Ten :: :: THE TENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 



Report of tke Chief Fire Warden for 1917 



To the Trustees of the Washington Forest Fire Association. 

 Gentlemen : 



I regret that I am compelled to come to you with a report which 

 is not as favorable, from the standpoint of damage to timber, as I 

 have been able to bring for any one of the four years preceding, or 

 since I have held the office of Chief Fire Warden. This is the result 

 of one fire as will be shown by the table of losses, given on another 

 page of this report. 



Weather Conditions: 



Up until the last days of June the weather was most favorable 

 and the indications were that we would have an easy season, but on 

 the 29th of this month the weather cleared and little rain fell be- 

 tween then and the 8th of September. However, the very hazardous 

 weather which occurred during the last ten days of August was not 

 entirely due to lack of rain but can be attributed more to the ex- 

 ceedingly hot winds which prevailed at intervals during July and 

 August. 



Those interested in forest protective work, are of the opinion that 

 this was one of the worst years for bad fire weather that has ever 

 occurred. It was not the dryest season but there was a combination of 

 high temperatures with strong winds which at times taxed our resources 

 to the utmost to combat. 



Organization: 



Our regular patrol forces consisted of seven Inspectors, seven 

 District Wardens and sixty-eight rangers. We also joined with the 

 State in the employment of three Weeks-Law patrolmen. 



A new plan for supervising the work of the rangers and patrol- 

 men was tried out in co-operation with the State Forestry Depart- 

 ment. Seven men were appointed District Wardens by the State 

 Forester. These men had charge over both State and Association 

 patrolmen working within their districts. Three of the men selected 

 for these positions were Association Inspectors and three were former 

 County Wardens. This plan puts the responsibility under one head 



