Annual Report of Augusta Fire Department
Chief Frank G. Reynolds of the Augusta, Ga., fire department has just made his annual report to the mayor and city council of that city. According to this report, the fire department responded to 594 alarms during 1920, as follows:
Bell, 383. Phone, 190. Verbal, 15. Out of city, 6. Total 594. Improvements: 1,000 feet standard fabric rubber lined
2 1/2-inch fire hose was purchased; also 500 feet standard rubber (4-ply) 1-inch chemical hose with coupling; 5 lengths of 5-inch suction hose with couplings, 10 feet each; 6 Babcock (3-gallon) fire extinguishers and I Lungmotor. The wheels on No. 2 motor combination chemical and hose-wagon were cut down, and 38×7 Pneumatic tires (Kelly-Springfield corded tires) replaced the “Fisk” demountable tires. Roofs of Nos. 1-2-5 and 7 have been repaired and painted. Painting and repairs have been made at all stations. The ordinance titled: “Providing for the cleanliness of alleys and premises,” approved by council May 4, 1920, has proved to be of valuable ansistance to the fire inspector, John C. Moore.
Chief Reynolds recommends strongly the purchase of a modern motor turn-table aerial hook and ladder truck with a 75-foot extension ladder to replace the horse-drawn hook and ladder truck now located at fire headquarters. (The ladders on the horsedrawn truck have been in use since 1906.) Augusta is the only city of its size and population that is not equipped with a modern motor aerial turn-table extension ladder truck for the congested and high value district. (A life net, scaling ladders, smoke-helmet and a life-gun) are included in the equipment of an aerial truck. He also recommends the purchase of “a 750-gallon 6-cylinder triple motor pump for No. 2 Motor Company. The motor combination chemical and hosewagon now located at this station, could be transferred to No. 5 Engine Company, displacing four horses. The steam fire engine (horse-drawn) at this station could be used as a reserve engine (without horses) by providing a Tow-pole to couple to any motor fire apparatus in case ap extra engine was needed. The wear and tear on No. 6 motor pump (continued in service since August, 1909, eleven years) cannot be depended on for much longer service, therefore a now motor pump is a necessity in keeping up the pumping capacity of the fire department. No. 2 territory includes all cotton compresses, manufacturing plants, Broad street and Cotton Row. A motor aerial truck and a motor triple pump would completely motorize the fire department. displacing eight horsese, six in active service and two in reserve.”
In referring to the water works system Chief Reynolds says: “There are 1,052 fire hydrants, 37 of these hydrants are of the old Sylvester type (probably 60 years in service). They are positively unreliable for fire service, should be condemned and replaced with modern fire hydrants. The Water Works furnished an ample supply of water during 1920.”
He further recommends several extensions of water mains and locations for new hydrants. One of the most important recommendations that the chief makes is that of an emergency 12-inch main to supply water in case of a break in the 24-inch supply main on Wrightsboro Road. In connection with this recommendation he points out that the unexpended balance of the J. B. White bequest would more than pay for the entire work, which he believes, would mean a reduction in insurance rates. Such a main as the chief proposes would make a complete circulation of water supply, and would also give sufficient pressure and volume to offset any break in the larger main.
