 1891
Appointed. . . 1879 1897
1898
HEARD, E, H. 1899
Veterinary Surgeon
Born 1848
Appointed.. .1886
NEVINS, PAT. 1882
Supt. Repair Shop
1891
Born 1852 1899
Appointed.. .1875
1878 — R e p r i -
manded.
1890 — R e p r i -
manded.
47
PART II
OPERATION: Fire Methods
OPERATION: FIRE METHODS.
INTRODUCTORY.
'HpHE primary object of the Fire Department is to prevent fires
from spreading and to extinguish them with as little loss as
possible. To attain this object, the best available means is the
prompt and effective application of water in sufficient quantities.
To obtain sufficient water from an inadequate distribution
system and throw it quickly and effectively upon any fire which
rday arise is an engineering problem which for its proper solution
calls for a high degree of engineering skill.
This one problem involves the organization, equipment and
operation of the Fire Department. In wiorking out its solution
certain rules and regulations have been established for the guid-
ance of the department and certain fire methods have come into
regular vogue. The handling of this problem is so vital to the
practical efficiency of the Fire Department that every technical
phase of the question should be fully and carefully studied.
WATER SUPPLY.
HP HE work of the department is first of all dependent upon the
character of the w;ater supply. While the principal mains
carry sufficient water for satisfactory fire service into some parts
of Manhattan, yet the inadequate size of many minor distributors,,
and the inferior types of hydrants used, combined with the low
pressure normally maintained on the Manhattan low servicer
together result in preventing the fire engines from getting an
adequate supply of water at many serious fires.
In regard to existing hydrants and their supplies, reliable
tests were carried out in 1905, by the corps of able engineers em-
ployed by the National Board of Fire Underwriters. As a work-
ing basis for those tests it was assumed that six second size fire
engines were to take water from six adjacent hydrants in groups
51
throughout the city. An analysis of the tests showed conclusively
that not more than 42 per cent, of the hydrants tested could be
depended upon to furnish a fair to good supply for a second size
engine, wjhile five other second size engines were taking water
from neighboring hydrants. That is to say, the tests showed that
in a majority of cases at least one out of six second size engines
attached to neighboring hydrants anywhere in Manhattan would
be unable to obtain an adequate supply of water.
When the number of engines is increased to twenty or more
with a considerable number of first size engines in the list, the
inadequacy of the water distribution system becomes more start-
lingly apparent.
In substantiation of these statements, reference is made to
the report issued by the National Board of Fire Underwriters,
Committee of Twenty, in November 1905, on the City of New
York, Manhattan and the Bronx. (See pages 20, 24 to 29, 31
and 32.)
For further substantiation the following conditions have come
under the personal observation of the writer.
Ridley Building Fire. Grand Street, April 25, 1905.
At this fire nineteen engines worked. Total combined rating
of engines, 15,550 gallons per minute. Total gallons actually
discharged per minute during the height of the fire, 4,900 gallons
per minute, or 258 gallons per engine. This may be compared
with the total rate of discharge observed at a fire in another city
having an ample water supply where eighteen engines discharged
7,876 gallons per minute. At the Ridley Building fire, the writer
observed three engines drafting their water from hydrants at
atmospheric pressure or less, which indicated that these partic-
ular hydrants had reached approximately their maximum dis-
charge. The streams played by the three engines last mentioned,
aggregated 800 gallons per minute, an average of slightly less
than 300 gallons per minute from each hydrant. Several engines
were reported dismissed from this fire by the Chief of Department
before it was put out, because of their inability to obtain sufficient
water to make their services of value.
52
For adequate fire service one progressive city has for many
years been installing mains and hydrants on the basis that each
hydrant in the business districts should be able to furnish 2,000
gallons per minute while eight or ten neighboring hydrants are
subjected to a similar draft.
Wooster Street Fire. December 25, 1905.
Scarcity of Water. — Of the twenty-six engines called to this
fire, seventeen were either observed in operation by engineers of
the National Board of Fire Underwriters or visited soon after
shutting down. In the latter cases, the men in charge of .the
engines were questioned in regard to the sufficiency .of water ob-
tained from the hydrants. Engines Nos. 20, 27 and 33 were
found to have deficient water during the period of maximum
draft, while Engines Nos. 55 and 9 which were observed soon
after the period of maximum draft had not sufficient water even
under the more favorable conditions. Engine No. 55 attempted
to fill two lines, but was forced to shut off one of them, owing to
the lack of water supplied by the hydrant.
Three hydrants on the east side of Greene Street north of
Spring Street which were tried were found wanting, and Engines
Nos. 15 and 72 were moved from these locations. Engine No. 33
while attached to the third of these three hydrants was furnished
with an auxiliary water supply from Engine No. 25, but the com-
bined supply proved inadequate. Engine No. 13 reported in-
sufficient water at time of maximum draft. This engine was
stationed at a hydrant which proved incapable of supplying more
than 500 gallons per minute when the same engine was connected
to it for testing purposes early in the previous summer. En-
gineers of Engines Nos. 27 and 31 also reported insufficient water
supply while other engines were at work, the supply improving"
later.
Engines 3, 6, n, 14, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 72 reported suffi-
cient water.
In general the engines were run at low speed and most of
them filled but a single line. The total discharge from the twenty-
six engines combined at period of maximum draft was estimated
by the National Board engineers as being less than 8,000 gallons
53
per minute or not more than 300 gallons per engine. The majori-
ty of the engines present at that fire were rated at 900 gallons per
minute capacity.
Bedford Street Fire. March 26, 1906.
At the serious and extensive fire on Bedford, Downing and
Carmine Streets, the writer noticed several engines which were
unable to obtain an adequate supply of water from the hydrants
to which they were attached. In particular Engines Nos. 25 and
30 which were stationed on Downing St., were both unable to
obtain sufficient water although each of them, when observed, was
attempting to fill but a single line of hose. Engine No. 19 also
when observed was unable to obtain sufficient water to fill a single
line satisfactorily.
Parker Building Fire. Fourth Ave. and i9th Street,
January 10, 1908.
During the critical period of this fire the writer carefully in-
spected the work of nine different engines. Four of the engines
when inspected were standing idle, and were consequently at that
time causing no draft on the water supply. The other five were
running at considerably less than two-thirds of the speed neces-
sary to discharge their full capacity of water. Under these con-
ditions the fact that two out of the five working engines, Nos. 55
and 72, were drafting their water under a vacuum from their
respective hydrants indicates the inadequacy of the water distribu-
tion system.
The inadequate supply of water demonstrated above at many —
if not most — points throughout the city adds greatly to the dif-
ficulty of the problem confronting the Fire Department, and calls
for the application of greater engineering skill to obtain the best
results. The deficiency is so serious and threatening that the Fire
Department should spare no efforts to secure permanent improve-
ments in the distribution system both as regards size of mains and
the types of hydrants. The situation also calls for an improved
method in the arrangement of engines in the neighborhood of
threatening fires and in the selection of proper hydrants.
54
SELECTION OF HYDRANTS.
'"pHE testimony already taken in the present investigation indi-
* cated that the proper location of engines at hydrants rested
primarily upon the company officers and that the chief officers
disclaimed any responsibility in the matter. In view of certain
Special Orders which had been issued to the department, how-
ever, the responsibility should be shifted from the shoulders of
company officers to those of the Chief of Department who is
responsible for the orders. The Rules and Regulations of 1905
simply state that " on arriving at a fire, commanders of engine
companies will immediately order a connection to be made to
the hydrant, unless it appears to those having the longest distance
to travel that their services will not be required, and report before
stretching in." — Section 249. It will be observed that this section
does not instruct company officers in regard to what hydrants
should be selected. This point is more nearly covered by Para-
graph 2, of Special Order No. 76 issued July i, 1904, as follows:
"In the future, upon receipt of second alarm of fire, companies
due on second alarm will make connection to engines already working
at fire (and which responded on first alarm) in such streets that are
wide enough and will not obstruct traffic.
"The practice of taking hydrants so far away from a fire and
making long stretches of hose will be discontinued. These con-
nections can readily be made from one engine to another by using
suction and obtaining the same results as to water pressure.
" By order of
"EDWARD F. CROKER, Chief of Department."
This Special Order was reiterated and reaffirmed on March
1 6, 1905, by Special Order No. 32 in the following terms :
"The attention of commanding officers of companies is hereby
called to the necessity of their taking hydrants as close as possible to
the scene of a fire, thus avoiding long stretches, as on several occa-
sions recently I observed that as many as five hydrants in close
proximity to building on fire were not taken by companies.
" In connection with the above the attention of commanding
officers is hereby called to the provisions of Special Order No. 76,
Paragraph II, from this office, dated July I, 1904, and such orders will
be strictly obeyed in the future.
"By order of,
EDWARD F. CROKER, Chief of Department"
55
Still further to impress officers with the necessity of attaching
to all hydrants nearest to a fire, the following notice was sent to
all Chiefs of Battalions as recently as December 10, 1907.
OFFICE OF CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT,
NEW YORK, December 10, 1907.
" CHIEF OF BATTALION.
" You are hereby notified and will notify all officers in your
battalion that I have observed at recent fires that absolutely no
attention has been paid to provisions of the Rules and Regulations
and orders issued from this office under date of July i, 1904, Special
Order No. 76, and to Special Order No. 32, March 16, 1905, calling
attention to Special Order No. 76 relative to taking hydrants so far
away from the scene of a fire, necessitating long stretches; that
in such cases connection could readily be made from one engine to
another by using suction.
" In future any failure to comply with the above orders will
be made the subject of proper action.
" By order of
EDWARD F. CROKER,
" Chief of Department."
On February 19, 1908, in General Order No. I the Chief of
Department referred once more to the Special Order of July I,
1904, quoted above, but in this case he added to the former direc-
tions the injunction that company commanders and engineers of
steamers should study hydrants and sizes of mains so as to obtain
the best results. This order was issued after the Commissioners
of Accounts had submitted their preliminary report on the Fire
Department investigation. The portions of General Order No. I
of 1908 bearing on the matter of selecting hydrants are given
below :
"HEADQUARTERS, FIRE DEPARTMENT, CITY OF NEW YORK,
" Office, Chief of Department,
"NEW YORK, February 19, 1908.
"GENERAL ORDERS
" The attention of members of this department, ALL RANKS
AND GRADES, is hereby called to the fact that for several years
past it has been necessary to issue various order from both the office
of the Fire Commissioner and this Bureau, promulgating additions
and amendments to the Rules and Regulations, orders instructing
56
members as to the observance of proper discipline, etc., etc., the
provisions of which I am compelled to state have in many cases
not been given proper care and attention, resulting very often in
lowering the standard of efficiency and seriously affecting discipline.
" In the future the slightest infraction in the proper observance
of the Rules and Regulations now in force or of the various Special,
and General Orders coming to my notice, upon the part of members
of any rank or grade will be made the subject of the severest penal-
ties possible under the law to impose, without further notice.
" In connection with the above General Order, the provisions of
various orders as enumerated herein below are hereby called to the
attention of the uniformed force, and will be read semi-monthly at
Roll Call, and a strict observance enjoined upon all.
" Special Order No. 76, July I, 1904.— The practice of taking
hydrants so far away from fire, necessitating long stretches of hose.
In this connection it has come to my attention that first alarm com-
panies pass hydrants near the scene of the fire and for apparently no
good reason take hydrants furthest away, although located on the
same main. COMPANY COMMANDERS and ENGINEERS OF
STEAMERS are hereby enjoined to make a thorough study of differ-
ent hydrants and the sizes of mains on which they are located in their
own and ADJOINING districts to which they respond on first, second
and third alarms for fire, so as to obtain the best results possible from
a standpoint of getting at the nozzle the best possible pressures. Com-
panies after stretching in at fires will fix their hose so as to lay on
ONE side of the street, leaving the center of street open for the pas-
sage of apparatus.
" Orders to Chiefs of Battalions December 10, 1907. — Relative to
taking hydrants so far away from scene of fire, necessitating long
stretches.
" By order of
EDWARD F. CROKER,
"Chief of Department."
The earlier Special Orders if strictly obeyed would almost surely
result in cutting down the amount of water obtained by many
of the engines more seriously even than has occurred in the
past. This disastrous result is of course due to the inadequate
distribution system. If the distribution system had been laid out
along proper lines for furnishing an adequate supply of water at
any point where it might be required, the instructions contained
57
in the Special Order of July i, 1904, March 16, 1905, and
December 10, 1907, would be properly adapted to obtain the best
results at any serious fire. But in view of the existing layout of
the distribution system the above mentioned Special Orders can-
not fail to result disastrously. The modifications of the earlier
orders issued on February 19, 1908, while it should improve the
situation somewhat, can still be further amended. Officers of
companies reaching a fire on third or greater alarms cannot be
expected to know which hydrants have already been taken by
other companies, and as this knowledge is vital in selecting the
best of the hydrants which are left, these officers are thereby
forced to make a selection in partial ignorance of the situation.
Under these circumstances it is to be expected that mistakes will
continue to be made in the selection of hydrants inasmuch as late
arriving companies will be apt to place their engines at certain
hydrants without regard to the probable effect of such selection
in cutting down the supply of water to engines already at work.
A better method would be to place the responsibility for the
proper location of the engines upon some individual officer; for
example, either the chief in command or an aide designated by
him who would make it his business to keep track of the hydrants
already occupied by the engines and the sizes of mains in the
immediate neighborhood.
In a general way, if there is any question of deficiency of
water supply, late coming engines should be instructed to attach
to hydrants on large mains sufficiently remote from the fire to
avoid seriously reducing the supply of the engines already at work.
