To the Honorable Board of Fire Commissioners of the City and County of San Francisco:

GENTLEMEN - I have the honor herewith to present my annual report of the operations and condition of the department under my charge for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885.

The Department responded to 213 bell alarms (including 4 second alarms) and 204 still or verbal alarms, making a total of 417 actual fires causing a loss of $586,710 08.

The number of buildings totally destroyed, 41; partially destroyed, 300; fires, and no damage to buildings, 41.

The fire involving the greatest loss of the year occurred August 5th, 1884, at 10:10 A. M. The alarm was turned in from Station 32, which proved to be for a fire in the three-story brick buildings No. 25 to 31 Main street, on the easterly side, between Market and Mission streets, occupied by Tatum and Bowen, agents of the Albany Lubricating Oil Company. The second and third stories, occupied by the firm of M. Schmidt & Co., lithographers, label and chromatic printers. The loss by this fire aggregated the sum of $150,000.

The next fire worthy of notice occurred on September 4th, 1884, at 11:30 o'clock P. M. The alarm came from Station 184, and was for a fire on the north side of Bluxome street, between Fifth and Sixth, in the midst of a number of manufacturing establishments. The Department responded promptly and had several streams on the fire when the supply of water gave out. This and the inflammable character of the factories was the cause of the extensive loss. The fire gained such headway that a second alarm was turned in for additional force, with the result that the fire was confined to the buildings and much property thereby saved. The loss was estimated at $46,000.

January 30th, 1885, 6:30 P. M., an alarm was sent in from Station 52 for a very extensive fire which broke out in David Keer's carriage factory, at 45 and 47 Beal street the damage amounting to the sum of $64,000. Keer's factory, together with Holt Brothers' hardware stores, at 27 and 29 Beal street, and the adjoining property, occupied by Taylor & Flint, dealers in carriage trimmings and iron ware, became almost a total loss. In consequence of the inflammable nature of the buildings and contents it was deemed necessary to send for additional help. The reserve force thus summoned proved effectual, and the fire being hemmed in on all sides, much loss was prevented. The heat from this fire was intense and several firemen were slightly injured.

On April 3rd, 1885, at 8:45 o'clock P. M., an alarm was sent in from Station 25 for a fire discovered in the three-story brick building on the southeast corner of Sacramento and Dupont streets. The top floors were occupied by Chinese lodgers, who became panic-stricken and helpless at the sight of the flames below them. As soon as their condition was discovered truck ladders were run up from the truck of Hook and Ladder Co. No. 2, and the firemen rescued a score or more of the Chinese being forced and carried down the ladders. But for the promptness and bravery displayed by the truckmen a number of lives would have been lost. Two or three Chinamen were more or less injured and burned, but as they were immediately lost in the crowds of their countrymen awaiting to receive them, the extent of their injuries were, therefore, unknown. The loss by this fire amounted to about $20,000.

ACCIDENTS.
Following is a record of accidents which befell members of the Department while in the discharge of their duty:
            Bernard Rawle, Foreman Engine Co. No. 10, was injured at the fire corner Sixth and Bluxume streets. Hand very badly burned.
            James Mathews, Hoseman Engine Co. No. 12, was injured at the fire on Howard street by a scantling falling, striking him on the head, inflicting a
scalp wound.
            Richard Hammond, James Logan, Jerry Dugan and Michael McLaughlin (since deceased) sustained serious injuries by a falling roof of a building in Chinatown at the fire of the Bun Sun Low Restaurant.
            Jerry Jones, Hoseman Hose Co. No. 5, was badly burned at the fire at the Townsend street asphaltum works.
            John Hewston, Foreman Engine No. 1, was injured at the fire in Chinatown, corner Sacramento and Dupont streets receiving a severe cut over the left eye.
            William Martin, Hoseman Engine Co. No. 1, was injured at the fire corner Sacramento and Dupont streets, Chinatown . His back badly sprained in falling through trap door.

