Olympia's Volunteer Firefighters Warn the City: We Are One Blaze Away From Disaster

A decided effort is on foot for the reorganization of the three fire companies of Olympia and their incorporation as the Olympia fire department. The volunteers feel that this is the only method by which they can receive the recognition to which they are justly entitled, and they hope the movement will be an initial one toward instituting a paid department.

With this object in view, committees have been appointed from Columbia No. 1, City of Olympia No. 2, and the Barnes Hook and Ladder Company to discuss the best method of attaining the desired ends. This evening Columbia Company No. 1 will hold a special meeting to review and receive a new constitution and by-laws.

The men feel that the present neglected condition of the companies makes this more essential. Columbia Engine Company No. 1 is utterly unfitted for service because of poor equipment. It has but a hand engine which has been in use for nearly 25 years. The members intend to use their personal funds to improve their quarters by establishing a library and reading and sitting rooms, with a connection with fire headquarters for members without homes so they can respond immediately to an alarm.

City of Olympia No. 2, whose headquarters are at the engine house at Columbia and Fourth streets, is somewhat better provided for, but much is yet necessary. Sleeping apartments have been provided, but they remain unfurnished for lack of funds. The city surely should look to this. Not even a cot for the use of the men is provided.

Matters have reached such a state with the hook and ladder company that interest is rapidly abating, and it is even difficult to get a meeting. The firemen are encouraged to no extent whatever, and seldom is it considered to what extent they sacrifice their personal funds in paying for damaged clothing, to say nothing of the hardships attendant upon a fire. About the only thanks are heaps of abuse from bystanders. Some of the companies are financially embarrassed and are at a standstill.

"The work of the department at one fire," said an old volunteer today, "would cover all we ask. Certainly it is little enough, for our services are just as much, and in fact of far more importance to the public than any other department of the city. You will some day see Olympia wiped out like a flash. Then the council and the people will want to know where the fire department is. Just look at those sheds and shacks along the water front and in the business center of the city. How could we ever hope to control a blaze with such surroundings? It is not only the loss to property, but the lives of residents are endangered. We have a board of fire wardens here, and their first duty should be to order the immediate removal of all dangerous or unsound frame buildings. They only increase the rate of insurance and discourage adjoining property owners from making improvements."

Who will be the next chief of the fire department? "That is a puzzle. The department elects a man, and the council approves or disapproves of the election. It will lie between the present chief, Sam McClelland, and Joe McCarrogher, who constitutes the greater part of the hook and ladder company. Sam McClelland is zealous, energetic and a constant worker. He has done much for the department, but has been handicapped by the continued lack of funds. McCarrogher is equally active and energetic. Of course both aspirants have their friends, and in my opinion it will be a mere toss-up as to who will be the choice of the department. There are now about 96 men on the rolls of the three companies."