FOREST PROTECTION BRANCH 



FOREWORD 



The Forest Protection Branch is comprised of two Sections, Forest Pro- 

 tection with headquarters in Toronto and Air Service with headquarters in Sault 

 Ste. Marie. 



The activities of each section for the twelve month period ending March 

 31st, 1962 are set forth in the detailed report which follows. 



RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BRANCH 



The Forest Protection Section is responsible for forest protection under 

 authority of the Forest Fire Prevention Act and for the control of forest pests 

 and diseases. 



The Air Service Section operates and maintains a fleet of 44 aircraft to 

 meet the flying requirements of the Department and occasional special require- 

 ments of other Departments of Government of Ontario. 



Main functions of the Branch are: — 

 Fire Control Organization: — Staff distribution, Fire District Boundaries. 

 Fire Control Planning: — Development of instructions for preparation of fire 

 control plans. 



Fire Prevention: — Travel, fire and work permits. Removal of hazards. Con- 

 struction of fire guards. Warnings to the public of existing and impending fire 

 danger. 



Fire Detection: — Towers and aircraft patrols. 



Fire Suppression: — Arrangements for emergencies. Movement of resources in- 

 cluding aircraft from region to region as required. 

 Training: — Staff and co-operating Woods Industries. 



Co-operation with: — Department of Transport, Railway Companies, Indian 

 Affairs Branch, Woods Operators, Tourist Camp Operators and other users of 

 the forest in preventing, reporting and suppressing fires. 



Agreements with : — Municipalities and Woods Operators on lands under timber 

 license and railway lands covering all phases of forest fire prevention and control. 

 Pest Control: — Prevention of damage to trees caused by insects, disease and 

 small mammals. 



Communications: — Radio, telephone and teletype. 

 Transportation : — Aircraft, helicopters, vehicles, watercraft. 

 Building and Improvement Projects: — Program for all of the Department. 

 Liaison with the Department of Public Works. Permanent records of all De- 

 partment establishments. 



Equipment: — Program for all of the Department including vehicle records, 

 licensing and insurance. 



Fire Statistics and Reports: — 



Aircraft: — Maintenance and operation of aircraft in compliance with Depart- 

 ment of Transport Regulations and to provide the utmost in safety. Selection of 

 all technical staff including pilots and engineers. 



133 