MORTALITY.
            The Department has lost by death daring the past year three members.
            July 26th, 1884, Thomas McCann, Hoseman attached to Hose Co. No. 5. of consumption.
            October 4, 1884, John T. Crosby, Hoseman Engine Co. No. 9, died from pistol shot at the hand of Eugene McCarthy.
            June 16, 1885, Michael McLaughlin died of lockjaw following injuries received at the fire in Chinatown, June 10, 1885, at the Bun Sun Low Restaurant.

CORPORATION YARD.  
The relief apparatus contained in the Corporation Yard consists of one first-class double-acting Amoskeag engine, two second-class single-acting Amoskeag engines, one second-class single-acting Amoskeag engine, one third-class single-acting Kimball engine, one third-class new single acting Amoskeag engine, one first-class Hook and Ladder Truck (Hayes), two second-class Hook and Ladder Trucks (Hayes), one four-wheeled hose carriage, four relief hose carts all in good order for service.

During the year eleven horses were purchased, three horses sold, three horses died, one transferred to the Industrial School, one transferred to the Alms House.

The following condemned material was sold by order of his Honor the Mayor, and the proceeds paid into the Treasury of the City, viz:
                        One hand-engine $100 00
                        Part of steam engine 125 00
                        6,550 lbs. old iron 57 31
                                    Total: $282 31

HYDRANTS AND WATER.
During the year 17 hydrants were set and 27 reset.

The supply of water has been largely increased in the section of the city lying South of Market street.

The Water Company have laid their water mains from Bernal Heights reservoir elevation 79 feet, containing 33,000,000 of gallons to Alabama and 25th streets size of main, 37 inches; from 25th street to Harrison, 37 inches; from Harrison to 9th street, 37 inches; from 9th to Ringold street. 37 inches; from 9th to Howard street, 33 inches; from Howard to 7th street, 33 inches; from 7th to 2nd street, 30 inch main.            

That portion of the city heretofore had been greatly in need of an increased supply of water, and several large and costly fires have occurred which could have been stopped sooner had there been an adequate supply. It is believed that the laying of the above described mains will furnish a water supply amply sufficient for all purposes.

ENGINE HOUSES.
The houses of the Department are all in good repair. The erection of a new engine house for Company No. 11, at South San Francisco, of suitable capacity for additional apparatus, will increase the efficiency of the Department at that vicinity, and gives assurance that in the event of a large fire the Department will be able to successfully operate without calling for assistance from other districts.

RECOMMENDATIONS.
I respectfully recommend that a Hook and Ladder Company be organized and located in the house now occupied by Hose Company No. 2, situated on Post street near Fillmore, and that the building be enlarged and made to suit the requirements of a Hook and Ladder and Hose Company. A Truck Company in that vicinity is much needed.

I also recommend the erection of a suitable building, on one of the lots belonging to the Department in the western portion of the city, to be used as a store-house for apparatus, hose, feed and general supplies for the Department. The remoteness of the supply or Corporation Yard puts the Department to great inconvenience when, at a fire or otherwise, fuel or necessary articles are hastily needed.

My thanks are extended to the officers and men of the Department for their zeal and good judgment displayed in saving life and property of citizens notably at the fire in Chinatown, corner Dupont and Sacramento streets, whereby a score or more of lives were saved by the courage and presencs of mind of members of the Department, and acknowledged in a substantial manner by the Chinese Vice-Consul donating in behalf of the Chinese colony of the sum of two hundred dollars to the members of Hook and Ladder Company No. 2.

Thanks are also extended to Capt. Russell White, of the Fire Patrol, Capt. John L. Durkee, Fire Marshal, Chief of Police Crowley, and Superintendent Curran, of the Fire Alarm. Also to your Honorable Board in your efforts to sustain me in keeping the Department in the best possible condition and efficiency.

Respectfully submitted,
DAVID SCANNELL,

Chief of Department.
San Francisco, July 1, 1885.

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