To render the services of engines stationed at considerable dis-
tances fully effective calls for a change from the present practice^
in regard to stretching in lines of hose ; and also requires addi-
tional equipment. The present practice appears to be based on
the assumption that the water supply and the water distribution
are both adequate, an assumption which threatens at any time to
cause disastrous results.
The present defective conditions should be recognized and
intelligent steps taken to meet them. A simple and obvious step
towards making the proper selection of hydrants easier for com-
panies responding to a fire would be to mark each hydrant con-
58
spicuously with the size of the main to which it is attached. This
step, however, does not go far enough, for there are certain con-
ditions under which a hydrant on a small main might be prefer-
able to another hydrant on a considerably larger main. The
proper marking of hydrants so as to indicate clearly those having
sufficient water supply is a problem which should be left to trained
engineers who are capable of appreciating all of the elements
which enter the situation.
Use of Too Remote Hydrants.
In some cases mistakes have been made through selecting hy-
drants too remote from a fire while the water supply in the vicin-
ity of the fire is adequate. This was illustrated at the recent
Joy Line Pier fire on March 30, 1908. At this fire Engine No. 29
was stationed at a hydrant over 1,000 feet away, wjhile it might
have been located to better advantage on the river front within
100 or 200 feet of the fire, so as to obtain an unlimited supply of
water directly from the river. The distance at which it was
located required a water pressure of nearly 200 pounds to be
maintained which early resulted in bursting the hose. The fric-
tion in the long line of hose absorbed more than three-quarters of
the entire power developed by the pumps and cut down the amount
of water discharged to approximately one-third of the full capac-
ity of the engine.
ATTACHING TO HYDRANTS.
Size of Connection Used.
OECTION 171 of the Rules and Regulations of 1905 directs
^ each engineer of steamer : "Upon reaching a hydrant in the vi-
cinity of the fire, connect the suction or hydrant connection to the
hydrant, then to engine; be sure the connections are airtight.
Companies reporting on extra alarms will always use the suction."
This provision apparently leaves it discretionary with the engi-
neers of first alarm engines whether to use the small hydrant con-
nections or the larger suctions. Experience proves that the use
of small connections reduces the pressure of the water received
from the hydrant materially more than does the use of large size
59
suctions. In fact certain engines with which the writer is familiar
are equipped by their builders exclusively with 4^2 -inch and
6-inch suctions instead of the 2^/2 -inch and 4^2 -inch sizes carried
by the New York engines. In view of the low pressure in the mains
throughout a large part of Manhattan, a pressure which is still
further reduced by the inferior types of hydrants now in service,
it appears to be poor engineering to cut the pressure down still
further by using hydrant connections of small diameter when
larger connections are available. Of course it is recognized that
promptness is an essential feature in handling fires. For this
reason the use of small connections by the first engine company
arriving at a fire might be justified, but all subsequent engine com-
panies should be instructed to make use of the larger size suctions
if there is any probability of the fire becoming serious.
Choice of Hydrant Outlets.
What has been said in reference to the use of large and small
size suctions applies also to the selection of 4^ -inch hydrant!
outlets when available. The writer has noted the tendency to
utilize the small 2^2 -inch hydrant outlets sometimes even when
the large sized 4^ -inch suctions are used. At the Parker Build-
ing fire most of the engines in the immediate vicinity of the build-
ing were connected to 2^-inch outlets. At the Worth Street
fire of February 4, 1908, Engines Nos. 7, 27 and 31 — out of the
few engines observed by the writer — were connected to hydrants
by small sized connections, Nos. 27 and 31 using small outlets of
double hydrants where the large outlets were available. At the
second alarm fire on Second Avenue corner 2Oth Street, Febru-
ary 23, 1908, Engines Nos. 14 and 16 both used small connections
attached to the smaller outlets of double hydrants.
OPERATION OF ENGINES.
Streams to be Furnished.
CECTION 156 of the Rules and Regulations prescribes that
**J " the engineer of steamer will be held responsible for the
condition and proper running of the engine, and shall furnish a
good and sufficient stream of water when required; shall not
60
cause or allow the destruction of tubes, coils, or boiler or any
other part of the machinery by lack of water in boiler, by freez-
ing or any cause, and if any of the parts are out of order, or if
anything is wanting, he will be held responsible until the same is
reported to the comanding officer of the company."
It will be seen from the foregoing that the engineer of steamer
is called upon to " furnish a good and sufficient stream of water
when required." Nothing appears in the Rules and Regulations
in regard to two streams, and yet it is generally understood that
every engine suitable for use in a built-up community should be
able to supply continuously two effective fire streams. Several
engines in the New York department are of too small size to
supply two streams. Many others of ample size have been found
at tests to be in such poor condition or so poorly handled that
they also were unable to pump enough water for two effective
streams.
In cities where two streams per engine is the rule rather than
the exception, a small number of engines is required to handle
any given fire effectively, with the result that the average dis-
tance of the engines from the fire is materially lessened with cor-
responding increase in efficiency, while fewer engines are drawn
aw>ay from the protection of other localities.
Although two lines of hose are sometimes seen attached to a
single engine at serious fires in New York, yet this practice is
decidedly the exception rather than the rule.
Of course, if an engine were attached to a hydrant on a main
supplying insufficient water, the attempt to play two streams
should not be encouraged ; but if a suitable hydrant located on a
main of ample size is selected, each engine of the two larger sizes
might advantageously be called on to furnish two effective streams.
Speed of Engines at Work.
In filling two streams an engine must run at considerably
higher speed than when playing but a single streami. Most
engines of modern design when in good condition can maintain
a speed approaching 300 revolutions per minute under service
conditions. The writer has records of engines working at fires at
speeds of 350 revolutions per minute and over. Such speeds are
61
practically unheard of in the New York Fire Department. A
speed of between 100 and 120 revolutions per minute is a frequent
occurrence in New York, and the average speed of engines work-
ing at fires is apt to be in the neighboorhood of 150 revolutions
per minute.
Slip of Pumps.
The speed of the engine, however, is not always a sure guide
to the amount of water the engine may be pumping. If some of
the pump valves are defective or if other valves are left unclosed,
the engine will suffer from what is known as a high percentage
of slip and a considerable proportion of tne water which should be
discharged at the nozzle will be wasted through the disordered
valves. The question of slip becomes an important one when fully
efficient service is required of the engine. For practical purposes
" slip " is equivalent to " waste " and a high percentage of slip
argues poor maintenance on the part of those responsible for the
engine.
Although the question of slip is a very important one, in that
it affords a direct indication as to the condition of an engine, the!
writer has been unable to learn that any systematic tests have been
made by the department engineers to ascertain the slip and condi-
tion of the engines from time to time. Conversations with vari-
ous engineers of steamers indicate that the latter are generally
unaware of how the slip of an engine can be measured and what
it indicates. The way some engines work at fires le'ads to the
belief that excessive slip is present. Excessive slip may play a
noticeable part in diminishing the effectiveness on a fire of a
stream from any engine.
Size of Streams.
The capacity and power of similar engines in different cities
is to some degree reflected by the sizes of streams which they are
accustomed to play upon serious fires. In New York the writer
is unable to recall any stream larger than 1^2 -inches played by a
single engine. In other cities his records show frequent use of
i ^-inch, 1 24-inch and 2-inch streams, each of them effectively
supplied with wiater by a single engine.
In handling a serious fire an ample quantity of water is wanted
62
in each stream, in combination with adequate stiffness in the
stream. This desirable combination calls for competent handling
on the part of engineers as well as good condition of the engines
and adequate water supply. The reverse of all these conditions
was illustrated at the Parker Building fire in the streams from both
the deck pipe and the tower nozzle of the water tower on Fourth
Avenue, as well as by the siamesed stream when it was first
directed against the Parker Building from the American Litho-
graph Building.
Steam Pressures.
Section 162 of the Rules and Regulations directs each engi-
neer of steamer to " set the safety valve to lift at a pressure of
80 pounds per square inch, once in three months remove the
valve from the chamber and clean off any corrosion that may
have accumulated on the guide."
This rule is either worth preserving in the Rules and Regula-
tions, or it is not. The writer believes that with the boilers kept
in good condition there is no proper reason for the existence of
such a rule, and he further believes that its existence on the books
leads to its being regarded as a dead letter and thereby induces
laxness in carrying out the other rules and regulations established
for the guidance of the force. That this rule is frequently vio-
lated is shown by the following personal observations: At the
Parker Building fire the writer observed the steam pressures on
but four engines ; three of these held steam pressures of approxi-
mately 1 20 pounds, while the steam pressure on the fourth was
96 pounds.
At the Worth Street fire on February 4, 1908, the steam
pressure on most of the engines observed by the writer was in
excess of 80 pounds.
At the Ninety-sixth Street and Second Avenue car barn fire
on March i, 1908, eight out of ten engines observed maintained
steam pressure in excess of 80 pounds. ,
Inasmuch as Regulation 162 appears to be violated by a large
proportion of engineers at every serious fire, it would appear the
part of wisdom to modify the rule so that it may better accord
with practice.
63
Water Pressure Maintained by Engines.
The following Rules and Regulations bear on the water pres-
sure to be maintained by the engines while in service at fires :
Section 173. " The relief valve in main pump will be set to lift
at a pressure of 75 pounds per square inch, but in case this pressure
is not sufficient for the work to be performed, such as forcing water
through a long line of hose or pipe in an elevated position, or when,
the full power of the engine is required, the pressure will be increased
by the order of the Commanding Officer, the churn valve and sprinkler
will be closed and relief valve will be cut out, the pipeman will be
notified of the fact, and if a controlling nozzle is on the pipe it will
not be shut off until the order has been sent and pressure reduced on
the line."
Section 335. " The water pressure on a line of 3-inch hose, when
the engine is working on the relief, shall not exceed 60 pounds. Should
more pressure be required, the controlling nozzle on pipe will not be
shut off until the pressure is again reduced on the line."
Section 337. " When high pressures are required, the controlling
nozzles will not be used on the line, as each company is supplied with
different sizes of open nozzles, which must be used when the pressure
on the line exceeds 60 pounds."
It is difficult to understand why a limit of 60 pounds is set
when 3-inch hose is used. Three-inch hose is properly brought
into play only when the friction of a 2^2 -inch line would cut
down the effectiveness of its stream. In other words 3-inch hose
should be employed primarily only when a long line is necessary
or when a large quantity of water is to be discharged. Either of
these conditions is almost sure to require a much higher water
pressure at the engine than 60 pounds so that if the engineer
attempted to abide by the 60 pound limit, the resulting stream
would almost surely be unsatisfactory. The rule requiring open
nozzles only to be used when the pressure is in excess of 60
pounds is presumably intended to save the hose from great pres-
sures developed by suddenly closing the controlling nozzle. In
other departments it has been found practicable to use controlling
nozzles on any line even with the automatic relief and churn valve
closed. This usage however requires some care and attention on
the part of both the pipeman and the engineer. Where either
the pipeman or the engineer is careless or incompetent either the
relief valve or an open nozzle should be utilized.
64
In the last three months the writer has noticed several differ-
ent engine companies making use of 3-inch hose. The average
water pressures maintained by these engines was considerably
over 150 pounds, the highest pressure observed being 245 pounds
and the lowfest 98 pounds.
Incompetent Handling of Engines.
At the Parker Building fire the writer noticed the engine
attached to the second section of Engine Company No. 16 stand-
ing idle at 9.10 P. M. which was about twenty minutes before the
floors in the building collapsed. The fires under the boiler were
out and the engineer was making no attempt to relight them. He
stated to the writer that spray from the water tower had extin-
guished his fire. If this was the case it showed a lack of resource-
fulness in not protecting his engine from the spray and alsp in
not calling the attention of some officer to the random aim of the
water tower in time to have it corrected. As far as the writer
could see the engineer made no prompt attempt to get his engine
going again.
Another case of incompetence on the part of an engineer was
that of engineer John Ludlow, who was reduced for incompetent
handling of his engine at a fire. Other cases of ignorance on the
part of engineers have come under the writer's observation; at
almost every fire of importance.
ARRANGEMENT AND SELECTION OF HOSE.
Use of Large Size Hose.
OECTION 333 of the Rules and Regulations prescribes that:
^ " Companies equipped with 3-inch hose will use the same when
called to fires on the second or greater alarms. Should the fire
become extensive the first alarm companies, if equipped with a 2^-
inch hose, will, in addition, stretch a line of 3-inch hose and sub-
stitute it for the 2^-inch line, or, if necessary, both lines may be
used."
Section 334. " Companies equipped with i^-inch hose will use
it at fires when, in the judgment of the commanding officer, the
fire will warrant its use; it will also be used in finishing up at fires,
washing down, etc., relieving the large hose, which may be taken up
or placed on tender or wagon."
65
^Section 337. " Companies equipped with 3-inch hose will use
this size hose on the entire line, when practicable, and with open
nozzle . . . This size hose must also be connected to the 3-inch
coupling on water tower when directed to connect the same. When
working on roofs and fire escapes, the 2^ -inch hose will be con-
nected to 3-inch lines."
