VOLUNTEER rural fire brigades to aid the state forest 

 service in fighting the "red dragon" of 'the woods, are 

 being organized in the northern part of Minnesota. 

 Initiative along this line was taken in the district of William 

 Kilby, forest ranger at Beaudette and settlers in three other 

 townships have signified their intention of following the ex- 

 ample that has been set. State Forester Cox would like to 

 see these brigades organized in all sections of the state. 



At the organization of the first brigade at Beaudette, Rang- 

 er Kilby recommended a plan which has met with the For- 

 ester's approval. His proposals follow: 



How to Go About Organizing a Rural Fire Brigade for 

 Aiding the Service. 



"In each township or locality deciding to organize a Rural 

 Fire Brigade for the protection of life and property in such 

 township or locality, there shall be one man selected by the 

 settlers and approved by the District Ranger, who shall be 

 known as the Captain of any brigade so formed. 



"There shall also be appointed two or more assistants to 

 this man, who, in the event of fires occurring, shall act as 

 messengers and inform the settlers in the vicinity, of the 

 whereabouts of the fire. The settlers can then come pre- 

 pared to fight fire with the least loss of time, and can bring 

 such tools as shall have been previously agreed upon. 



"It is advisable that some safe place or places should be 

 designated and their whereabouts well known to the settlers, 

 where families could be taken in the event of serious fires. 



"Each settler should bring an ax and shovel, and there 

 should be water pails at hand. These arrangements can 

 be made among the settlers, and this should be done as soon 

 as possible. It would be simple to have a list of available 

 help and check off against each man's name the tools he is 

 expected to bring. 



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