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Mail Tribune 100, Dec. 22, 1922 By Alissa Corman Dec 22, 2022 12:00 AM A A News from 100 years ago The following news items were drawn from the archives of the Mail Tribune 100 years ago Dec. 22, 1922 FIRE SURVEY OF CITY SHOWS NEED MORE EQUIPMENT State Fire Marshal’s Report Outlines Condition — Alarm System and Sixth St Tunnel Urged — Per Capita Loss $7.60 — Full Report Later Deputy State Fire Marshals Horace Sykes and Jas. S. Gleason have been engaged for some days past in making a fire survey of Medford. The results of the survey, as summed up by these men show that Medford is in need of material improvement in all departments relating to fire protection. Material improvement is needed in the distribution system of the water. Additional equipment is needed in the fire department. An alarm system is badly needed, and an overhead or tunnel crossing of the railroad tracks in necessary to remove the danger to the western half of the city, incident to delays on crossing. The result of these deficiencies is reflected in the large fire loss sustained by the city, which is increasing of late years, owing to increase in valuation of property without a corresponding increase in the efficiency of the fire protection. This loss will continue to increase unless facilities for protection are brought up to a point where they will meet the needs. During the last nine years, as based on the records of the fire chief, and the 1920 census the annual per capita fire loss in Medford has been $5. During the last five years, the annual per capita loss has been $7.60, an increase of over 50 percent over the nine-year average. Medford should give attention to this important matter. There is too great value at risk to take any unnecessary chances. The fire marshals report that the best spirit possible was met with everywhere. Individuals are willing and anxious to correct defects in their buildings, and the public sentiment regarding the improvements is decidedly favorable. There is only one thing left to be done, therefore, in the opinion of the marshals, and that is go ahead and do it, before the next disastrous fire occurs. Mr. Sykes states that there can be no excuse made that the people can not afford it, because the records show at the present time more wealth deposited in the four Medford banks, than the entire assessed valuation of the city. In other words, upward of four million dollars. The fire marshal department will later render a report to the city covering the survey and recommendations. — Alissa Corman; [email protected]