fire boss

noun

, Mining.

a person who inspects a mine for the presence of noxious gases, dangerous roofs, and other hazards.

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

But they did, and a fire boss happened to be passing at the time, so he located their hiding-place.

Finally the fire boss went for help, and as soon as he left the boys came out.

The assistant superintendent, the mining engineer, the safety inspector, and the fire boss were already in.

“Hoover and Young, and everybody, and not one scratched,” responded the fire-boss.

But what if the "fire-boss" overslept himself, or happened to be drunk?

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