METHODS OF CONTROL AND SUPPRESSION 



81 



away with the axe, the saw, and rakes so that a direct attack 

 may be made. 



2. Direct attack with water. Recently improved portable pumps 



have been designed and manufactured with sufficient hose to 

 carry water long distances. Ordinarily, fires do not burn 

 where water is readily 

 available. In Michigan, 

 water holes have been 

 dug for a water supply 

 in connection with 

 pumps. Under certain 

 conditions they may be 

 the most effective in- 

 struments in stopping 

 fires. 



3. Digging trenches to min- 



eral soil in advance of 

 the fire. Some of these 

 trenches may be from 

 one to 20 miles in length. 

 Secondary and tertiary 

 trenches are sometimes 

 constructed to add to the 

 line of defense. The in- 

 flammable material, such 

 as leaves, brush, and 

 windfalls, are cleared 

 away on both sides of 

 the trench. This is the 

 most useful and effective 

 method of combating 

 ground fires. 



4. Use of wet blankets, wet 



burlap bags, and other 



materials to put out fires. This may be the quickest way to 



smother and stop many surface and grass fires. 



5. Back fire. In crown fires or severe surface fires, back firing may 



be effective. It is exceedingly dangerous, however, par- 

 ticularly in windy weather. 



6. Fire lines and firebreaks constructed along the tops of ridges 



have proved to be very effective. They must be maintained 

 and kept clear of any inflammable material. 



FIG. 43. Felling a large snag or fire- 

 killed tree on a firebreak in Washington. 

 These snags, when afire, may send flam- 

 ing brands in the wind to distant green 

 timber and start new fires. Snag felling 

 is an important part of fire protective 

 work in the Northwest. 