As previously stated the object of using 3-inch hose is to
lessen the waste of power and pressure which accompanies the
use of 2,^/2 -inch hose. Where a long line of 2^ -inch hose will,
for example, absorb say 100 pounds of the pressure in friction
the same length of 3-inch hose discharging the same amount of
water will absorb approximately half that amount of pressure or
say 50 pounds in the case above cited. As a rule, w,hen an engine
fills a line of 3-inch hose no other line is attached, so that the
full power of the engine is available for a single stream. Under
these conditions a large size nozzle is desirable to make use of a
large amount of water. If the line is a long one, the loss of
pressure by friction in the hose again becomes considerable, owing
to the increased flow of water through the hose. To reduce the
loss of pressure still further it is often advisable to add a second
line and Siamese the two lines into one near the scene of the fire.
This procedure is in fact prescribed in the orders of some other
fire departments.
Siamesed Lines of Hose.
The effect of siamesing two lines, particularly when the distance
to be covered is considerable, is very marked in the reduced waste
of power through friction and the lower pressure which the en-
gine is obliged to maintain in order to discharge a satisfactory
stream. Take the case, for example, of Engine 29 at the Joy Line
pier fire on March 30, 1908. Assume that a powerful i^-inch
stream was required showing 50 pounds pressure at the nozzle.
This calls for 470 gallons per minute which is a quantity easily
within the power of engine 29 which is rated at 900 gallons per
minute. (In fact an engine of the size of Engine 29 when ade-
quately handled might properly be expected to play a i ^4-inch
stream with a nozzle pressure considerably in excess of 50 pounds.)
The engine was approximately 1050 feet from the fire and required
twenty-one lengths of hose in its line. If the line consists exclu-
sively of 2 1/2 -inch hose the pressure at the engine required to
66
furnish a satisfactory i^-inch stream will be in the neighborhood
of 600 pounds. With a line of 3-inch hose the engine pressure
would be reduced to about 300 pounds, while if a 2^-inch is
siamesed with the 3-inch line into a i^-inch nozzle the necessary
pressure at the engine will be reduced approximately to 150
pounds. Thus an effective stream of large size from an engine
remote from the fire is rendered possible through the use of two
siamesed lines when a single line of 3-inch hose would leave such
a stream outside the range of possibilities.
Although as previously stated the use of siamesed lines forms
part of the regular practice in other departments, their use has
been so rare in the New York department that blunders and
delay are still apt to accompany attempts to employ this valuable
application of engineering principles. The writer observed a
delay of nearly 15 minutes in an attempt to run a siamesed line
at a fire on South Street arid it has been reported that the
attempt to utilize a siamesed stream at the Parker Building fire
was for a long time unsuccessful.
Increased Supply of Hose at Fires.
The methods suggested above of siamesing two lines to obtain
a powerful stream of water would of course necessitate having
an ample supply of hose brought to every fire . The lack of hose
will in all probability be urged against this practice. In answer
the writer would advocate providing adequate equipment to make
use of the best methods even though the equipment called for
may exceed what has been considered adequate in the past. In
more than one progressive fire department, a reserve supply of
hose is stowed on extra wagons ready to respond on second or
greater alarms much in the same way that the fuel wagons are
handled in the New York Department. In fact one fire depart-
ment which carries at least 1,000 feet of hose on every hose
wagon has a second supply of 1,000 feet of hose in every engine
house in the business districts. This is an example which the
writer believes New York would do well to follow.
Superfluous Hose.
Inasmuch as every 5O-foot length in a line of hose adds
materially to the loss of pressure by friction and consequently
67
requires the engine to maintain a higher water pressure in order
to discharge an equally efficient stream, the practice of placing
superfluous lengths of hose between an engine and the fire is to
foe severely criticised. Of course one or two or possibly three
lengths of hose have to be pulled off the wagon at the scene of
the fire in order that the nozzle may be carried wherever the
circumstances may dictate. This necessary allowance of hose
for shifting the nozzle, however, dqes not justify the many extra
lengths which are to be found in one or more lines at almost
every serious fire. The writer recalls, for example, the case of
Engine No. 6 at the Wooster Street fire. The engine was sta-
tioned less than 500 feet distant from the building on fire and 16
lengths of hose, 800 feet, were visible in its line while one or
more lengths probably extended the line beyond where it was
visible from the street. As a consequence the engine had to hold
a very high water pressure in order to produce a satisfactory
stream with the result that its hose burst in more than one place.
The water pressures observed at the engine by the writer was
between 270 and 300 pounds. Attempts were made to cover the
breaks with hose jackets while the pressure was on, but they
proved futile and the engine had to shut down while the line was
being repaired.
The writer has not made a point of looking for superfluous
lengths of hose at fires but has been struck by this feature more
than once. At a recent fire on Second Avenue corner 2Oth.
Street, Engine No. I was stationed within 250 feet of the burning
building and yet its line was 600 feet long. More recently (April
26, 1908) Engine Co. 29 had a line 650 feet long while the
nozzle was kept in a building about 300 feet distant from the
engine. The writer recently counted 29 turns of hose opposite
a certain building while the total number of separate limes of
hose passing that building could hardly have exceeded five or
six.
Superfluous lengths are particularly undesirable and inexcus-
able when connection is made to some stationary object such as
a standpipe or a water tower. The accompanying photograph of
a water tower in action shows beyond question the superfluous
length or lengths near the tower. It does not show whether or
68
not there were any other superfluous lengths between the limits-
of the photograph and the engine.*
SELECTION OF NOZZLES.
"~PHE Rules and Regulations include no definite instructions in
* regard to the proper size of nozzle to be used, though, as
quoted above, Sections 335 and 337 specify that nozzles of the
open type shall be used whenever high pressures are main-
tained at the engine or when 3-inch hose is used. Sections 352,
353 and 354 all call attention to the necessity of taking particular
care of nozzles in order to avoid denting them.
Size of Nozzles.
The usual practice of the department appears to be to attach
I y^ -inch nozzles to lines of 2^2 -inch hose and i^-inch nozzles
to lines of 3-inch hose. For general purposes this practice is
to be approved. It is open, however, to two criticisms :
1st. If a second line is attached to an engine which is attempt-
ing to play a i^-inch stream the chances are that both the first
and the second streams \vill be so weakened as to become inef-
fective.
2nd. When a hot fire calls for the full power of an engine
better execution can ordinarily be obtained by engines of the
first size by means of I Y^ -inch streams, than by i>^-inch streams.
To fill a i ^4-inch stream properly two lines should be run
from the engine and siamesed near the nozzle.
Type of Nozzle.
In regard to the particular type of nozzle used, the writer
believes that the Fire Department would do well to make com-
parative tests between streams from large nozzles attached to
hose 3 Y-2. -inches in diameter and streams from nozzles of the
same size attached directly to 2^ -inch or 3-inch hose. The knowl-
edge gained by such tests would be of value under such condi-
tions as existed during the Parker Building fire when the attempt
was made to throw a stream across Fourth Avenue.
* The photograph referred to above shows several lengths of hose lead-
ing to a water tower, the hose lying in loops in the street.
69
USE OF WATER TOWERS.
Number of Streams.
^~PHE practice in the New York Department when a water
tower is operated at a fire is to utilize both tower nozzle
and the deck nozzle even though the fire may be at so great an
elevation above the street that the stream from the deck nozzle
is necessarily unable to do effective work. Two examples of this
misuse of the deck pipe occurred at the Parker Building fire
where the stream from the deck pipe of the water tower on igth.
Street was aimed so sharply upward that it was of little or no
value in reaching the fire. The stream from the deck pipe of the
water tower in Fourth Avenue during the time that the writer
observed it in operation not only failed to reach the stories in
which the fire was burning but by taking valuable water which
might otherwise have been directed through the tower nozzle
thereby derived the stream from the latter nozzle of considerable
water. The result was that for some time the stream from the
water towfer nozzle was unable to reach the part of the building
where the fire was burning.
Connecting Pipes.
None of the water towers in service is provided with piping
by which the deck pipe inlets can be connected with the tower
inlets. Such connecting pipes are sometimes attached to water
towers for the purpose of temporarily stiffening either the deck-
pipe stream or the tower stream when necessary. By diverting
part or all of the water from one nozzle to the other, two weak
streams can be combined into a single powerful stream. By
doubling the amount of water discharged through either nozzle,
the 'nozzle pressure can be increased fourfold, with a correspond-
ing increase in stiffness. Under certain conditions, such as existed
at times during the Parker Building fire, the ability to stiffen one
stream at the expense of the other may be of considerable value,
and it is recommended that the water towers now in service be
equipped with gates and pipes to enable them to secure the advan-
tage of this arrangement.
70
Number of Towers Employed.
It is unusual in New York to see more than one tower work-
ing at any fire at any given time. In fact the book of assign-
ments to stations provides for the presence of only one water
tower even on fourth or fifth alarms. In other cities the assign-
ment books make provision for having additional water towers
early on the scene in case their services may be needed. At a
building as extensive as the Parker Building, running some 150
feet on iQth. Street and 120 feet on Fourth Avenue, there
appeared to be excellent opportunity for the use of certainly three
water towers. Had the same amount of water been discharged
through three water nozzles which was actually discharged
through the two water towers and the two deck pipes, it is
reasonable to believe that the effect on the fire during the early
stages would have been much more marked.
Use of Water Tower with High Pressure Service.
When water towers are employed in conjunction with the new
high pressure service it is probable that they will be called on
to discharge greater quantities of water than hitherto. The re-
action of the jet upon the nozzle will be more likely to cause the
water towers to capsize, — an accident which has occurred in
various cities where greater quantities of water are played through
water towers than is the case in New York. In anticipation of
the new device it is advisable to make careful tests of the water
towers in order to ascertain what pressure can safely be applied
without danger of overturning them and also to ascertain whether
the struts intended to prevent the tower from capsizing are en-
tirely reliable on smooth and hard pavements. The practice in
other departments is to attach guy lines to the upper part of
each tower to increase the security against capsizing. The writer
is of the opinion that this double provision for safety is advisable
in New York also.
USE OF STANDPIPES.
Advantages and Disadvantages.
HPHE practice of the department is to connect one or more
lines of hose from an engine to a standpipe whenever such
action appears to be advisable. Time is often saved by the use
of standpipes as they obviate the necessity of raising lines of
hose to the upper stories of high buildings. On the other hand,
the use of standpipes has decided drawbacks, the most serious
being that more streams may be fed from the standpipe than the
engine is able adequately to supply. Such a condition of affairs
came under the notice of the writer at a fire in East 27th Street
on May 25, 1907. An engine was connected to a standpipe in
the Cornell Medical College from which three separate streams
were supplied, and as a result none of the streams reached the
fire effectively and the power of the engine and the efforts of
the men were practically wasted. Similar conditions have been
noted by the writer at other fires where unauthorized persons
have attempted to handle additional lines supplied by a stand-
pipe. To prevent the recurrence of this trouble the writer sug-
gests that in all cases where a standpipe is utilized by the Fire
Department, a company officer be made responsible for seeing
that it is not taxed beyond the capacity of the engine by which
it may be supplied.
Suggestion for a Portable Standpipe Company.
When lines of hose are needed in upper stories or over the
roofs of buildings the usual practice is for each engine company
to raise its own line to the required elevation by hand. If several
lines are carried over the same roof this operation means the
expenditure of considerable energy and a duplication of work.
The writer presents for consideration the organization of a stand-
pipe company whose duty it would be to place adequate lines of
hose vertically in position whenever conditions call for them.
The suggestion is to utilize some form of motor power in elevat-
ing several lines of large sized hose simultaneously into position.
The writer is not aware that such a method is in use elsewhere,
but he has been Impressed by the frequency with which lines of
hose have to be raised to considerable heights in handling fires
in New York City, and with the desirability of raising these
lines more expeditiously and effectively than at present.
72
USE OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS, Etc.
Regulations and Practice.
C ECTION 249 of the Rules and Regulations prescribes that :
^ " Commanding officers upon arriving at fires in premises having auto-
matic sprinkler equipments will at once report the fact to the officer
in command thereof, and whenever practicable will order officers to
make proper connections to said sprinklers for the purpose of more
rapidly extinguishing fires, and a report of same will be made on
the report of operations."
So far as the writer has been able to learn this rule has not
been carried into effect in recent years. The reason given by the
responsible officers for failing to attach lines from fire engines to
sprinkler connections is that fires can usually be more effectively
handled by means of engine streams than through sprinkler can-
nections. Also as a rule the sprinklers are operating properly
when the department arrives and additional water in the sprinklers
is unnecessary.
It sometimes happens, however, that sprinklers do not operate
properly owing to the supply tanks being empty, or accidentally
gated off, or through some other disarrangement of the system.
In such cases the prompt utilization of the sprinklers by the Fire
Department might be of very great assistance in extinguishing the
fire. Two cases of this description have recently occurred and on
neither occasion did the Fire Department connect to the sprinkler
system.
The first of these fires was in the building No. 191-193
Chrystie Street on December 3, 1907. Sprinklers of an inferior
type were installed in this building and it is reported that owing
to the poor pressure of the water supply available the sprinklers
did not operate properly when the fire broke out. It is claimed
that a higher pressure such as might have been obtained by con-
necting a fire engine to the sprinkler system would have caused
the sprinklers to operate properly and have assisted materially in
reducing the loss by fire. The damage occasioned by this fire
to the building is reported to be $12,000 with considerably larger
damage to the stock and merchandise contained in the building.
73
Another fire in a building equipped with sprinklers occurred
on December 6, 1907, at the factory of the Carroll Box and
Lumber Company, 627 East i8th Street. At this fire the sprin-
klers failed to operate, presumably because a gate in the supply
pipe leading from the tank was closed at the time of the fire. The
sprinkler system was provided with a suitable connection for
Fife Department use, but this connection was not utilized by the
department. Inasmuch as by means of the sprinkler system all
of the water which an engine might pump through the sprinkler
connection would be discharged directly upon the burning mate-
rial, it is highly probable that the use of the system by the Fire
Department would have been of material assistance in extin-
guishing the fire.
