REPORT OF THE FOREST COMMISSION. ri 



first to assert that the fire problem must take precedence of every 

 other, forest interests everywhere are coming to* the same con- 

 clusion. From the chief of the United States Forest Service 

 through the ranks of the foresters it is agreed that fire is not 

 only the greatest destroyer of forests but the greatest obstacle 

 to reforestation. In a word, forestry is not a practical proposi- 

 tion so long as the fire evil continues. 



In the effort to better this situation we have made material 

 progress in spite of an unfavorable season. The fires of the 

 year were fewer in number and less destructive than has been 

 our experience for a long time past. Compared with last year 

 the number of fires, large and small, was 13 per cent, less and 

 the total loss 32 per cent. less. And what is even better, our 

 fire organization is much stronger as a preventive force than it 

 has ever been, as well as more effective for fighting fires. The 

 value of prevention is hard to measure, though a significant 

 pointer is found in the statement that by promptly controlling 

 37 fires at a cost of $1,022, property valued at $67,000 was 

 saved. The good work done by the local warden service is 

 further indicated by the fact that no less than 45 per cent, of 

 the total number of fires were extinguished before they did any 

 appreciable damage. 



It is especially gratifying to record that for the first time since 

 the fire service was organized the Commission has closed the 

 year's accounts with all bills paid and has returned a small bal- 

 ance to the State treasury. This was made possible partly by 

 an increased appropriation and partly by the collection of the 

 very considerable sum referred to below. Most of what had 

 to be written a year ago about the needs of the fire service 

 therefore no longer applies. 



The four Division Firewardens who were appointed as assis- 

 tants to the State Firewarden have already proved their value. 

 Through them it is possible to exercise a better control of the 

 local wardens and to enforce more vigorously the penal clauses 

 of the law. 



