FIREWARDEN'S REPORT. 29 



class of fires, in that they so often start in places where and at 

 times when their growth to large size is assured before the fight 

 on them can be begun. The danger is so widespread, and people 

 so liable to neglect and carelessness in this respect, that there is 

 practically no way in which proper supervision can be had with- 

 out a patrol too extensive to be practicable. 



Unlike the railroad and brush fires but few have been definitely 

 connected with violations of the law. This fact is eloquent of 

 the handicap in dealing with such offenders. That relief may 

 be had in more attention to our highway rights of way is certain 

 (See p. 59.) Final control must come, however, through aroused 

 public interest and activity and a more general appreciation of the 

 capacity of the most innocent spark to produce a fire of large 

 proportions. 



Incendiary Fires. 



The forest fires of this sort are again few in number, there 

 being but 5 recorded, with one other case where the fire was 

 small. That the malicious setting of a fire in or near the woods 

 is a risky business for the offender is certain. That the increased 

 attention the forest fire problem now receives magnifies this 

 risk likewise is sure. And the assured insistence on a penalty 

 commensurate with the proven guilt makes forest firing with 

 intent less likely each year. 



Miscellaneous and Automobile Fires. 



O'f the burnings of miscellaneous origin reported this year, 

 those started by saw-mills, children at play, automobiles, etc., 

 there have been 15 actual forest fires and 16 small fires. Fires 

 set by automobilists grow each year to be felt as a more serious 

 menace. The increased mileage of good roads within the State, 

 and the tremendous growth in the number of automobiles used, 

 continually enlarge this source of fires. The fact that matches 

 of the wind-fire type are used so universally, and that the tendency 

 of automobilists to build small fires while picnicing by the road- 

 side is so strong, makes effective control a very real concern. 