The claim is made by the Fire Department officers that the
water was more effectively utilized in the streams which were
played from the street and other neighboring locations. Such
a claim is at least open to question. Fourteen engine companies
responded to this fire and more engines could have been easily
obtained by sounding an extra alarm. It would, therefore, have
been entirely practicable to attach one or more of the engines to
the sprinkler connection and still have enough engines left to
furnish as many outside streams as the occasion called for.
It is to be regretted that no attempt was made by the Fire
Department to utilize the sprinkler service in either of the two
cases cited above ; both because it is quite likely that by so doing
the losses would have been reduced, and also because the use
of sprinklers in these two cases would probably have furnished
reliable information as to the benefit to be obtained by utilizing
sprinkler connections at future fires.
Perforated Pipes.
The department makes use of perforated pipes with fair fre-
quency and good success. Perforated pipes of course call for
different treatment by the Fire Department from automatic sprin-
klers. Perforated pipes being always open can be brought into
operation as a rule only when water is supplied to them by the
Fire Department, whereas automatic sprinklers being at all times
under water pressure operate instantly and automatically on the
74
outbreak of a fire. There is therefore more need for the Fire
Department to connect promptly to perforated pipes than to
automatic sprinklers if the fire is in a position where it can be
reached by either of these appliances.
Sprinkler Installations.
The ordinances prescribe that buildings over a certain height
shall be equipped with standpipes, auxiliary fire apparatus and
such other appliances as may be required by the Fire Department.
Also that buildings used for business or manufacturing purposes
shall be provided with perforated pipes along the ceiling of each
floor below the first floor, or in lieu of such perforated pipes,
automatic sprinklers may be put in. (Part 19, Section 102 of the
Revised Ordinances.) Section 762 of the Charter, which remains
effective until changed by the Board of Aldermen, gives the
Fire Commissioner power to direct owners of factories, hotels,
tenements, mercantile buildings, etc., to provide certain specified
fire appliances as well as " other means of preventing and extin-
guishing fires as said Fire Commissioner may direct."
It is strongly recommended that the above authorization be
interpreted by the Fire Department to include requirements
for automatic sprinklers in all buildings which by their con-
struction, occupation or location might threaten to spread a-
growing conflagration to their neighbors. A requirement calling
for the installation of automatic sprinklers, if adequately enforced,
would add more to the security of the city against disastrous fires
than any improvements which might be made in the equipment
or personnel of the Fire Department.
While automatic sprinklers are not infallible, yet they have
been proved by years of experience to be reliable in the vast
majority of cases, and if they were provided with such a source of
water supply as the new high pressure water system under a
contant pressure of at least 100 pounds, their reliability would be
considerably increased.
Comparing automatic sprinklers with perforated pipes, the
former have so great advantages over the latter that it seems un-
reasonable to require the latter to be installed and not the former.
Perforated pipes do not operate on fires until after the fire has
75
been discovered, an alarm iSent out and the Fire Department has
reached the scene. Then an engine must be connected to a hy-
drant and a line of hose stretched to the ^proper pipe connection.
Meanwhile the fire has continued to burn and spread, and quite
likely has burned away the supports of the perforated pipe just
in those places where its services are most needed. Automatic
sprinklers, on the other hand, operate as soon as the heat from
the incipient fire reaches them, and thereby as a rule prevent the
fire from extending beyond the incipient stage. For this reason
it is sometimes claimed that they are only valuable against incipi-
ent fires, without realizing that practically all fires pass through
an incipient stage and that the sprinklers by acting promptly
prevent the fires from reaching more serious conditions.
Another great advantage possessed by sprinklers over per-
forated pipes lies in the fact that the sprinklers operate only in
the immediate vicinity of the fire while perforated pipes neces-
sarily flood the entire area which they protect. Thus in a building
zoo or 150 feet deep a single sprinkler might easily control a
fire without doing any water damage to stock more than ten or
fifteen feet away. On the other hand, a perforated pipe would
flood the entire area from front to rear, and it is quite possible
that the immense amount of water thereby wasted would leave
insufficient water to extinguish the fire if the latter happened to
occur near the end of the pipe furthest from the source of supply.
It is therefore urged that automatic sprinklers be included
among the appliances required by the Fire Department, and that
the authority of the Fire Department to require such installation
be extended to cover all buildings which may add to the fire
hazard of their locality.
CHEMICAL ENGINES.
Lack of Chemical Apparatus in Manhattan.
*"]PHE New York Fire Department occupies an almost unique
position among progressive Fire Departments in that it makes
no use of chemical apparatus within the city proper: that is,
Manhattan.
76
Advantages of Chemical Apparatus.
The advantages of chemical apparatus may be briefly sum-
marized as follows :
1. Promptness in getting into action.
2. Ease with which chemical lines may be handled.
3. Sufficiency for all incipient and many well started fires.
4. Independence from hydrant troubles, such as inadequate
supply, frozen hydrants, or defective hydrants.
5. Availability as skirmishers on the outskirts of a threaten-
ing fire.
6. Reduction in water damage.
7. Well adapted to handle fires in confined spaces.
8. The use of chemical apparatus permits the heavy apparatus
to be dismissed more promptly from fires.
9. Less likely to obstruct traffic on a busy street.
10. Chemical engines can be quickly moved from place to
place to check simultaneous incipient fires.
In advocating the use of chemical apparatus in the New York
Fire Departments the following opinions of able Chiefs who have
had long experience with such apparatus are presented.
The present Chief of the Baltimore Fire Department writes
as follows, under date of March 16, 1908:
"MR. GREELY S. CURTIS,
No. 17 Battery Place,
" New York.
" Sir: — I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the
I2th instant, and to reply as follows :
" i. I consider chemical apparatus essential equipment to all
fire departments.
" 2. Chemical apparatus is necessary wherever there is a fire
risk.
"3. Yes. (In answer to question, 'Do you consider chemical
apparatus of value in business, manufacturing, residential, tenement
and suburban districts?')
" 4. I have had forty years' experience with chemical apparatus.
77
"5- About seventy per cent, of the fires in Baltimore are ex-
tinguished with chemical apparatus.
"6. All hose wagons, of which we have thirty-three in actual
service, are equipped with two thirty-gallon tanks each.
" Very truly yours,
(Signed) " GEO. W. HORTON,
"Chief Engineer."
The Chief of the Boston Fire Department writes under date
of March 24, 1908, as follows :
" CAPT. GREELY S. CURTIS,
"New York, N. Y.
"Dear Friend: — In reply to your questions, I would say that:
" I consider chemical apparatus to be a very essential part of the
equipment of a fire department, especially in a city like Boston.
"I consider chemical apparatus necessary in all districts of this
city.
" My experience extends over a period of thirty-five years with
chemical apparatus.
" About fifty-five per cent, of the fires in Boston are extinguished
by chemical apparatus.
" We have twelve straight chemical engines in service, and three
in reserve. The following ladder companies are equipped with two
thirty-five gallon tanks, each-L. 2, 6, 7, 10, n, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,
24, 25, 26, 27, fifteen in service and two in reserve. Two of our
chemicals, C. 3, and n, are old combination wagons, but for con-
venience we call them chemical companies.
" Every company in service is equipped with two or more ex-
tinguishers of the three-gallon type, beside one or more located on
the main floor of each company house. The twelve straight chemi-
cal engines are not so equipped.
" Respectfully yours,
(Signed) "JOHN A. MULLEN,
"Chief of Department."
The Chief of the Washington, D. C., Fire Department writes
under date of March 24, 1908, as follows:
"MR. GREELY S. CURTIS,
"1512 Whitehall Building,
" New York City, N. Y.
"Dear Sir: — Your letter of the ipth instant, relative to chemical
apparatus in the fire department, has just been received.
78
" In reply to the same I have to state that I was in this depart-
ment for a very long time prior to the introduction of chemical fire
extinguishers or chemical apparatus.
"I do not consider that any fire department is fully efficient
without being equipped with combination chemical and hose wagons.
On these wagons I carry two thirty-five gallon chemical tanks, four
three-gallon or six-gallon fire extinguishers, and 1,200 feet of 2^-
inch cotton, rubber-lined hose, or 1,100 feet of 2^-inch all rubber
hose.
" I have discarded all of my straight chemical engines in the
city proper. I have four of these chemical engines, however, each
carrying two eighty-gallon tanks, and use them in the suburbs where
there is neither water nor fire hydrants. I run two of these engines
on the first alarm in order to make up for the deficit of water.
" I consider the combination chemical and hose wagons, as
described above, necessary in all districts where hydrants are located
and where a water pressure of from fifteen pounds upwards can be
obtained.
" I consider chemical apparatus necessary in business centers,
manufacturing centers, tenement districts, and residential and sub-
urban districts. There were two hundred and fifty fires extinguished
by chemicals in this district during the year ended June 30, 1907.
" In this department I have twelve combination chemical and
hose wagons, each having two thirty-five gallon chemical tanks. I
also have seven hose carriages equipped in some cases with two three-
gallon fire extinguishers and one five-gallon extinguisher, in others
with two three-gallon fire extinguishers, and in others with two six-
gallon fire extinguishers.
" I have one piece of apparatus which I use in the suburbs and
which was built on specifications made by this Department. It is
built to carry one hundred and seventy-five feet of ladders, and the
main extension ladder is forty feet long. It also carries two fifty-
gallon chemical tanks and twelve hundred feet of 25^-inch cotton
rubber-lined hose. This apparatus performs fine service and has
given great satisfaction.
"Yours truly,
(Signed) " WM. T. BELT,
" Chief Engineer."
Some years ago, when the chemical engine was still consid-
ered in a developmental stage a committee consisting of the
Chief Engineers of the Chicago and Boston Fire Departments
reported to the National Association of Fire Engineers on the
subject of chemical engines as follows:
79
" The chemical engines are found to be most efficient in our
large cities, as well as in the town or country, because of the rapidity
with which they can be brought into service and because of the facility
with which they can be changed from place to place, thereby often
saving great loss by fire and water, which would be entailed by the
use of larger and more cumbersome engine or hydrant streams. At
every fire of any magnitude there are points to be covered quickly,
and a chemical engine can be used to such good advantage in cases
of this kind that one should always be on hand for use in any emer-
gency. Two or three men are all that is necessary to successfully
equip one of these engines, and on the score of economy too much
cannot be said in their favor.
" pearly every department in the country is now running one or
more of these engines, and in no case are they looked upon with any-
thing but favor. In fact, in the great majority of our fires nothing
but a chemical is required to extinguish the flames, and where the
fire assumes proportions beyond their control, they are found to be
of great value in holding it in check until larger and more powerful
streams can be located.
" The chemical engine can, therefore, be reckoned as one of the
cheapest and best of modern appliances for the extinguishment of
fires, and your committee feel no hesitancy in saying that chemical
engines are necessary to the properly equipped fire department, and
in their judgment would materially add to its efficiency. While. in
our large cities and manufacturing districts our main dependence
must be placed in steam fire engines, yet your committee would
recommend that at least one chemical engine respond to every alarm
of fire, and they are unanimous in the opinion that they will prove
their efficiency when placed in service, feeling sure that they cannot
fail to recommend themselves to every practical and thinking mind.
" Respectfully submitted,
"WM. A. GREEN, Chief of Boston Fire Dept.
"D. J. SWENIE, Chief of Chicago Fire Dept"
The arguments which were valid in the 8o's while chemical
engines were coming into favor, are equally valid at the present
day. The writer has been present at numerous fires in New York
where the services of chemical engines would have saved valu-
able time, damage and loss by water. On October 5, 1906, for
example, the traffic on lower Broadway was held up for the better
part of a half hour while a slight fire in a kitchen flue was being
clumsily and inadequately handled by means of pails of water
and other makeshifts methods. A chemical engine would have
extinguished the fire with neatness and dispatch in a couple of
minutes.
So
The Fire Department carries lines of i>^-inch hose for attach-
ment to larger lines and also has small size tips to screw on to the
full size nozzles. Both these devices are intended for use at
fires similar to those against which other cities would employ
chemical engines. The writer has further observed several petty
fires at which these minor appliances were not in use, as the de-
partment apparently preferred to work with the full size streams,
even though unnecessary water damage was caused thereby.
LADDER SERVICE.
T N the use of ladders as vantage points from which to fight fires,
* the methods of the New York Fire Department differ notice-
ably from those employed in other large cities which have come
under the writer's observation. Comparative statistics on such a
subject are obviously impossible to present, but as a matter of
simple observation the fact is obvious that where other cities make
a practice of surrounding burning buildings closely with ladders
on all sides the New York practice is more frequently to trust
solely to water tower streams on the street front and possibly
streams from fire escapes in the rear. The Parker Building, for
example, offered an opportunity to play streams at close range
into the fifth and sixth floors from ladders just outside the
windows. Ladders might also have been used at the Worth
Street fire of February 4, 1908, instead of leaving the entire attack
against the eighteen street windows to the water tower and its
deckpipe. In the rear of the Worth Street fire there were oppor-
tunities for ladder work which would almost certainly have been
utilized to advantage by other departments. The value of medium
size streams played at close range is illustrated by some of the
photographs of the Worth Street fire taken by the writer.
