338 AMERICAN FORESTRY 



to a more favorable season, but chiefly side of the summit of the Sierra Nevada 



to the plans worked out in advance for Mountains are commanded by a rail- 



of private and public land burned over road lookout man who could cooperate 



was 3,900 acres as compared with 17,- with Forest officials by reporting fires 



000 acres last year. Last year approxi- outside the railroad right of way. 



mately thirty-five million feet of timber It is noted in another district that 



was destroyed valued at $70,000, this tractions operated by a certain lumber 



year 750,000 feet valued at $1,500. company started three large fires the 



Last year 1.3 per cent of the total area past season and caused the Forest Serv- 



of the Forest was burned over, this ice considerable expense to keep them 



year .003 per cent. Our total number outside the Forest. 



of fires this season was 69 as compared Sawmills are located by districts and 



to 77 last season. Although we did the observation made that the mills in 



not succeed in materially reducing the the districts on the west slope where 



number of fires by more efficient pro- danger from fire is the greatest, are 



tection yet we did succeed in greately small. Consequently, on account of 



reducing the area covered and conse- frequent loose methods of operation, 



quent damage. they are greater danger spots. 



"We have learned that there is a Construction and wood camps are re- 

 zone of special fire danger on the west corded as well as the localities where 

 slope of the Sierra Nevadas which must greatest hazards exist from mines and 

 be under constant surveillance during settlers. Special emphasis is placed 

 the fire season. In this zone fire spreads upon certain settlements as being the 

 with great rapidity and rapid action is strongholds of "light burning" enthu- 

 imperative. The portion of the Forest siasts. Occasionally the areas were 

 on the east slope does not cause so prepared for burning, but very often 

 much concern. It is believed that the fires were set by settlers in brushy areas 

 protective system now in force there with little regard to the consequences, 

 needs very little adjustment to make it One culprit became so bold that he 

 ideal in character. The plan, therefore, entered the ranger's camp who was 

 deals chiefly with the requirements in trying to apprehend him and stole his 

 the special fire zone on the west slope provisions. 



which reaches to an elevation of about Under this head planting and ex- 



5,500 feet. It is here that we want to perimental areas as well as localities 



spend the most of our money the com- containing heavy stands of government 



ing season." timber are considered. The greatest 



attention is paid to the location of old 



TABULATION OF DANGER SPOTS slashings which are considered to re- 

 quire the most intensive protection. 



Having taken a general survey of This is especially true when they are 



the situation it is next necessary to get located on the west slope within the 



down to details and locate the danger fi re danger zone before mentioned. 



spots by districts. The ideal plans, of The relative importance of these 



course, are very explicit in this regard, danger areas is determined in the light 



ihe secondary plan needs to be specific of what happened the past season and 



only as far as it is necessary to bring is kept in mind continually until the 



for which protective measures method of control is finally worked out. 



must be devised. To assist in this matter a large map is 



consideration is given to the kept in the office on which is recorded 



-ersed by railroads and trac- by years all Class C fires since the 



For instance it is noted Forest was established, as well as the 



them Pacific Railroad slashings and chief danger spots. At 



<orest from east to west the end of the fire season each year this 



ble m the past has been map receives fresh ornamentation. It 



ced from fires along the right affords much food for reflection, be- 



snow sheds on the west sides serving as a source of inspiration. 



