68 forest commissioner's report. 



1916 PATROLS 



During the fire season of 1916, there were one hundred and 

 twenty patrolmen who worked either on part or full time. In- 

 cluded in this number are Deputy Wardens who only patrolled 

 during emergency periods. This branch of the service was not 

 called into action until after the first of June and was finally 

 laid off for the season during the latter half of September. 



The Chief Wardens were instructed to use patrolmen only 

 at such times as conditions made it necessary. In the more 

 remote territories, however, patrolmen were kept at work and 

 during wet spells when their services were not needed on 

 their routes, made many valuable improvements. 



A new form of report was used this year with the result that 

 a more systematic and intelligent record of their summer's 

 work is on file in this office. 



Herewith is submitted the record of the patrolmens' work 

 during the summer with regard to discovery of fires. It is 

 well to note in this connection that by a close inspection of the 

 patrol and lookout reports of this season that, even with our 

 present system of lookouts, fully 90 per cent of the fires re- 

 ported as discovered by the patrolmen, have been previously 

 picked up by the nearest watchman in his station. 



In 1916, 36 per cent of the entire expenditure for fire protec- 

 tive purposes, including Federal aid, was for patrol work. 

 Whether or not, the effectiveness of this branch of the work 

 warrants such a large proportion of the fund is an open ques- 

 tion and one that should be gone into carefully between the 

 Forest Commissioner and the various timberland owners of the 

 State. 



By covering all traveled trails and tote-roads : by keeping an 

 eye out for all fishing ancfccamping parties in his territory ; by 

 warning all whom he meets in regard to fire danger and by 

 oversight of brush fires and the like, — by all of the foregoing 

 is realized the greatest benefit of the patrolmen. Each section 

 has its own peculiarities and must be dealt with according to 

 the best judgment of the Chief Warden and the Forest Com- 

 missioner. 