To provide adequate ladder service, however, particularly at
elevations from fifty to seventy feet above the street and in loca-
tions difficult of access to the aerial trucks, additional equipment
of portable extension ladders would be necessary. The writer has
been told that instead of increasing the equipment of such ladders,
the recent policy of the department has been to retire such few
as were in the service. Yet the portable extension ladders have
some advantage over the pompier ladders which practically have
81
displaced them. As regards their availability at catastrophes
such as the Windsor Hotel fire, there can be no comparison be-
tween the secure footing for rescue work afforded by a substan-
tial 6ofoot or 65-foot extension ladder and the risky support of
the frail pompier ladders.
For taking a line of hose into an upper window a pompier lad-
der is obviously unsuited, while an extension ladder is well fitted
for this use. The aerial ladder is of course also well adapted to this
work, but the number of these aerials which can be conveniently
stationed in front of any building is limited. To supplement the
aerial ladders and to provide adequate ladder service in places
inaccessible to aerials, the writer advocates an increased equip-
ment of portable extension ladders from 50 feet to 65 feet in
length.
MISCELLANEOUS APPLIANCES.
Smoke Helmets.
HP HE department is at present fairly well equipped with what
is known as Vajen-Bader smoke helmets. These appliances
have rarely if ever been used at actual fires, and it is doubtful if
they would afford satisfactory protection for more than a very
brief time. The helmets are designed to fit closely enough over
a fireman's shoulders to keep out the outside air or smoke. Each
helmet is provided with a small tank containing compressed air
which is discharged into the head piece normally in the course
of half an hour's use. A very brief computation will suffice to
show the inadequacy of the apparatus. The tank is about 3^2
inches in diameter and 8 inches long, and contains therefore some-
what less than eighty cubic inches of air. The maximum pres-
sure in the tank is limited to 100 pounds, approximately seven
times atmospheric pressure. Thus the maximum amount of air
which the tank could discharge into the headpiece in the course
of thirty minutes is less than 600 cubic inches. It is said that
for normal respiration about three hundred cubic inches of air
are required per minute and that when a man is vigorously em-
ployed the amount of air necessary is very much greater. If these
figures are even approximately correct the supply of air carried in
the tanks would suffice for only two or three minutes' work even
82
if the discharge valve from the tanks were so designed as to
liberate all the air contained therein ten times more rapidly than
it is designed to operate. Under the circumstances the appre-
hension and distrust with which these appliances are regarded
in this and other Fire Departments appear to be well founded.
To make a helmet of this type practical the tank would have to
be greatly enlarged and some modification of the valve be made
so that a fireman could obtain fresh air as rapidly as he might need
it. Some kind of an alarm would also be essential to notify the
wearer a minute or two before the supply of fresh air was ex-
hausted.
Another type of smoke helmet in which fresh air is supplieid
from outside sources is in service in the London and Paris Fire
Brigades. In this type of helmet air is supplied through tubing
in the same way as to a submarine diver, from bellows or some
other form of pump. In its best shape the supply pipe acts as a
speaking tube so that the fireman using the helmet remains always
in communication with his associates outside. Whether such an
equipment would be of practical use in the New York Depart-
ment can be determined only by practical trials. The writer
believes that the introduction of such an appliance is highly
desirable, and that the device should be given frequent tests under
service conditions.
Ladder Pipes.
Ladder pipes or nozzles mounted on the upper parts of exten-
sion ladders are employed by various departments as auxiliaries
for water towers. Some of these ladder pipes are arranged to
swing horizontally and vertically, and can be controlled from the
ground as well as by a man mounted on the ladder. One of the
advantages possessed by these ladder pipes over water towers is
that they can be brought closer to a window or other openitog
than a water tower and from this closer distance can rake some
parts of a burning building inaccessible to a water tower.
There is no reason why such pipes should not be applied to the
tips of 85-foot ladders and thereby become available against
fires two or more stories above the limit reached by the present
water towers.
83
Deluge Sets and Turret Nozzles.
The deluge set is an appliance by which two or more lines
of hose can be siamesed and the resulting stream discharged
effectively from a single large nozzle. The writer has had many
opportunities to study the effects secured through the use of these
appliances. The results demonstrate beyond question that these
or similar appliances are of great value in handling fires which
have obtained considerable headway.
Turret nozzles mounted on wagons are also of value in fur-
nishing powerful streams. In the New York Department the
wagons of the Engine Companies Nos. 58 and 60, stationed in
Harlem and the Bronx, respectively, are equipped with nozzles
of this type. Opinions differ somewhat as to the relative merits
of deluge sets and turret nozzles, but engineers are well agreed
that an ample supply of one or both of these appliances is essen-
tial to the proper equipment of a city department. The following
opinions have been received from the Chiefs of the Baltimore,
Washington and Boston Departments.
BALTIMORE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
" All hose wagons are equipped with deluge sets which are
very effective at threatening fires.
(Signed) " GEO. W. HORTON,
" Chief Engineer."
WASHINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT.
" For delivering large and powerful streams I have on eight of
my combination chemical and hose wagons, the wagon monitor or tur-
ret pipes, with three-way Siamese connections to each. I use two-inch
nozzles and these take the place in the center of the city, of ground
deluge sets. This is done because the wagon pipes require only one
man to operate them while it takes six or seven men to hold a
deluge set to the ground, and then they are unable to move about
with it.
" In addition to these wagons, I have five deluge sets, with
two-way Siamese, which are used on the out-skirts of the city. I also
have two which I use in the downtown district, one with a three-way
Siamese and 2^-inch nozzle, and the other with a four-way Siamese
and 3-inch nozzle.
" I prefer the wagon pipes to the deluge sets for the reasons
stated above. If you put from four to eight of these wagons in front
84
or on the side of a building you will see the black mark very
quickly.
" Eight of my aerial trucks are equipped with ladder pipes and
I have had considerable experience with them. No difficulty has
been encountered in getting a two-inch stream from them by using
a second size engine and the stream can be thrown from one hundred
and eighty to two hundred feet. I find these ladder pipes are very
good for the front and rear of a fire. I have had two of them work-
ing on a large fire in addition to my seventy-five foot Champion
. water-tower, one in the rear and the other on the side of the build-
ing, while the tower was playing on the front.
" Yours truly,
(Signed) " WM. T. BELL,
" Chief Engineer."
BOSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT.
" This Department has equipped each of its forty-five engine
companies with a deluge set. In addition, an extra large jumbo set
is carried on a wagon which responds to third alarms, and several
other sets are carried on the fire-boat. Among the Special Orders
issued by the Boston Department is one under date of July 10, 1899,
reading as follows:
" ' You will instruct district chiefs that all engines responding to
second and subsequent alarms are to use siamesed connection when
possible; written reports are to be made when such are not in use/
(Signed) " H. S. RUSSELL,
" Commissioner."
The written reports mentioned in the above order were regu-
larly referred to the hydraulic engineer of the department, who
was held responsible for the proper application of the best engi-
neering methods in handling fires.
Hose Couplings.
The use of 2*^ -inch couplings on 3-inch hose is recommended
as being in keeping with sound engineering principles. In a large
proportion of cases where 3-inch hose is used, a part of the line
consists of 2^2 -inch hose which in the New York Department
has to be connected to 3-inch hose by means of a special reducer.
Special reducers are carried by every company equipped with
3-inch hose, but the use of reducers is always a possible source of
confusion and delay. It is frequently necessary to replace a length
of burst hose either 3-inch or 2l/2 -inch and if the proper size of
85
hose is not ready at hand, a reducer and an enlarger must be ob-
tained in order to utilize a length of the other size.
There is a liability that the wrong size hose will be selected
to piece out a line which needs to be extended and if the reducers
do not happen to be readily at hand delay will result. A striking
example of this difficulty came under the writer's observation at
the Parker Building fire where he noticed several lengths of
3-inch hose cast aside on the upper floor of the Florence House
evidently because the couplings would not connect with the 2^2-
inch stand-pipe outlet on the upper floor of that building.
The objection that reducing the size of the couplings materi-
ally increases resistance to the flow of water is not borne out by
investigation. The matter has been studied by different authori-
ties and all agree that the obstruction caused by a 2^2 -inch coup-
ling in a line of 3-inch hose is so small as to be negligible for
fire service. Couplings of the character suggested, namely, of
proper size to attach to 3-inch hose and yet equipped with
standard 2^ -inch thread are practical appliances as shown by
the fact that more than one progressive department is making
use of them with good results. A sample coupling of this char-
acter is shown herewith.*
SUGGESTIONS ON HIGH PRESSURE SERVICE.
Pressures on Hose.
C OME apprehension has been expressed that ordinary hose will
^ be unsuited for use with the high pressure service when the
latter becomes available for fire duty. With siamesed lines of
hose and nozzles properly adapted to the work in hand, there
seems to be no reason why the hydrant pressure should often
exceed 200 pounds, a figure now sometimes exceeded by fire
engines. As even this pressure will involve difficulty in handling
the lines it seems likely that lower pressure will become the rule
for regular fire service. Excessive pressures appear to the writer
*(A sample coupling for 3-inch hose was kindly loaned by the Boston Fire
Department, and was exhibited to the Honorable Commissioner of
Accounts.)
to involve difficulties in handling, danger to the men at the pipe,
and needless strain on the apparatus. The advantages to be
gained by very high pressures are not obvious. The writer is of
the opinion that with moderate pressures and with lines of hose
kept reasonably short, standard Fire Department hose should
prove entirely satisfactory. Of course this does not refer to the
inferior grades of hose purchased in recent years for the depart-
ment but to hose of standard brands having established reputa-
tions throughout the country.
Reducing Valves and Gauges.
In order to render the high pressure service properly available
for every day fire duty some provision will have to be made to
permit the use of controlling nozzles on lines attached to the
system. Some form of pressure reducing valve is the obvious
solution for this difficulty. Such a valve to be effective should
possess the following features:
Portability ; to permit quick attachment to any hydrant outlet.
Ample water way; to secure an unobstructed flow of water
whenever desired.
Adjustability; to maintain any desired pressure on the water
in the hose.
Immediate relief on shutting off the line. It will be desirable
to have the valve so designed as to limit the pressure on
the line to say forty or fifty pounds the moment the flow
is stopped at the nozzle.
Pressure Gauge. Each valve should be equipped with a double
gauge showing the pressure both on the hydrant and on
the line side of the valve.
Durability.
The features mentioned in this list will be necessary to give
the proposed service the flexibility and adaptability now obtained
through the aid of fire engines. Without some such device as
that proposed above the system is in danger of becoming so
unwieldy and difficult to handle that the firemen will be inclined
to oppose its general adoption and thereby prevent the full
development and utilization of an extremely valuable means of
safeguarding the city.
87
To get the best results out of the new system its use by the
firemen must be made as easy and as satisfactory jis possible,
for this reason high pressures are to be deprecated unless abso-
lutely necessary and the employment of reducing valves such as
those described above is to be urgently advocated. The question
of success or failure of this very expensive and up-to-date system
of fire fighting must depend very largely upon the details of
equipment and methods adopted for its use.
GENERAL TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY.
A S EFFICIENT fire fighting is so essentially a branch of prac-
•** tical engineering calling for trained engineering skill almost
as much as artillery and railway construction service, it is advis-
able that one or more technically trained engineers be employed
permanently by the Fire Department to point out ways and means
of improving the efficiency of the department's work. An engi-
neer after gaining a year or two experience in the Fire Depart-
ment should be able to offer valuable suggestions to the com-
manding officers in regard to the proper handling of threatening
fires and as to generalship in meeting difficult situations. In both
of the two latter respects the work of the New York Department
has seemed to the writer to be below a desirable standard. This is
not intended to imply that the responsible officers of the New
York Fire Department are either incompetent or below the usual
standard of ability to be found in Fire Chiefs. It merely indicates
the writer's belief that sound technical training and education
added to experience makes a more successful combination than
experience alone. As a rule Fire Chiefs have few opportunities
to obtain either a technical training or an engineering education
and yet it is obvious that both of these valuable acquirements can
be used to good advantage in the execution of their professional
work. It is to make good the deficiency along these technical
lines that the writer urges the permanent employment of trained
engineers by the Fire Department.
Among the many subjects on which a competent engineer
could offer valuable counsel would be the following:
Classifying and marking hydrants according to the ade-
quacy of their water supply.
88
Intelligent cooperation with water works engineers to
secure improvements in the water supply.
Use of auxiliary appliances including separate high pres-
sure fire main systems, building standpipes, connections to
sprinklers, so-called water curtains, local appliances, etc.
Care, maintenance and operation of fire engines.
Use of large hose and siamesed lines.
The selection of nozzles properly adapted to circumstances.
The most effective use of water towers, turret nozzles and
other appliances to deliver powerful streams.
The use of chemical engines and combination wagons,
small streams, searchlights, etc.
Strategy against threatening fires.
Selection of equipment.
Acceptance tests for new apparatus.
More efficient maintenance and operation of the fire alarm
system.
Requirements for future development of the Fire Depart-
ment.
IMPROVEMENTS RECOMMENDED.
Water Supply.
1. That an exhaustive study be made of the hydrants and
distribution system throughout the city, for the purpose of
grading and marking the hydrants so as to indicate the prob-
able capacity of each hydrant under conditions of great dratt.
The hydrants with inadequate and with ample water supplies
should be indicated on maps supplied to all Fire Department
officers, and the actual hydrants should be conspicuously
marked with their respective gradings.
2. That one or more trained engineers be attached to
the Fire Department, and that these engineers report all cases
of inadequate water supply actually encountered at serious
fires. The engineer's reports should be so drawn up as to
present the defective conditions accurately to the Department
of Water Supply with suggestions indicating the proper
remedy to meet the defects.
