17 OCTOBER 1914, Page 14

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE.

[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Having regard to possibilities, it seems worth while to inquire whether hydrants and hose are fitted in and around the Abbey and other buildings of similar importance; and to suggest that if, or when, they are, an alarm of fire should occasionally be given in order to train the attendants in the use of such appliances at short notice. If London should be menaced by outbreaks of fire in several places at once, the fire engines would very likely not be able to deal with all

efficiently. Recent instances have shown what would have been the value of a few jets of water from hydrants on the spot. Although there is a fire brigade in the town in which I live, I have in my house a set of hydrants, with hose attached, by which fire in any part of any room could be reached and stopped at once, before an engine could reach the house; and if owners of historic houses with valuable pictures, &c., would adopt the same simple precaution, the nation would not lose so many treasures by fire.—I am, Sir, &c., ZETETEB.