THE USE BOOK. 157 



When any tendency to ignore instructions is observed, notice 

 must be given that action will be brought for any damage sus- 

 tained by the United States, and that willful negligence will be 

 prosecuted criminally. If this is ignored and damage does re- 

 sult, prosecution must be prompt and vigorous. Where there is 

 sufficient reason to anticipate danger, as from a large slashing 

 which it is announced will be burned at a dangerous time, in- 

 junction may be secured. But in this, as in other matters, no 

 civil or criminal suit should be begun or arrest made without 

 instructions from the Forester, unless the circumstances do not 

 admit of delay or the offender is likely to escape. Do not hesi- 

 tate to use the telegraph to ask advice or report action taken 

 to the Forester. 



If private lands are in such a condition that fire is likely to 

 spread to the Forest, and especially if operations involving dan- 

 gerous or frequent use of fire are carried on by railroads, log- 

 ging outfits, or sawmills, a report should be made to the For- 

 ester. 



FIRE LAWS AND PENALTIES. 



There is ample legal provision for the punishment of malice 

 or carelessness with fires. The act of June 4, 1897 (Appendix, 

 p. 214), instructs the Secretary to make provisions for the pro- 

 tection of the National Forests against fire, and provides for the 

 punishment of any violation of his regulations. The act of May 

 n, UKK) (Appendix, p. 253), prescribes a miximum fine of $5,000, 

 or two years' imprisonment, or both ? for any person convicted 

 oFTEe ' wITTTuTjettin^ of a fire cm* 'the public domain or for 

 suffering a fire to burn unattended near any inflammable mate- 

 rial. It prescribes a fine of $1,000, or one years' imprisonment, 

 7>r Ijoth, for building a fire and leaving it before it is totally 

 extinguished. "Any" officer of the Forest Service may arrest 

 violators ofThese laws. 



The United States, having all of the remedies of a private 

 citizen, can bring a civil suit under the State laws to recover 

 for loss by fire. Forest officers should report to the Forester all 