Selection of Hydrants.
3. That the trained engineers referred to in the last pre-
ceding recommendation draw up general instructions con-
cerning the proper selection of hydrants by engine companies
at serious fires. It is suggested that after ten engines have
responded to a fire in a location where the adequacy of the
water supply is doubtful, all succeeding engines shall be sta-
tioned on large mains which preferably do not pass directly by
the scene of the fire.
4. That one or more of the engineers previously referred
to, respond to every second alarm, and assist the commanding
officer in locating late arriving engines at suitable hydrants.
5. That definite instructions be sent to all officers in
charge of large size engines specifying which individual
hydrants are to be avoided by them .
Attaching to Hydrants.
6. That the use of small size hydrant connections and
small hydrant outlets be limited as far as possible to the
engine company which is " first due " at any fire.
7. That the practice of connecting two engines in tandem
to a single hydrant be restricted exclusively to those hydrants
where the adequacy of the water supply is beyond question.
Operation of Engines.
8. That each engineer of steamer receive frequent prac-
tice in operating his engine under competent supervision.
9. That the engineers of steamers be given adequate
instructions in the technical features of their work, and that
this instruction be continued after they have become perman-
ent engineers. They should be instructed in all the symptons
indicating trouble in the engines and how to cure all minor
defects. They should also become familiar with the methods
for ascertaining the slip of the pumps and should make tests
periodically to determine the condition of their engines.
90
These tests should be made under competent supervision.
Any engineer showing lack of ability or incompetence sh'ould
be either returned to the ranks or be required to pass again
through the training school for engineers.
10. That the rule limiting steam pressures to 80 pounds
be rescinded.
11. That no engine while playing a stream larger than
i Y$ inches shall attempt to play a second stream.
Arrangement and Selection of Hose.
12. That engine companies shall run two lines of hose
to a Siamese connection whenever the full power of the en-
gine is required and the engines are not stationed in close
proximity to the fire.
13. That engine companies be given sufficient practice in
handling siamesed lines to make them proficient in their use.
14. That at least 1200 feet of 3-inch hose be kq.t loaded
on a reserve hose wagon in every battalion, ready to respond
to all second alarms in that battalion district.
15. That the trained engineers (see the second recom-
mendation under " Water Supply " ) exercise supervision over
the arrangement and length of lines of hose used at serious
fires, criticising in their reports all superfluous hose and other
objectionable features observed.
Selection of Nozzles.
16. That nozzles of larger size than ij^-inch be used by
first size engines in good condition when the full power of
the engines is called for and the supply of water is adequate.
Use of Water Towers.
17. That careful discretion be exercised in the u^e of
the deck pipes in conjunction with water tower streams. It
is recommended that a connection with a controlling gate be
made between the deck pipe inlets and the tower inlets on each
water tower. By the use of this connection the stream from
either nozzle could be augmented at will at the expense of the
other stream.
1 8. That regular provision be made in the assignment
book for the response of two water towers to third alarms
from localities where their services may be needed.
19. That the water towers be equipped with guy ropes
in anticipation of their use with the new high pressure system.
Use of Standpipes.
20. That whenever a building standpipe is used, a com-
pany officer or Chief be made responsible for seeing that it
is not taxed beyond the capacity of the engines by which it
may be supplied. He should be made repsonsible for secur-
ing additional supply from other engines when necessary.
21. That an investigation be made into the practicability
of establishing one or more standpipe companies. The pur-
pose of such companies would be to raise adequate lines of
hose to the roofs or upper stories of high buildings more expe-
ditiously and effectively than is done at present.
Automatic Sprinklers.
22. That the rule calling for the attachment of fire en-
gines to sprinkler connections be made obligatory and be
strictly observed by the Fire Department.
23. That the authority now vested in the Fire Depart-
ment to require the installation of standpipes and other appli-
ances in building of certain specified heights or occupancies,
be extended to cover all buildings which may add materially
to the general fire hazard of their localities.
24. That automatic sprinklers be specifically included
among the auxiliary fire appliances which the Fire Depart-
ment is authorized to require installed.
25. That connection with the new high pressure system
be required as a duplicate source of supply for all automatic
sprinkler installations situated within the territory protected
by this service. This recommendation is based on the propo-
sition that a reliable sprinkler equipment in any building adds
to the security of its neighbors against a sweeping fire. Con-
sequently, as a matter of general protection for the city every
sprinkler installation should be made as reliable and efficient
92
as possible. Connection with the high pressure system — even
through a service pipe of size small enough to prevent serious
accidental bleeding of the system — will undoubtedly add to
the reliability of any sprinkler installation.
Chemical Engines.
26. That an adequate equipment of chemical apparatus
be provided, so that at least two of the companies responding
to every alarm shall be equipped with chemical tanks of large
size. It is recommended that at least one chemical engine
company be established in each battalion district, and that in
addition, one or more companies in each district be equipped
with chemical tanks.
Ladder Service.
27. That the equipment of each of the principal ladder
companies include at least one portable extension ladder over
50 feet in length.
28. That more frequent use be made of ladders in at-
tacking fires which have to be handled by outside streams.
Miscellaneous Appliances.
29. That an adequate equipment of smoke helmets of a
more efficient type than the one now in service be provided.
30. That individual firemen be given suitable training
and practice in the use of smoke helmets so as to be fully pre-
pared for any emergency likely to arise.
31. That at least one aerial ladder truck in each battalion
be equipped with a suitable ladder pipe.
32. That a deluge set, turret nozzle or similar appliance
to facilitate the use of powerful streams be carried by every
engine company. Careful tests should be made of the rela-
tive merits of such devices in order to secure the most effi-
cient type.
33. That all 3-inch hose be equipped with 2^ -inch coup-
lings having threads to fit the couplings on the 2^2 -inch hose.
93
Use of High Pressure Service.
34. That only moderate pressures be maintained at the
hydrants for ordinary service.
35. That a full equipment of specially designed reduc-
ing valves and gauges be carried by every engine or hose
company which is likely to be called to a fire in the protected
district. Spare equipments for emergency use should be kept
in every battalion within the district.
Technical Efficiency.
36. That high class instruction in engineering principles
and their application be provided for all assistant foremen and
higher officers. This instruction should be recognized in the
examinations for promotions to higher positions. (See also
in this connection Recommendation No. 2 under Fire Meth-
ods— Water Supply, which calls for the employment of one
or more trained engineers by the Fire Department.)
94
PART III
APPENDICES
A: PARKER BUILDING FIRE
B: REPORT ON HOSE SPECIFICATIONS
(Appendix A.)
OBSERVATIONS
Taken at the Parker Building Fire, Between 8 and n P. M.,
January 10, 1908, by Greely S. Curtis, Consulting Fire
Department Engineer.
OPERATION OF FIRE ENGINES.
Engine i.
Engine No. i was attached to the new large hydrant on the
north side of iQth Street, just west of Fourth Avenue. At 8.37
P. M. although the engine showed a steam pressure of 120 pounds,
the water pressure maintained by the pumps was very low, the
pressure gauge on the discharge showing only 57 pounds. There
was no gauge on the suction by which the hydrant pressure might
be ascertained, but the water spurting from the joints of the
suction connections indicated that the supply was adequate. The
engine ran at relatively high speed, 275 revolutions per minute,
which taken in conjunction with the low water pressure maintained
indicated the existence of some defect of more or less serious
character. The trouble may have been due to any one of the fol-
lowing causes:
Pump valve defective or missing.
Relief valve objectionably wide open.
Nozzles in use too large for engine to fill.
Burst hose.
Engine 14.
At 8.33 Engine No. 14 which was connected to the small
hydrant on the east side of Fourth Avenue, just north of I9th
Street, was filling two lines. Steam pressure 120 pounds, satis-
factory. Water pressure, 98 pounds, moderate. Hydrant pres-
sure shown on the engine's compound gauge, 8 pounds, barely suf-
ficient. Speed of engine, 135 revolutions per minute or somewhat
less than half its full speed. The total amount of water being
97
pumped could not have exceeded 440 gallons per minute, while
the engine is rated at 900 gallons.
Engine 16, First Section.
This engine was stationed on the west side of Fourth Avenue
just north of iQth Street. The engine was connected to the small
outlet of the hydrant instead of the large one. This injudicious
selection of outlets in conjunction with the small diameter of the
suction use by so many of the engines, combined to cut down the
already inadequate water pressure to a serious extent. According
to the writer's recollection, a majority of all of the engines ob-
served by him in the first hour were attached to small sized out-
lets and used suctions of small diameter. This practice indicates
that the department does not employ ordinary engineering meth-
ods to make the best use of the notoriously inadequate water
supply. When observed at 8.35, Engine No. 16 had two lines
attached, held 96 pounds steam pressure and 180 pounds water
pressure, while the suction pressure was reduced to 2 pounds.
Speed 230 revolutions per minute, fair. Quantity of water
pumped probably less than 500 gallons per minute.
Engine No. 16, Second Section.
This engine was stationed at the nearest hydrant to the fire,
on the southeast corner of Fourth Avenue and iQth Street. At
9.10 P. M. it was standing idle and dead, the engineer stating that
spray from the water tower had extinguished his fires. This
showed lack of resourcefulness in not protecting his stack by
some article near at hand and also in not calling the attention of
some officer to the random aim of the water towter in time to
have it corrected. A disheartening feature of this occurrence
was the fact that the engineer so far as the writer could see, made
no prompt attempt to get his engine going again.
Engine 21.
This engine was stationed on Irving Place just north of i8th
Street, where a fair supply of water might well be counted on.
At 10.50 P. M. when the fire had been in progress for more than
2^2 hours and the need of water was critical, the engineer told the
writer that his engine had not yet been put to work, but had
98
been standing idle at a presumably plentiful hydrant. This hy-
drant moreover was much nearer the vantage point in the Florence
House than were several hydrants which were actually in use.
Engines 25 and 72.
These two engines were at first connected in tandem to the
small hydrant on the north side of i8th Street, just east of Fourth
Avenue. This hydrant was poorly selected for the purpose. At
about 8.40 P. M. Engine 72 was standing idle, while No. 25 was
slowly turning over, with both of its attached lines of hose shut
off. The engineers stated that their lines were connected to the
water tower which was not then ready for water. On being
asked the hydrant pressure, one engineer read off 30 pounds on
the suction gauge attached to Engine 25, totally ignoring the
fact that the cock which admitted the pressure was closed. The
cock was so firmly stuck that it seemed likely it had not been open
for a considerable time. The companion engineer then read the
pressure off his discharge gauge, alleging that as his lines were
shut off, the discharge pressure must be the same as the hydrant
pressure. In this assumption he entirely neglected the fact that
the operation of the pump was at the time producing 20 or 30
pounds pressure in excess of the hydrant pressure. Such flagrant
ignorance in trained engineers is almost incredible. The actual
pressure with no water flowing was about 8 pounds, as was shown
by a gauge attached to Engine 72, which stood between Engine 25
and the hydrant, Later on Engine No. 25 was moved elsewhere
on account of insufficient water. At 10.42 P. M. Engine No. 72
being at that time alone at its hydrant, its suction gauge showed a
vacuum of 2 inches while the engine was running at the low speed
of 1 20 revolutions per minute. This speed would limit the dis-
charge of Engine No. 72 to less than 400 gallons, even assuming
perfect condition. But the pounding of the engine while running
indicated that its condition was not perfect and that some part of
the pump machinery needed adjustment.
Engine 28.
Engine No. 28 was connected to the hydrant on iQth Street
and Irving Place with one line of hose attached. A second line
was being stretched at 8.28. The engine was turning over slowly
99
with its relief valve open and was playing no water, the line being-
shut off for some reason unknown to the engineer. Hydrant
pressure not recorded. This was the only engine at that time on
1 9th Street near the water main in Irving Place, and as stated
was doing no work when observed.
Engine 55.
At 10.45 P- M- this engine stationed at the small hydrant on
1 8th Street about midway between Fourth Ave. and Irving Place,
was attempting to fill two lines. Steam pressure, ample, as shown
by blowing off at safety valve. Water pressure, 130 pounds.
Suction pressure, 2 inches vacuum. Speed 175 revolutions per
minute. It is doubtful whether the pump chambers were filling
properly even at this moderate speed, as an attempt to increase the
speed immediately resulted in running away from the water. The
maximum possible discharge under this inadequate hydrant supply
was 560 gallons and the actual discharge was probably consider-
ably less.
As it is unusual for engines in good condition to run away
from their water under so slight a vacuum as 2 inches, this occur-
rence certainly points to defects in the condition of the pumps of
No. 55 Engine.
OPERATION OF WATER TOWERS.
Water Tower 2.
At 8.29 P. M. fire could be seen from I9th Street enveloping
the eastern end of the fifth, sixth and the two highest floors of the
Parker Building. The fire appeared to be already well started on
all intervening floors judging from the dense masses of smoke
and the intermittent flickers of light to be seen reflected on their
ceilings. Water Tower 2 had a good stream in the fifth and
sixth floor windows, and at 8.29 was being properly handled.
The turret nozzle (or deckpipe) stream from the rear of the
water tower was of satisfactory stiffness, but in the writer's opin-
ion was even at that early stage being improperly directed. Futile
attempts were made to put the stream into fifth story windows
lying obliquely westward, and insufficient care was taken in aim-
ing at the openings. This led to a large amount of water being
100
• wasted on the outside of the walls. At 9.06 P. M. the stream
from this turret nozzle was observed playing into the street
instead of into the building, with the result not only of wasting
an immense amount of precious water and allowing the flames in
front of it to increase unchecked, but also as the writer was told,
of extinguishing the fire under the boiler of an adjacent engine
and putting the latter out of commission. How long this stream
had been so grossly misdirected the writer does not know. It
caught the eye of the Acting Chief of the department at 9.07 and
was immedately corrected. Prior to that time the Acting Chief
had been stationed on the Fourth Avenue side of the fire and
could not see what Water Tower No. 2 was doing.
