FOREST PROTECTION BRANCH 



yHE Forest Protection Branch is comprised of two Sections: Forest Protection, 



*- with headquarters in Toronto, and Air Service, with headquarters in Sault 



Ste. Marie. The responsibilities and functions of the Branch are as follows: 



1. Forest Fire Control Organization, staff distribution, fire district boundaries, 

 fire warden system. 



2. Fire Control Planning, preparation and implementation of fire control plans. 



3. Fire Prevention, through removal of hazards, construction of fire guards, 

 and travel, fire and work permits. Warnings to the public of existing and 

 impending fire danger. Co-operation with Municipalities, Board of Transport 

 Commissioners, Railways, Indian Affairs Branch, Forest Industries and 

 other forest users in preventing, reporting and suppressing fires. 



4. Detection of forest fires by a system of towers and aircraft patrols. 



5. Training of staff, woods industry employees and other co-operators in fire 

 suppression techniques. 



6. The use of prescribed burning to eliminate hazards, and for various forest 

 management purposes. 



7. Forest fire suppression by co-ordinating movement of resources between 

 regions as required and emergency arrangements. 



Fire statistics and reports. 



9. Radio communications for fire control and all other Department requirements. 



10. Pest Control by prevention of damage to trees caused by insects, disease 

 and small mammals on all lands under Department management. 



Maintenance and operation of the aircraft fleet in compliance with Depart- 

 ment of Transport Regulations and to provide for the utmost safety. Selec- 

 tion of all technical staff including pilots and engineers. Leasing and 

 disposition of helicopters. 



Plant and equipment programme for the Department including all buildings 

 and improvement projects, major equipment including vehicles. Vehicle and 

 building records, maintenance procedures, specifications, licensing and insur- 

 ance. Equipment development. 



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