276 REPORT (3F THE No. 3 



In travelling through a limit where the country is broken or circum- 

 stances will permit, an elevated position should occasionally be sought, so 

 that a view of the surrounding country can be obtained, by which they will 

 ascertain the locality of any fire, and in the event of such being discovered 

 where there is not a settler, or if it should be assuming proportions which 

 would indicate danger, they should proceed at once to the spot and take 

 steps to extinguish or control it. 



Where settlers are living in a pine country, and require to bum their 

 fallows or choppings during a dry period, the Rangers should impress upon- 

 them the necessity of choosing a calm evening to set out fire, and if the sur- 

 roundings are dangerous, he should ask to be notified of the time, so that he 

 might be on the spot and prepared to call in assistance if the fire should be 

 spreading. 



In the event of an emergency arising, that is to say, should a fire assume 

 such proportions as to be beyond control of the Hanger and his assistants, or 

 should the springing up of a wind render it advisable that a fire should be 

 promptly extinguished, the superintending Ranger should be instructed that 

 he may engage such outside assistance as will enable him to accomplish 

 this object, paying the men employed reasonable wages, such as ordinarily 

 prevail in the locality. He should also at once advise the licensee and the 

 Crown Lands Department, by telegraph, if possible, so that some one to 

 represent one or both should be sent, if thought desirable. On suppression 

 of the fire the Ranger in charge should report all the facts to the Depart- 

 ment, accompanying his report with pay list of the men employed, shewing 

 number of days, names and rates paid. These should be sent through the 

 licensee, who should recommend them for payment, if reasonable, the 

 Department then paying the expense and debiting half to the licensee. 



The foregoing is a sketch of the organization, rates of pay and duties 

 of the Fire Ranging force proposed to be created, which can be modified 

 or iniproved as experience is gained. I have not thought it necessary to 

 describe minutely the various modes of combating bush fires, as the neces- 

 sary steps depend largely upon the extent of the fire, state of the weather, 

 nature of the localities and timber, and the persons on the ground who .will 

 be familiar with these points can best be left' to deal with each fire as it occurs. 

 What I desire is to obtain your approval of the principle of establishing some 

 body to prevent the fearful destruction that has been going on, and T think 

 I may fairly claim that the scheme I have now suggested is simple, will 

 be far-reaching and effective, and comparatively inexpensive. You are 

 aware that last year we tried the experiment of sending one of our ordinary 

 Ranging staff on Mr. McLaren's limits, and another on McLachlin Brothers, 

 keeping them there during the summer, and that these gentlemen have 

 written testifying to the good eft'ect, thanking the Department, and send- 

 insr their cheques for half the expense. 



In conclusron, I would suggest that an appropriation of five thousand 

 dollars be taken for this service this season, and I am well satisfied that 

 once the scheme is piit in practical operation, and its good effects are seen 

 and understood, all criticism will be disarmed and no exception will be taken 

 to a much larger appropriation next year. 



I have the honor to be. 

 Sir, 



Tour obedient servant, 



AITBRET WHITE. 