Water Towers on Fourth Avenue.
At 8.31 a water tower was observed taking position on the
Fourth Avenue side of the building. By 8.36 this tower was ele-
vated and the tip raised ready for work. Four or five minutes
later the tip had been lowered and a man was aloft trying to
remedy some trouble which thus delayed the prompt utilization of
a very important tool. Returning to Fourth Avenue twenty-five
minutes later, the writer observed streams being played by both
the tower nozzle and the turret nozzle of Water Tower No. 3.
The stream from the upper nozzle struck the wall of the building
between the windows on the fifth or sixth floor, while the turret
stream failed to reach the windows on those floors by many feet
owing to the lack of pressure. At 9.11 the situation was a little
worse, as the tower nozzle stream also had slacked down until
it hardly reached the fourth floor. Nevertheless these two streams
were allowed to continue wasting the all-essential water, when
by combining the same total amount of water in either one of them,
an effective stream of nearly fourfold stiffness would have been
produced.
HANDLING OF FIRE STREAMS.
Siamesed Streams.
Powerful streams formed by combining two or more separate
lines of hose into a single nozzle are recognized as the most effec-
tive means for controlling a serious fire when it has gained con-
siderable headway. With the exception of the inadequate water
101
tower streams previously described, no siamesed streams were
seen in operation by the writer during the critical early hours of
the fire.
Location of Streams.
The location from which the smaller streams were played were
as a rule satisfactorily selected, but there were two exceptions to
this rule.
One was a stream from a window on the eighth floor of the
Florence House. At about 9.20 P. M. the writer noticed this
stream playing down into a half shuttered window of the Parker
Building on the floor below. From its position, the stream could
strike only about five square feet of bare wall surface down near
the floor and a very limited area on the floor itself where it could
have no extinguishing effect upon the fire. If the nozzle had been
shifted to a near-by window on the floor below, the stream could
have swept both ceiling and floor through the same opening and
could have penetrated to the heart of the fire, a change which
would have increased the effectiveness a hundredfold. This
change was suggested to a staff officer, but as he was not on fire
duty he declined to forward the suggestion to the officer in charge,
even though he saw its value. He said he considered it injudicious
to " butt in." This useless stream consequently continued to waste
water, and at 10.30 after the men had been ordered from that part
of the Florence House, the writer found the nozzle lashed to a
bar across the same inferior window and so clumsily held in place
that its stream struck squarely against the outside of the shutter
on the Parker Building window only fifteen feet away. Thus
every drop in that stream was worse than wasted, as the same
water if not discharged through that particular nozzle might have
gone to strengthen some other needy and useful stream.
Another poorly placed stream was the one handled by Engine
Company No. 17. At 9.02 P. M. this company was in charge of
a stiff i ^-inch stream which was directed at a sixth story window
on the Fourth Avenue side of the Parker Building. The men
holding the pipe stood on the sidewalk almost directly under the
window which they were trying to penetrate some 65 feet above
them, with the result that their stream could not possibly enter
102
the building more than a very few inches before striking the ceil-
ing full and square. How long they remained in this injudicious
position, the writer does not know. They were still there at
9.12 P. M.
GENERALSHIP.
'""THE fact that the fire during the critical period was attacked
* by means of large sized, but necessarily ineffective, streams
from the street level while the obvious vantage points in the rear
of the Florence House were occupied exclusively by a few streams
all of small size indicates very poor generalship. The attack
would have been more effective if the street streams had been
restricted to the two water-tower nozzles and the main power of
the engines had been concentrated in siamesed streams directed
from the rear against the fifth and sixth floors of the Parker
Building. Small streams, if used at all, should have been played
at close range from ladders outside the street windows.
SELECTION OF HYDRANTS.
I N THE immediate vicinity of the fire were five or six, old style,
* inferior hydrants and one large new hydrant which it was
reasonable to suppose was fed by a new main of ample size. When
it was desired to set two engines at a hydrant, in tandem, one of
the inferior hydrants was selected instead of the new one which
had the better supply of water. Naturally the old and inferior
hydrant proved inadequate to supply the two engines and one
engine had to be moved to another location, thereby depriving
the department of its usefulness at a critical time.
LADDER SERVICE.
ILE the writer did not pay particular attention to this
feature at the time, he was later struck by the contrast pre-
sented by this fire with fires in other cities where portable 6o-foot
and 65-foot ladders are regularly used to give additional close
range vantage points. His recollection is that one aerial and two
shorter ladders were raised on the Fourth Avenue side of the
Parker Building, none of them being located at windows through
103
which the fire could be directly fought at the time they were
raised. No ladders were raised on the I9th Street side. The
details of this item may be inaccurate, but the salient fact remains,
that ladders were not used to their full advantage for close range
fighting. Any experienced fireman will admit that a moderate
sized stream played into a room from the window sill is much
more effective than any turret nozzle stream coming obliquely
from a point 50 or 60 feet below.
LIFE SAVING WORK.
IN REFRESHING contrast to the mistakes observable on all
sides was the well executed and successful attempt by a truck
company to rescue a group of men from the roof of the Parker
Building. The efficient use of the life gun and line, and the safe
descent of the refugees to the roof of the Florence House over
60 feet below was a stirring spectacle to those who were lucky
enough to be present.
THREE-INCH HOSE COUPLINGS.
C HORTLY before 9.30 the writer's attention was called to three
^ discarded lengths of heavy 3-inch hose lying cumbering the
passage way on the eighth floor of the Florence House. The
hose had been carried to that point at a considerable expense of
time and effort and then had evidently been thrown aside because
the 3-inch couplings would not connect with the 2^2 -inch coup-
lings to which it was desired to attach them. This blunder obvi-
ously necessitated a second trip to the street to get the proper size
hose from the hose wagon at a time when every second of delay
counted. More progressive departments have couplings of uni-
form dimension on their 2^2 -inch and 3-inch sizes of hose so that
mistakes like the foregoing are impossible.
SAFEGUARDING THE FLORENCE HOUSE.
A LMOST instantly after the partial collapse of the Parker
**• Building floors at about 9.30 P. M. the rear portion of every
floor burst into a vigorous flame. The accidental hole from the
104
roof to the cellar produced by the collapse formed an excellent flue,
and in few minutes every one of the 130 unshuttered windows
opening on to the light shaft between the two buildings became
an ardent source of radiation. Slightly more than 40 feet away,
forming the other two sides of the light shaft, stood the eight
story Florence House with its ell extending north almost to the
eastern corner of the Parker Building. Seventy windows were
directly exposed to the intense heat in the light shaft and several
of these had their panes cracked by the heat. Seeing this, ordinary
caution would have dictated an immediate inspection of all ex-
posed window frames in the Florence House and the prompt
establishment of a systematic patrol through the exposed rooms
on every floor. In addition to the radiant heat actually beating
against the windows of the Florence, that building was exposed
to a much more serious danger from the possibility that the walls
of the Parker Building which towered some 60 feet above the
roof of the Florence and which appeared to be seriously damaged
at the level of the third floor might collapse, and in falling break
some 100 or more windows in the rear of the Florence House
through which openings the fire would then flash from ground
floor to attic in an indescribably short time. At about 10 o'clock
the writer found that one of the three battalion chiefs on duty
in the ell of the Florence House had previously begun an inspec-
tion and had interrupted it to assist in clearing out the occupants
of the house. There were, however, sufficient unoccupied officers
and men in the ell to have inspected the entire building many times
over, and yet between 10.30 and 10.40 P. M. the writer found
many scorched window casings in apartments which evidently had
not been entered since their owners had left them some hour or
more previous. Most of these apartments were in the main body
of the hotel which had early been deserted by the occupants.
Owing to the great danger threatening the entire surrounding
neighborhood if the fire once gained a foot hold in the Florence
House, this neglect to maintain a constant watch over the danger
points inside that building appears to deserve severe censure.
105
CHEMICAL ENGINES.
HpHE situation in the Florence House for hours during the
* progress of the fire formed a striking commentary on the ex-
clusion policy of the department in regard to chemical engines
which had been held during the last few decades of progress.
Here was a building which alone could prevent a mere hot fire
from turning to a sweeping conflagration. It was exposed at
some seventy points to heat which was severe enough to crack
more than sixty panes of glass. A little more heat, a slight widen-
ing of a breach in the Parker Building walls or an unfortunate
shift in the wind would have been sufficient to set fire to the
Florence in many places. And to handle these incipient fires the
moment they were discovered without withdrawing the streams
already needed against the main fire, what could equal the effec-
tive streams from a battery of chemical engines? Their easily
handled lines should have been stationed at strategic points ready
to respond instantly wherever fire might be discovered.
The value of these engines for other service beside that of
light skirmishers is so well established throughout the country
that it would be superfluous to record here the arguments for
their general adoption.
EXECUTION OF ORDERS.
O OON after 10 o'clock orders were given for the companies in
^ the ell of the Florence House to retire to positions of safety,
each company to leave one man in charge of its stream which was
to continue playing. In some cases the larger part of a company
remained at the pipe, while in others two men stayed with the
nozzle, the balance of the companies waiting near at hand.
At about 10.15 P. M. a battalion chief attempted to get men to
patrol the danger points. After some delay a squad of truckmen
was sent up from the ground floor with orders to station two men
on each unguarded floor, which included all the floors above the
third. On reaching the fourth floor instead of two men, the larger
part of the squad left the elevator, leaving three or perhaps four
men to cover the floors above. A trifling detail but indicative of
lax discipline.
106
WATER SUPPLY.
CNGINES 55 and 72 were unable to obtain sufficient water
*^ from two hydrants on i8th Street w'hen observed by the
writer. The feeble streams discharged by Water Tower No. 3
showed that they were not receiving an adequate supply of water.
Two engines ought to be able to furnish sufficient water for a
powerful water tower stream if the water is obtainable from the
hydrants to which they are attached; consequently the feeble
streams observed, considered in conjunction with the inadequate
hydrants on i8th Street indicated a decided paucity in the water
supply obtainable from the hydrants nearest to the building on fire.
107
RECAPITULATION.
Engines.
A total of ten inspections were made of nine different
engines. Five of these, or 50 per cent., disclosed engines
standing idle at a time when a destructive fire was getting
beyond the control of the department. The other five engines
were running at an average speed of 187 revolutions per
minute, or considerably less than two-thirds of the speed
necessary to discharge their full capacity of water. More-
over three of the five working engines gave evidence of de-
fective condition. In regard to their handling, the use of
small suctions and of small hydrant outlets combined with
minor exhibitions of ignorance and want of resourcefulness
shown by their operators, indicate a condition of incompetence
in the ranks of the engineers. (See N. B. F. U. Recommen-
dations Nos. 33, 34, 35, 36, 48, 49, 61 ; below.)
Water Towers.
Of the four streams furnished by these valuable appli-
ances, three were for a considerable time entirely thrown away
and wasted through lack of judgment. One tower also was
temporarily put out of order when an attempt was made to
operate it.
(See N. B. F. U. Recommendations Nos. 46, 59, 60.)
Handling of Fire Streams.
The powerful siamesed streams at close range, which are
relied on by progressive fire departments to control fires of
threatening character, were conspicuous through their entire
absence during the critical stages of the fire.
(See N. B. F. U. Recommendations Nos. 56, 60.)
One if not two of the ordinary streams were so injudi-
ciously placed that the usefulness of these streams were prac-
tically wasted.
108
Generalship.
The fact that the fire during the critical period was at-
tacked by means of large sized, but necessarily ineffective,
streams from the street level while the obvious vantage points
in the rear of the Florence House were occupied exclusively
by a few streams all of small size indicates that the general-
ship was of an inferior order.
Selection of Hydrants.
One case at least showed poor judgment.
Ladder Service.
Ladders were used only to a very limited extent, less than
the situation seemed to call for.
(See N. B. F. U. Recommendations No. 57.)
Life Saving Work.
The rescuing of a group of men from the roof of the
Parker Building by means of life gun and line was a redeem-
ing feature. An admirable piece of work successfully ac-
complished.
Three-inch Couplings.
The mistake and delay due to carrying the wrong size
of hose to the top of the Florence House was a blunder
naturally resulting from faulty equipment. The selection of
couplings for 3-inch hose should be made in accordance with
engineering principles.
(See N. B. F. U. Recommendation No. 55.)
Safeguarding the Florence House.
Measures of ordinary, though vital, precaution were taken
slowly, partially and without proper system. The inefficient
manner in which the work of inspecting the danger points in
the Florence House were carried out endangered the entire
neighborhood.
109
Chemical Engines.
The absence of chemical apparatus forms a serious de-
ficiency in the city's equipment. This type of apparatus
while primarily intended to combat incipient fires, may under
certain conditions assist in the prevention of a conflagration.
(See N. B. F. U. Recommendations Nos. 51 and 53.)
Execution of Orders.
The unsatisfactory manner in which two orders were
carried out, while it may be a mere detail, is nevertheless a
detail which reflects unfavorably on the strictness of the
discipline enforced.
Water Supply.
