FOREST PROTECTION BRANCH 



•TpHE 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: 



FOREST PROTECTION SECTION 



Fire Control — Administration of The Forest Fires Prevention Act. Organi- 

 zation of fire districts, boundaries, staff distribution and the fire warden system. 

 Supervision of district fire control planning and preparedness. Fire prevention 

 programs including a system of travel, fire and work permits. 



Co-operative fire prevention and control agreements with Municipalities, 

 Forest Industries, Railways and other users. Detection of forest fires by lookout 

 towers and air patrols. Fire danger warnings. Training of staff and co-operators 

 in fire suppression techniques. Prescribed burning for various management 

 purposes. 



Co-ordination of fire suppression, movement of resources, emergency arrange- 

 ments. 



Pest Control — Prevention and control of damage by insects, disease and other 

 pests affecting forests under Department management. Advisory services. Work- 

 ing arrangement with the Canada Department of Forestry whereby that agency 

 conducts Insect and Disease Surveys and research services required by Ontario. 

 Communications — Planning, installation and operation of radio, telephone and 

 teletype services for fire control and other Department requirements. Construction 

 of specialized communication equipment. 



Plant and Equipment — Departmental improvement, equipment and sign programs. 

 Planning, budgeting and supervision of Department construction programs. Inven- 

 tory of Department establishments. Liaison with Department of Public Works. 



Prescribing equipment standards, complements, replacement and mainten- 

 ance. Budgeting and allocation of equipment funds. Vehicle records, licensing and 

 insurance. 



AIR SERVICE SECTION 



Operates a fleet of 40 aircraft to meet flying requirements of the Department 

 and special needs of other Government Departments. Selection of pilots and air 

 engineers, and special technical training. Deployment of aircraft and crews. 

 Establishment of air bases, fuel distribution and caches. 



Selection of aircraft equipment and development of special equipment. 

 Leasing and disposition of helicopters and other aircraft. 



Checking pilot proficiency and the overhaul and maintenance of aircraft in 

 accordance with Department of Transport and Department requirements. 



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