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

GENTLEMEN - I have the honor to submit to you my annual report of the condition and workings of the Fire Department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883.

The department has responded to 241 bell alarms and 115 still alarms, making 356 actual fires, causing a loss of $890,049.

The most destructive fire of the year took place on the morning of the 20th Jane, in the building known as the " Morton Block," situated on Post street, Nos. 111 to 121, and extending to the rear on Morton street. The fire commenced in the upper part of the building, in that portion occupied by the Olympic Club. The alarm was turned in at 3.15 A. M., and a second one about twenty minutes later. The fire burned with such rapidity and fierceness, and, fearing it would cross the narrow street (Morton), I deemed it proper to turn in a second alarm for assistance to prevent the fire from extending to the adjoining buildings. The fire was confined to the upper floors of the building in which the fire broke out. The principal damage was by water to the costly dry-goods contained in the first floor of the store of Messrs.O'Connor, Moffatt & Co. This fire caused a loss of $305,806, or more than 34 per cent, of the entire loss for the year.

I regret to state that during the past year the department has lost by accident two of its most efficient engineers Mathew Brady, Assistant Chief Engineer and John E. Ross. District Engineer.

CORPORATION YARD.
The Corporation Yard contains six relief engines, one relief hose carriage, five relief hose carts. Two of the engines are of little use, owing to their weight and faulty construction; one of the relief hose carts is worn out. I respectfully call your attention to the necessity of purchasing for the repair shop one lathe to swing at least thirty inches; also one drill press. These tools are much needed, and I recommend the purchase of the same at your earliest opportunity.

HORSES
During the year six horses were bought, two were condemned, two detailed to the Industrial School, two sold by order of his Honor the Mayor, The following condemned material was sold by order of his Honor the Mayor, and the proceeds paid into the City Treasury, viz. :
            March 15, 2,760 pounds old brass $303 60
            March 15, 5,790 pounds old iron 57 90
                        Total $361 50

HYDRANTS
Twenty hydrants were set and thirty-seven reset during the year, at a cost of $2,310, paid out of the running expense fund of the Department. The cisterns are carefully examined and kept filled with water for use when emergency requires.

TIME ORDINANCES.
In my last report I called the attention of the Honorable Board of Supervisors to certain amendments required in the Fire Ordinances. Since then the Board of Fire Wardens have made amendments, to which I respectfully call the attention of the Honorable Board of Supervisors, with the hope that at an early day they will cause a complete revision of the Fire Ordinances, whereby the duties of Fire Wardens will be more clearly defined and by the public better understood.

In my previous reports I have called the attention of your Honorable Board to the necessity of a new location and house for Engine Company No. 1 located at South San Francisco. I respectfully renew my recommendation for the purchase of a lot of sufficient sire upon which to erect an engine house large enough to admit of the storage of additional apparatus and material. That growing portion of the City, being a long distance from headquarters, require some additional apparatus in case of necessity.

The residents of South San Francisco have petitioned for an alarm box, to be located on the Potrero, east of Michigan street. I recommend the location of an alarm box at the place named, to be connected with the fire alarm system in that locality.

I also recommend the purchase of two new steam engines for use in the Department. Some of the engines having been in use since the organization of the present paid Department, require to be replaced by new and improved

I recommend the formation and location of an Engine Company in vicinity of California and Laguna streets, on a lot there owned by That portion of the City is being rapidly built up of the finest and most costly residences. Should a fire occur great damage might result before apparatus could be on hand for service.

Your attention is respectfully called to the statements annexed, showing the operations of this Department for the year.

In conclusion, I respectfully tender the thanks of the officers and men of the Department to Capt. Russell White of the Fire Patrol; Capt. John L. Durkee, Fire Marshal; and P. Crowley, Chief of Police, for assistance on numerous occasions. Also to Superintendent John Curran, of the Fire Alarm, for his admirable management of his branch of the service.

I respectfully tender to the officers and members of the Department my appreciation of the zeal and efficiency displayed by them on all occasions, and to your Honorable Board for the prompt response on all occasions to keep the Department in an efficient state creditable to all concerned.

Respectfully submitted.

DAVID SCANNELL,
Chief Engineer San Francisco Fire Department.
SAN FRANCISCO, July 1, 1883.

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