A FIRE-PUMP FOR RURAL AREAS.
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Details of a Simple and Effective Fire-fighting Outfit Based on the Chevrolet.
lirsiTE have received from General Motors, Ltd„ Edgware Road, Hendon, London, N.W.9, details of a small but practicable fire-fighting unit, the basis of which is the chassis of the Chevrolet private car. The particular model is known as the Roadster type, at the back of which is a special compartment for lengths of hose, whilst accommodation is provided above this portion of the vehicle for several firemen ; accommodation for two or three is also provided in the front seats, this number, of course, including the driver.
The fire-fighting equipment has been kept as simple as possible with the idea of providing an inexpensive fire-fighting outfit which will be within the means of small villages or factories.
At the front of the vehicle is mounted a centrifugal-type water pump with two hose attachments, this pump being driven by the fourcylindered engine of the car and capable of producing a pressure of 90 lb. per sq. in. A stream of water can be thrown to a distance of from 125 ft. to 150 ft. at the rate of 200 gallons per minute.
Two advantages of this machine are that it does not require water supply under pressure, and it will operate equally effectively with muddy water or water containing grit, so that the supply may be obtained from almost any source—a stream, pond, well or cistern.
The actual pump used is the Jaeger, designed by a well-known American builder of fire-fighting appliances.
From the photograph of this machine which we reproduce, it will be seen that the pump is supplied
with large-diameter hoses, and we understand that the outfit includes a small escape ladder, whilst a portable extinguisher of fairly largecapacity is carried on the near-sida
running board to deal with small outbreaks which do not necessitate the employment of large volumes of water ; it also serves to cope with oil and spirit fires.