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Show CHIEF GIVES HINTS ON SMALL FIRES Calling for increased public cooperation co-operation in "nipping" small fires ; before they have a chance to grow and spread, Fire Chief E. S. Laurence today declared that a great majority of fires are small when they start, and at this stage usually can be put out by anyone armed with a band extinguisher. "Civilians have learned a lot about 'first aid' fire-fighting during dur-ing the war, and they can put this knowledge to good use by keeping many small fires that break out from growing into big ones," he said. ''However, this doesn't mean not to call the fire department in case of fire." The rule still reads, "always call the fire department first," but even under the best conditions it takes the equipment a few minutes min-utes to arrive on the scene, and in that time a quick-thinking person per-son may have the fire under control. con-trol. The Chief explained that the most efficient weapon for fighting an incipient fire is an extinguisher extinguish-er bearing the approval of the Underwriters' Laboratories, because such a device is designed for the sole purpose of fire-fighting and has passed the Laboratories' rigor- ous performance tests. People should make it a point to know the location of the extinguishers ex-tinguishers in the places where they live and work, and should "read and memorize the directions on them now, so it won't be necessary to lose time when a fire breaks out," the Chief urged. The directions for servicing also should be carefully observed by the owners own-ers of such equipment, he pointed out, to make sure it will be In proper condition for emergencies. |