By the use of regularly appointed signals, the first fireman who arrives
at the fire can inform headquarters just how serious the fire is, and
whether more engines should be sent.
On one occasion a great fire broke out in the busy part of New York
city. It was a serious fire; and according to the records at
headquarters, in less than four minutes the first batch of engines had
arrived and three extra calls had been sent out, which were speeding
half the engines in the city to the scene of the fire.
It will interest you to know that the fire department of the city of New
York has reached such a degree of excellence that the risk of serious
damage and loss by fire has been greatly reduced, and, in consequence,
the insurance companies have lowered the rate of insurance; that is to
say, they do not charge people as much money to insure their property
this year as they did last year and have done for many years past.
* * * * *
The anxiety about Professor Andree has increased.
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