A Forester's Work in a Northern Forest. 9 



Instructions to Fire Rangers. 



You will continually patrol the territory assigned to you, fol- 

 lowing routes given. You will try to find on your routes hills 

 from which a view of as much territory as possible can be ob- 

 tained. Visit these points as often as possible during dry weather. 

 Watch out for smoke. Should smoke be seen, proceed at once to 

 that locality and attempt to extinguish the fire. If you find this 

 absolutely impossible, go to the nearest place where help can be 

 obtained. Put out the fire with water or sand if obtainable; if 

 not, beat with Balsam or Spruce boughs. Do not leave any fire 

 until it is entirely out. Examine carefully to make sure that the 

 fire is not burning in the ground. If you cannot put out the fire 

 by the means above given, try back-firing. Always observe the 

 direction of the wind before starting back-fires, to make sure that 

 they will serve their purpose and not spread the fire in a new 

 direction. The best time to fight fires is in the evening and very 

 early morning. Fires usually die down at night. Always remem- 

 ber that the best places to fight a fire are along streams, roads and 

 tops of ridges. Fire always rushes up a ridge, goes slowly at ihe 

 top and runs very slowly down the opposite side. 



Camp -Fires and Smudges: 



In building a camp-fire or smudge, choose a place where there 

 is no moss or duff in which the fire might smoulder; then clear 

 the ground of all inflammable material for four or five feet in 

 every direction ; then build your fire. Never leave a fire once 

 kindled until you are sure it is entirely out and not burning in the 

 duff. Never throw away a lighted match or cigarette, or lighted 

 pipe ashes. Never make a fire against a dry stump, log or stub. 



Settlers: 



Do not in any way antagonize settlers or farmers. Always be 

 civil and courteous and use tact. Always pay for your meals. 

 Impress upon them the danger from fire and resulting loss of 

 work, and of their own timber. If they are burning land, watch 

 them, and see that their fires are kept away from standing tim- 

 ber. Warn settlers making fires unlawfully or carelessly, and, if 

 the warning is not heeded, make arrests at once. 



Hunters, Trappers, Sportsmen: 



Watch all such people going into your territory. Call their at- 

 tention to fire-posters. Tell them the law regarding fires. Ex- 

 plain the necessity for care. If possible follow them up ; see that 

 their fires are extinguished. Let them know they are being 

 watched. In case of carelessness warn once, then arrest promptly. 



Tents: 



Tents must be protected from sparks. Fires must not be made 

 too near. Shake the tent after a rain before rolling up. Be care- 



