Brian R Peterson
Guest
Hi all, I was reading over the technical posts and noticed no one had posted, or perhaps knew of this feature. As we all know the Titanic was fitted with the most up to date safety features of her day, including a unique fire detection system. Near the Bridge was the Master Fire Station. A fireman was posted here 24 hours a day and was never more than six feet away from his post. Positioned on the bulkhead of this station was an airtight glass case. Small tubes entered this case from secondary fire stations throughout the ship. A suction system drew air from the other stations into the master control case. This master control case was fitted with a piece of foil that vibrated with the air flow to let the observer know when the system was operation. If there was a fire anywhere on the ship that contained a secondary fire station inlet tube, the smoke would be drawn into the system and appear in the master case and form a little ball that, according to period fireman, resembled a ball of gray wool. The lead fireman would then telephone the deckhands at the secondary stations and have them check the decks for fire and or smoke. Hydrants and hoses were placed strategically throughout the ship, and a few of these hydrants were found intact on the bow portion of the wreck. Where on the bow and on which side I do not remember at present, but I do remember seeing the pictures in one of my many Titanic books thought unfortunately, I cannot recall which one this is in at this time.