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Show taoufca Is Day AGcssd on fciiuta M 75 Fdo'qs By LE ANN ALLEN "We're way ahead of last year in fires," says Bountiful Ftre Chief Darrell Mcllrath. "We've had 136 fires already in 1975 while there were only 147 in 1974. CHIEF Mcllrath warns against storing gasoline. A recent fire in Bountiful emphasized the dangers. Fumes from a water heater and a can of stored gasoline caused an estimated $14,000 damage to a fourplex at 75 E. 500 S. Many of the fires have been structural. There have been few grass fires so far this year. "We haven't had any great damage on the mountainsides as we often do." he said. ABOUT $1000 damage was caused by a fire this week at 1648 Artistic Circle. The cause was attributed to children starting a fire in garbage cans in the garage. Since no one was home at the time, it spread to the house and did considerable damage before discovered. This is the season when people begin bringing motorcycles motor-cycles and lawn mowers inside. in-side. Many don't realize the danger involved with flammables flamma-bles inside the house. Petroleum Pe-troleum gases will go the lowest pointsometimes travelling to the basement where they are ignited by a water heater, he warned. SIX FIREMEN have been injured this year though not seriously. One woman received serious burns on her neck and ears when an explosion caused a fire in her camper. These are the only reports of personal injuries during the year. THE department's twelve pagers have saved considerable considera-ble money for the city, according accord-ing to Chief Mcllrath. The city fire department has 35 men. The twelve pagers are assigned as-signed on a revolving basis, allowing 12 men at a time to receive 15-second messages anywhere i n t he c i ty . "We saved $300 in one week," said the Chief. A small fire, a road to be washed down after an accident or an alarm system that needs to be checked out doesn't require all 35 men. With the pagers, the number is held to ten or twelve in many cases, with the possibility pos-sibility that the siren could be blown, alerting all che firemen if necessary." THIS YEAR'S city budget includes a new substation in the southeast section of the city. "We will soon make a decision on the location," said Chief Mcllrath. Locations such as Chelsea Cove are four to five minutes away, he lamented. Although Val Verda is further away and is served by the county, he pointed out. The small pumper truck has been an advantage for the city, allowing the two full-time firemen to respond immediately. immedia-tely. Many times they are able to check the fire before it does great damage. THE CITY has eleven fire trucks. "We have enough equipment but it will be more difficult in the future to obtain equipment as it is so much more expensive. The city's large truck cost $50,000 when it was purchased but would be $100,000 now. The small pumper truck cost $13,000 and would be $22,000 now. |