FOREST PROTECTION SECTION 

 Forest Fire Control 



During the 1964 fire season 1,829 forest fires occurred, burning a total of 

 28,124 acres. The total number of fires was 30% above the average for the 

 previous decade (1954 to 1963 inclusive). 



Area burned was the fourth lowest on record. The three years with smaller 

 acreages burned were 1952, 1959 and 1962 during which 12,421, 5,281 and 

 13,804 acres respectively, were destroyed by fire. 



The highest occurrence period was May, June and July when 1,352 fires 

 were reported. July recorded the highest fire incidence with 620 of the 1,829 

 total fires for the season. 



FIRE FREQUENCY BY CAUSE 



Lightning was responsible for starting approximately 33% of all fires 

 reported. This is 10% higher than the previous decade average of 23%. 



Above average amount of rainfall, especially in the North Central and North 

 Western Regions, resulted in below average burning conditions for most of the 

 fire season. 



FOREST FIRE DETECTION 



The visible area mapping program, to cover all lookout towers, started in 

 1963 and was continued by two field parties during 1964. Completion of this 

 programme is expected in 1965. 



Two types of maps are being produced — one showing area visible and 

 not visible and one showing areas of double coverage (areas where cross-shots 

 are possible), both of which are prepared on a district basis. 



A complete reassessment of the present fire detection system is planned when 

 the mapping has been completed. Studies are proposed, to explore the advisability 

 of more extensive use of aircraft fire detection patrols. 



New tower designs are being investigated with the possibility of their being 

 used to replace old existing structures where fixed detection is still required. 



Further field tests with proto-type infra-red scanning equipment were carried 

 out during 1964 and field tests with an operational scanner will proceed during 

 1965. 



Additional fire finders (designed by the federal penitentiary staff) have been 

 installed as part of a program to up-date lookout tower equipment. 



PROSECUTIONS AND CONVICTIONS 



A total of 22 charges were laid under the Forest Fires Prevention Act and 

 Regulations resulting in 22 convictions. 



FIRE PREVENTION 



Educational programmes aimed toward making the general public more aware 

 of fire prevention were continued during 1964. In particular, special tours were 

 arranged with railway prevention cars and meetings were held with railway 

 employees across the province. 



Normal Department prevention programmes were continued and extended 

 using radio, television and newspaper coverage throughout the 1964 fire season. 



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