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Editorial
July 31, 1942
The Midland Journal
Rising Sun, Cecil County, Maryland
What is this article about?
John B. Gontrum, Maryland's Insurance Commissioner, advises that during incendiary bomb attacks, people should prioritize extinguishing the multiple fires started by bomb particles over dealing with the bombs themselves to prevent widespread destruction.
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Fires Not Bombs Need
First Attention
If incendiary bombs should start raining on our cities, the most important thing for everyone to remember is to give first attention to the fires that the bombs start, rather than to the bombs themselves, John B. Gontrum, Insurance Commissioner of Maryland, said in an interview.
"The purpose of an incendiary bomb is to start fires," he pointed out. "That's why the magnesium bomb is constructed so that it burns at a very high temperature and also scatters burning particles, each of which is capable of causing a fire.
These numerous particles will readily ignite upholstered furniture, rugs and draperies in homes as well as equally flammable articles in our stores and shops. Each of these separate blazes is potentially a serious fire.
"It is these multiple fires which should be given first attention. After they are extinguished, it is time enough to go to work on the bomb. Flammable materials, such as wooden floors, near the bomb, should be wet down in the process.
"These facts have been mentioned by others but they can not be repeated too often, because in the excitement of a possible raid many of us will be inclined to overlook the fundamental fact that the burning bomb is only one source of destruction while the shower of sparks it sends out may start numerous fires."
First Attention
If incendiary bombs should start raining on our cities, the most important thing for everyone to remember is to give first attention to the fires that the bombs start, rather than to the bombs themselves, John B. Gontrum, Insurance Commissioner of Maryland, said in an interview.
"The purpose of an incendiary bomb is to start fires," he pointed out. "That's why the magnesium bomb is constructed so that it burns at a very high temperature and also scatters burning particles, each of which is capable of causing a fire.
These numerous particles will readily ignite upholstered furniture, rugs and draperies in homes as well as equally flammable articles in our stores and shops. Each of these separate blazes is potentially a serious fire.
"It is these multiple fires which should be given first attention. After they are extinguished, it is time enough to go to work on the bomb. Flammable materials, such as wooden floors, near the bomb, should be wet down in the process.
"These facts have been mentioned by others but they can not be repeated too often, because in the excitement of a possible raid many of us will be inclined to overlook the fundamental fact that the burning bomb is only one source of destruction while the shower of sparks it sends out may start numerous fires."
What sub-type of article is it?
War Or Peace
What keywords are associated?
Incendiary Bombs
Fire Safety
Air Raids
Civil Defense
Magnesium Bombs
What entities or persons were involved?
John B. Gontrum
Insurance Commissioner Of Maryland
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Prioritizing Fire Extinguishment Over Incendiary Bombs In Air Raids
Stance / Tone
Urgent Advisory On Civil Defense
Key Figures
John B. Gontrum
Insurance Commissioner Of Maryland
Key Arguments
Incendiary Bombs Aim To Start Fires By Scattering Burning Particles
Particles Ignite Flammable Materials In Homes And Stores, Creating Multiple Serious Fires
Extinguish All Separate Fires First Before Addressing The Bomb Itself
Wet Down Nearby Flammable Materials During The Process
This Advice Must Be Repeated To Avoid Overlooking It In Raid Excitement