237 



woodlands. A great deal can be done by even ordinary care in keeping 

 clean the right of way and by making it the duty of trackmen and sec- 

 tion hands to put out all fires they see. 



While prevention of forest fires is of greatest importance, it is also 

 well to know how to deal with them when once under headway. The 

 following material on this subject is condensed from Bulletin 82 of the 

 Forest Service.* 



METHODS OF FIGHTING FIRES 



The principles of fighting forest fires are essentially the same as 

 those recognized in fighting fires in cities. The following are of first 

 importance: (i) quick arrival at the fire; (2) an adequate force; 

 (3) proper equipment; (4) a thorough organization of the fighting 

 crew; and (5) skill in attacking and fighting fires. 



(i) Quick access to fires is accomplished through the work of 

 supervision and patrol in discovering fires before they have gained 

 much headway, and by a well-developed system of communication 

 through the forest by roads and trails. 



(2) A small fire may be put out by one man, but in extensive for- 

 ests several hours may pass before the fire can be reached. It is im- 

 portant to secure an adequate force of men and to get them to the fire 

 quickly. In a well-organized system of patrol, the guard who dis- 

 covers a fire communicates quickly to other guards and to headquarters 

 by telephone, signal, or other means, and indicates the number of men 

 he needs. It is essential that there be definite arrangements for se- 

 curing a force of men in case of fire. This may be accomplished by 

 cooperation with lumber or sawmill operators who employ forces of 

 men, and through cooperation with local residents, or, in case of small 

 tracts, through the cooperation of neighboring owners, each of whom 

 agrees to assist his neighbor in case of fires. In some states there is a 

 system of firewardens. In case of fire, the firewarden may call upon 

 residents to assist in extinguishing it. They are required by law to 

 repair to the fire in case of call, and there is a small statutory compensa- 

 tion for services. 



(3) Ji-ist as in a city the efficiency of a fire service depends in large 

 part on the equipment, so also in forest work it is essential that fire 

 fighters be furnished with the proper tools and other equipment. The 

 implements needed for fighting fires differ under different conditions. 

 Wherever dirt can be used, the men should be provided with long- 

 handled shovels. If water is available, buckets should be provided, 

 and, where possible, bucket pumps. Under most conditions it is de- 



♦Protection of Forests from Fire, by Henry S. Graves, Forester. 



