FOREST FIRES 



155 



it is certain that nothing so disproportionate exists in the case 

 of the ordinary forest fire, which extends as a narrow line. Here 

 the extinguisher is not even twice as effective. 



The lower cost (both the initial cost and that of maintenance) 

 and freedom from trouble in recharging with chemicals, make 

 the bucket pump more desirable for general use than the chemical 



By permission of the Massachusetts State Forester. 



Fig. 58. Special forest fire wagon; small size for one horse. 



extinguisher, although the latter can put out a somewhat longer 

 line of fire. 



There are special circumstances under which the chemical 

 extinguisher is preferable, as when water is extremely scarce, for 

 it uses a little less water ; or where all parts of a tract are acces- 

 sible by good roads, for then a wagon can go along and trans- 

 port a supply of extra chemicals easily and without danger of 

 breakage. 



The most intensive development of this method of fire fighting 

 is found in certain Massachusetts towns, located mainly through 

 the eastern part of the state and especially in the level, sandy 

 southeastern section, where transportation by wagon is easy. 

 In these towns, special forest fire wagons are maintained. They 



