FIRE PROTECTION IN THE NATIONAL FORESTS 655 



ditions answer so well the purposes of intensive patrol as lower peaks from 

 which it is impossible to get a nearer view of a smaller area. On some forests it 

 has been found advisable to use the higher peaks when this is possible, and 

 to abandon them for the lower peaks and the closer patrol if the atmosphere 

 becomes smokv. The chief advantage of lookout patrol is the comparatively 

 laro-e area which it is possible to keep constantly in view. Lookout points are 

 much more effective when in direct communication by telephone, heliograph, 

 or otherwise with the headquarters of the forest. The great disadvantages 

 of lookout patrol are that it gives little or no opportunity for administrative 

 work, and it does not enable the patrolman to keep in close touch with forest 

 users, residents and transients. . 



The topography of some districts is such that lookout patrol is impossible, 

 and it is necessary to depend entirely upon men who ride or travel through 

 the country In many ranger districts it has been found absolutely necessary 

 to keep in close touch with forest users, residents, freighters, campers and 

 hunters, and also other classes of transients. , . . 



For efficient riding patrol where contact with any class of people is not 

 the principal object, it is necessary to follow the high ridges and to get on to 

 peaks or into open places from which the surrounding country can be seen. 

 Riding patrol mav be coordinated to a greater or less extent with the admin- 

 istrative work which is necessary during the fire season. In ranger districts 

 where there is only one man it is obviously necessary that he perform both 



On forests which are traversed by railroads using coal-burning locomotives, 

 it is frequently necessarv to detail special patrolmen to follow all heavy trains, 

 and in some cases to follow every train. Launches are u.seful upon the larger 

 lakes where a good view can be obtained of the surrounding country. In 

 districts with good roads much might be gained by the use of motorcycles. 



In addition to the regular patrol it has sometimes been found advisable 

 to secure the services of ranchmen or others, who with little or no riding are 

 able to see a considerable part of a forest. These men in many cases do no 

 more than report the fires discovered to the nearest forest officer. Fires are 

 frequently reported as alreadv indicated by patrolmen employed by the state, 

 associations, companies, or individuals cooperating with the Forest Service. 



On very few of the forests has it been found possible to adopt entirely any 

 one form of patrol. The best results are obtained by a combination of lookout 

 and riding patrol depending upon the conditions in each case. In Montana 

 and northern Idaho the lookouts are used on the higher peaks and cover most 

 effectively the country immediately surrounding these stations, while patrolmen 

 ride through the lower valleys or along the ridges which overlook them. The 

 fact that administrative work must be carried on during the fire season prevents 

 the use of lookout patrol alone. 



The area which can be covered by a patrolman depends upon a number, 

 of varying conditions which include: (1) The value of material to be protected 

 and tiie degree of risk; (2) the frequency with which patrol is necessary; 

 (3) topogriTphy; (4) whether patrol is from lookout points or by riding; (5) 

 upon available means of travel and communication; (G) the clearness of the 

 atmosphere; (7) the experience of the patrolman and his knowledge of the 

 countrv (8 1 the cooperation received from adjoining ranger or patrol districts 

 or from' adjoining forests; (9) the cooperation which may be received from 

 other sources; (10) the necessity for administrative work; (11) means of 



subsistence. . ^ , , • -. j ■ 



There are a number of other points which must also be considered in 

 providing for patrol on any forest. The force must be exceedingly flexible. At 

 times during the fire season after light rainfalls, it may be possible for a few 



