It is not generally known, but, nevertheless, the prison maintains a well
organized fire department. This brigade is not a large one, but as a first
aid in case of necessity it is equipped to do efficient service.
There are eight prisoners on the day shift and the same on the night crew.
The fire alarm system of the prison is as nearly perfect as human
ingenuity can devise. There are two hose carts, and frequent experimental
runs are made in order to keep the department to a high state of
efficiency. At these runs the men go to the fire house, take out the hose
carts and make as quick time as possible to the nearest hydrant where the
supposed fire exists, the hose is attached and all preparations made as if
a real fire were under way.
Occasionally a general night alarm is sent in, and when this occurs all
the guards residing at the prison must respond promptly. The warden and
deputy warden also respond to a general night alarm. Since the big fire of
twenty‐five years ago, and that which consumed the large paint shop
occupied by the Minnesota Thresher Co., about eighteen years ago, there
have been no conflagrations within the prison grounds. This, in a great
measure, is due to the vigilance exercised in each department in regard to
leaving refuse and inflammable material lying around.