Indications observed during the early period of the fire
while the total number of engines actually drawing water
from the system was not great, showed that several of the
engines were not obtaining sufficient water from their hy-
drants, and that the distribution system in the immediate
vicinity of the fire was not properly designed to furnish an
adequate supply of water from all hydrants in that locality
in case a large amount of water were needed.
The recommendations referred to above are the following, made by
the National Board of Fire Underwriters in the Report of the Committee
of Twenty, on the City of New York, Boroughs of Manhattan and the
Bronx, dated November, 1905.
33. That an able and expert mechanical engineer, with one or more
assistants, be appointed supervisor of machinery, and be given full
control of the operation, repair and testing of all apparatus and of
the fitness of the engineers of steamers and their assistants. He
should be held personally responsible for the condition of every
engine and other piece of apparatus in the department, and should
test all new and repaired engines before they are placed in service.
His duties should include the supervision of all engines in operation
at second and subsequent alarm fires.
34. That all engineers of steamers now in the department be subjected
to a thorough, practical examination as to their ability in running
and caring for engines, and only those who are fully competent be
permanently retained.
no
35- That the abler engineers of steamers be attached to companies in the
more hazardous localities.
36. That the grade of assistant engineer be created, to be filled only
after suitable instruction under well qualified instructors. Candidates
should be required to obtain the full working capacity from engines
in good working condition before being appointed assistant engineers,
and no fireman should be eligible to the grade of engineer of steamer
until he shall have served one year as assistant engineer.
46. That two additional water towers and the reserve tower be put in
service; one near Fulton and Church Streets; one with engine 56,
at West Eighty-second Street near Columbus Avenue; and one
near East One Hundred and Forty-third Street and Third Avenue.
48. That every engine be given an exhaustive test, pumping against
a water pressure 100 pounds in excess of hydrant pressure, and only
those which are able to maintain a discharge of at least 650 gallons
per minute be retained for service in Manhattan. Those engines
which fail to discharge 90 per cent, of their rated capacity should
be overhauled, and those which fall below a discharge of 500 gal-
lons per minute after overhauling should be discarded.
49. That the pumps and boilers of the following engines be put in good
condition: Engines 2, 11, 13, i6a, i8a, 2oa, 3Ob, 333, 33b, 34, 37, 45,
71 „ 8oa; reserve engines: first battalion, seventh battalion.
51. That the apparatus throughout the city be so provided with chemical
tanks that at least two companies so equipped shall respond to each
first alarm.
53. That two 3-gallon portable extinguishers be included in the equip-
ment of every hose wagon.
55. That all 3-inch hose be fitted with 2 %-inch couplings; 4-inch hose
with 3 H-inch couplings; and the variety of coupling dimensions
in use be reduced to a minimum.
56. That a deluge set, turret nozzle or other device for conveniently
handling powerful siamesed streams be carried on every hose wagon.
57. That one extension ladder 60 or 65 feet long be added to the equip-
ment of the principal ladder trucks, and that aerial trucks purchased
in the future be of a quick-raising type.
59. That two water towers be regularly assigned to third alarms from
localities where their services may be required.
60. That use be made of siamesed streams whenever single streams are
ineffective or when unusually powerful streams are required. Their
employment should be part of the regular routine of engine com-
panies at second and third alarm fires.
61. That instead of dismissing engines from fires when the supply of
water proves inadequate, such engines be sent to more remote
hydrants on large mains, and their services be utilized through
siamesed lines of hose.
in
(Appendix B.)
REPORT ON HOSE SPECIFICATIONS.
NEW YORK, June 2, 1908.
Frank R. Chambers, Esq.
Chairman Committee on Insurance
The Merchants' Association of New York
SIR:
/CARRYING out your instructions to investigate (a) the gen-
- eral subject of specifications for Fire Department hose, and
(b) in particular the recommendations concerning hose for the
New York Fire Department made by the National Board of
Fire Underwriters in their report dated December 20, 1907, I
have to report as follows :
(a) The formulation of proper hose specifications is at pres-
ent the subject of active discussion between the manufacturers of
fire hose and a special committee of the National Fire Protection
Association which practically represents the National Board of
Fire Underwriters. Although the latest draft of the N. F. P. A.
specifications contains certain provisions which I believe undesir-
able, it is likely that some modification will be made, so that the
N. F. P. A. specifications in their final form will probably be
suitable for adoption by all large city Fire Departments including
the Fire Department of New York City.
The N. F. P. A. specifications, however, in their present form
lack a vital provision, namely : a guarantee clause to ensure dura-
bility in the hose. As the shortness of its life forms the most
serious objection to all rubber or rubber-lined fire hose, it seems
essential to call for a guarantee covering a period of at least three
years. Some of the tests prescribed by the N. F. P. A. are
intended to secure durability in certain parts of the hose, but it
is at least questionable whether the tests will ensure durable hose
in the absence of any service guarantee. Service guarantees are
required by other cities than New York, as for example by Balti-
more which calls for three years' service under specifications which
state in detail the classes of failures during the service of the hose
for which the makers will be held responsible under heavy bond.
112
The Washington D. C. requirements call for a general four-year
guarantee, also under bond.
(b) Taking up the December, 1907, recommendations of the
National Board of Fire Underwriters and the action taken thereon
by the New York Fire Department, the situation is about as
follows :
Recommendation No. i.
" That the department purchase (in addition to amount recently
ordered) 20,000 feet of 2^-inch, 20,000 feet of 3-inch and 5,000
feet of 3 ^2 -inch hose, to be distributed in Manhattan, especially
below Fifty-ninth Street, this hose to be delivered at the earliest
possible date." The Fire Department reports that more than
200,000 feet of hose have been ordered, of which 70,000 feet is
3-inch and 15,000 feet 3^2 -inch. About 50,000 feet have already
been received by the department.
Recommendation No. 2.
" That this hose be purchased under a 3OO-pound, four-year
guarantee, with specifications worded in a general way so as to
permit makers of either rubber hose or cotton, rubber-lined hose
to bid." The latest specifications of the Fire Department call for
a 4OO-pound, four-year guarantee, but separate specifications are
made out for rubber and for cotton rubber-lined hose. Prominent
hose manufacturers protest against the severity of the guarantee,
their objections being raised against both the four-year term and
the high pressures called for. I am credibly informfed that no
reliable hose maker has put in a bid to supply cotton rubber-lined
hose under the latest form of specification, their objection resting
principally on the severity of this guarantee clause. For hose
which is subject to such severe treatment as is the case in New
York, I believe that a 2OO-pound, four-year guarantee is as much
as could be reasonably expected from any conservative and re-
liable hose maker. I see no advantage in wording the specifica-
tions so as to permit makers of either rubber hose or cotton
rubber-lined hose to bid under a single set of specifications.
Recommendation No. j.
" That rubber lining be of not less than three calendars and
not less than i-i6-inch thick, no maximum limits being set."
113
The Fire Department early in the winter specified that linings
should be i-12-inch thick. Later specifications issued in April
call for linings not less than i-i 6-inch or more than i-i 2-inch
in thickness. The latter Fire Department specifications are satis-
factory.
Recommendation No. 4.
" That every section purchased be subjected to a pressure of
200 pounds per square inch at the factory, in the presence of a
representative of the New York Fire Department." The Fire
Department has adopted this recommendation with the modifica-
tion that the factory test pressure shall be 250 pounds. No men-
tion is made of the presence of a representative of the Fire*
Department at such test. Recommendation No. 4 seems to me
to be unnecessary if the hose is to be properly tested by the depart-
ment before acceptance, particularly as many if not most manu-
facturers test all hose under pressure before allowing it to leave
the factory.
Recommendation No. 5.
" That on delivery one length in each lot of 5, taken at random,
be subjected to the guaranteed pressure of 300 pounds, any failure
to be cause of rejecting entire lot of 5 lengths." This recom-
mendation has been practically adopted by the Fire Department
with increased severity as follows: "... Each and every
length of the hose or 20 per cent, of the total amount of hose, shall,
in the discretion of the Fire Commissioner, be subjected by the
department officials to a pressure test of 400 pounds per square
inch." The Fire Department is thus at liberty in case any length
of hose should burst at 400 pounds to subject the entire shipment
to the same pressure and to reject at will either the entire shipment
or merely those pieces which fail under the test. The provision
of the Underwriters by which a random lot of 5 lengths shall be
rejected because of the failure of any sample selected from the
five does not seem to be rational. If the department has reason
to believe that more than one or two lengths in any shipment are
too weak the proper procedure is to test every length in the entire
shipment. This is done in some other large departments.
114
Recommendation No. 6.
" That the stretching test for rubber lining be from 2 inches
to 10 inches (instead of 12 inches), with a permanent set of
Y% -inch." The latest New York Fire Department specifications
retain a 1 2-inch stretching test for the rubber lining instead of
the lo-inch test recommended by the Underwriters. In conferring
with manufacturers I am inclined to believe that the 1 2-inch test
adds materially to the cost of the hose without securing any com-
pensating advantage in return. In fact it is a question whether
the lining showing the greater elasticity can be made as durable
as a less elastic lining. Under the circumstances the recommenda-
tion of the National Board of Fire Underwriters should be urged
upon the Fire Department for adoption. Opinion is divided as
to the ^-inch limit specified for permanent set. Some makers
believe that the limit is too small and that a J^-inch limit would
result in securing equally durable linings at less cost.
Recommendation No. 7.
"That specifications for weight and strength of cotton duck
and for yarn used in cotton covers be abolished, as this is covered
by the four-year guarantee." I do not concur in this recommenda-
tion as it was the absence of such a specification which permitted
the acceptance of the Windsor hose by the Fire Department. Other
irresponsible companies or persons might follow the example of
the Windsor Fire Appliance Company in foisting inferior hose
at low prices on the department and then failing to live up to
their guarantee, if no tests were made of the strength of fabric
before acceptance.
Recommendation No. 8.
"That no bid be considered unless from a manufacturer of,
or dealer in, fire hose." This recommendation is of doubtful
value. The Windsor Fire Appliance Company might properly
claim to be a dealer in fire hose and consequently eligible to provide
the Fire Department hose.
Recommendation A?o. p.
" That in cases where agents (not direct representatives of
hose manufacturers) file a bid, they must specify the brand of hose
us
to be supplied and the bid must be accompanied by the manu-
facturer's guarantee." This recommendation might well be
adopted. The value of the guarantee given by each manufacturer
would to some extent depend upon his commercial standing. A
suitable bond, covering more than the entire value of the contract
is called for in some other cities.
Recommendation No. 10.
" That any bid may be rejected in whole or in part." The
present usage of the Fire Department conforms to this recom-
mendation.
Recommendation No. n.
" That upon delivery of the above-mentioned hose, the depart-
ment shall test all hose on hand, over one year old, to a pressure
of 200 pounds per square inch, until all has been tested or until
an amount equal to that delivered has been bursted ; in which case
the department shall purchase as speedily as possible a further
lot of hose to replace that burst, and upon its delivery continue
the testing until hose has been tested throughout the Boroughs
of Manhattan and the Bronx." This recommendation deserves
endorsement. The Fire Department has expressed its intention
of acting in conformity with this recommendation as soon as
circumstances permit.
Recommendation No. 12.
" That prompt measures be taken to enforce the fulfillment of
the guarantee on hose purchased during the last three years ; this
applies especially to the Windsor, Eureka and White Shield
brands." The Fire Department reports that the matter of enforc-
ing the guarantee to replace defective hose has been placed in the
hands of the Corporation Counsel.
Recommendation No. ij.
" That bids be immediately advertised for at least 8 hose
wagons as designed by the Fire Department, to be used in con-
nection with the High Pressure Fire Service." The department
has already ordered three hose wagons spcially designed for
116
use with the high pressure system. It is probable that the regu-
lation department hose wagon can be utilized in the same con-
nection.
Recommendation No. 14.
" That a supply of 3-inch hose be purchased, about 30,000
feet, to equip the high pressure hose wagons. This hose should
be purchased under similar liberal specifications as the other de-
partment hose, but should be guaranteed to stand 400 pounds
pressure, every length should be tested to 300 pounds, and every
fifth length to 400 pounds. This also should be delivered as early
as possible." This has been ordered and in part already received
by the Fire Department.
To sum up, the Fire Department has already taken favorable
action in regard to the essential features of recommendations Nos.
i, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, II, 12, 13 and 14. Of the other four recommenda-
tions I believe that Nos. 6 and 9 are worthy of adoption while
No. 8 is unimportant and No. 7 is decidedly objectionable.
Referring to the latest hose specifications of the New York
Fire Department, the department calls for several radical changes
by the manufacturers from their established practice. Many of
these changes I believe to be ill-judged. In view of the excellence
of certain brands of hose purchased in the past I believe that the
specifications should be so drawn as to permit the acceptance of
these brands without requiring changes in their construction. To
accomplish this purpose the specifications of the Fire Department
governing the chemical constituents of the hose lining would have
to be modified, the stretching test should be changed to 10 inches
instead of 12, and the composition of the brass specified for coup-
lings should be altered so as to render it less brittle. At the same
time, the guarantee should be made less onerous in order to make
it acceptable to reasonably prudent business men. It is obvious
that a long term guarantee on hose involves considerable risk to
the manufacturer, as the exterior portions of the hose which carry
the strain are subject to severe usage and the Fire Department
claims the right of deciding whether the hose bursts through defec-
tive construction or through the effects of accident or wear.
117
I believe that the best way to secure serviceable hose for the
department would be to permit the Fire Commissioner under
proper safeguards to purchase the brands of hose which have
given best service in the past without calling for open competition.
Respectfully submitted,
GREELY S. CURTIS.
Consulting Engineer.
OF THE
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