FIRST-AID FIRE-FIGHTING MOTOR.
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A Compact, Handy and Efficient Self-contained Emergency Equipment.
A handy little fire-fighting machine of the emergency order new being used by the Folkestone Fire Brigade is attracting considerable attention. It is intended essentially for first-aid duty, it being generally conceded among -fire-fighting authorities that the greater proportion of outbreaks are capable of being ex tinguished by such an outfit provided it Is ready to start instantly upon arrival. The equipment in question, which has been designed by practical firemen, is known as the Martin-Walker, being supplied by Martin Walker, Ltd., 62, Sandgate Road, Folkestone.The machine comprises a standard Ford passenger chassis fitted for first-aid fire-fighting duty with a rotary pump driven off the engine with silent countershaft chains incorporating a separate clutch (operated from dash) and pressure-gauge, up to 120 lb. The equipment further includes among other details 30-gallon reinforced galvanized iron water tank; hydraulic red with 120 ft. one inch canvas hose fitted with brass controlling branch, pipe to jet ; leather and steel pocket with support for carrying chemical extinguisher of any desired type; hose box to receive eight lengths-60 ft. each—of 4 in. canvas hose, jumping sheet, life lines, and so ; running board boxes, fitted each side, one carrying stand pipe, picker and key, shovel., hatchet, etc. ; the other fitted with tools, extinguisher, refills, smoke helmet, etc. ; ladder irons fitted with supports and roller, etc. Judging from the experience of the Folkestone Fire Brigade, spread over seven, months, this first-aid equipment appears to fulfil its designed functions very admirably. Upon the receipt of a call four men leave for the outbreak on this first-aid car. Upon reaching the fire one man takes in the two-gallon chemical extinguishers, followed by. second man with first-aid hose running off reel (water is up to nozzle ready to • turn on). Driver, acting as third man, puts in pimp clutch without waiting to leave his seat, while fourth man fixes standpipe and connects up, as may be required,. one or more lengths of the standard hose to the special reducing valve fitted at side of the car to tank. This enables the tank to be kept filled with water, overflow pipes being fitted to save uncles, pressure on the tank.
The reducing valve can be used also to take hydrant pressure direct through the first aid reel and hose without using pump on tank. Word may come from inside, i.e., from men in the building fighting the fire, that the blaze cannot be held with the small jet. The joint to the tank the single jet until further help with the steamer arrives. A clip on dash serves to carry a control and branch pipe.
The car upon reaching the fire is ready for instant work, there being 30 gallons of water aboard, sufficient to keep the jet pins for 71 mine. 'A pressure. of 103 lb. is available in 85 sees. The fireman is able to get right to the seat of the blaze before he turns on his jet. He can turn off the moment he has finished without giving warning and no damage results to pump, safety valves, adjustable to any pressure being fitted. jet of 70 ft. is obtainable at 120 lb. pressure.
The tank can be supplied from hydrant with hose to reducing valve, or if away from hydrant the tank can be filled from buckets, a large cover being fitted to this end. When zoupled to hydrant supply pump may be cut out, and the hydrant :pressure to the reel may be used instead The apparatus has given complete satisfaction at Folkestone. Chief Officer Jones of the Fire Brigade relates that of the 32 local fires up to the time of writing 27 were. extinguished by the aid of this first-aid outfit within 10 minutes of receiving the call. Under test the machine, which is supplied fully equipped for service at £275 net, has covered four miles over town roads in 5.1 miss., with full crew of four men, all appliances and tank charged with 30 gallons of water. ' It is claimed, furthermere, that the pump and tank can housed for spraying and other agricultural duties, as well as for washing windows of large institutions, rural residences and factories.
We understand that various local fire brigade authorities are considering the acquisition of this first-aid fire fighter, including those of Stourbridge, Ruislip, Northwood, Leatherhead and Chester. It should prove an excellent fire-fighting machine within its limitations for country