Suggestions on Systematic Fire Control. 



By Dillon P. Tierney. 



DURING the past season the damage resulting from for- 

 est fires was not very great. This was partly because 

 the weather conditions were favorable. These condi- 

 tions may not be so favorable during the coming season, so 

 that it may be well to consider what additional precautions 

 and means can be adopted to protect the forests. 



There are approximately one thousand townships which 

 need protection from fires; and with one hundred forest 

 rangers and patrolmen in the field there would be for each 

 man an area 60 miles long and 60 miles wide. Considering 

 the generally even topography, means of transportation, and 

 the intermingled settlements, this area is much too large for 

 one man to handle, even when weather conditions are the 

 best. With so small a force, it is not a safe business propo- 

 sition to rely on there being but little fire damage should 

 a period of drought occur. 



A fire-fighting organization must be prepared to meet any 

 emergency that may arise. The lack of funds to hire an 

 emergency force is a big handicap, but this can be discounted 

 to a certain extent by perfecting every part of the system. 

 "Ranger, know thy District" is the watchword of the diligent 

 worker. He will know every road and trail, settler, and fire 

 danger, and know how to handle a fire in any or all parts 

 of his District. The ensuing year will undoubtedly reveal the 

 facts that will show some Ranger has neglected to grasp his 

 opportunity to acquire this essential information. A thor- 

 ough knowledge of their respective districts will perfect the 

 details of the fire fighting system which are of most import- 

 ance to the rangers and patrolmen. 



Most of the details of fighting a fire can be thought out in 

 advance, and it might be well to suggest what these are. If 

 the ranger or a patrolman is not at hand to organize the fire 



