GRAZING AND FIRE CONTROL 



233 



sheep, needed no attention; but the other two, which were in 

 ungrazed territory, burned until extinguished by Forest officers 

 and stockmen. 



The danger from fires is further decreased by grazing, because 

 the trampling of livestock breaks down the litter on the ground 

 and hastens its decomposition. This is particularly true of 

 sheep grazing (Fig. 76). 



In controlling the beginning and rapid spread of surface fires, 



(Forest Service.) 

 Fig. 76. — GRAZING IN THE WOODLAND TYPE TENDS TO MINIMIZE FOREST FIRES. 

 The cropping of the herbage on woodland accompanied by the breaking up of the semi-decayed litter 



on the ground hastens its decompositi( 

 a distinct help in fire control. 



enriches the soil, decreases the danger of fires, and is 



grazing is often of great assistance in preventing the more serious 

 ground and crown fires. In this connection it is well to recognize 

 the three classes of forest fires. 



A surface fire is one which consumes only such surface growth 

 as grass, weeds, and other small vegetation. Nearly all forest 

 fires start from surface fires. 



A ground fire is a slow fire which burns down into the htter 

 and mold and often follows tree roots underground. It is hotter 



