FOREST FIRES IN Tstorth CAROLINA. 29 



Forest wardens liave the same power as constables and sheriffs to 

 arrest without warrant those taken in the act of violating the forestry 

 laws. In all other cases they must swear out warrants before a magis- 

 trate, just as a private citizen would be required to do. They cannot 

 serve a warrant, but it must be turned over to the constable and served 

 in the regular way. 



It will, however, be the special duty of the forest warden to work up 

 evidence against all persons suspected of violating the forestry laws. 

 His knowledge of the region and of the people of the region will give 

 the warden a great advantage in this respect. He should be able to find 

 out the cause of a fire without delay, and it is his duty to do so. He 

 must then secure sufficient evidence, swear out a warrant, and, if neces- 

 sary, appear himself as a witness in the case. Forest wardens are ap- 

 pointed to protect the forests of the State from fire, and this they must 

 do to the utmost of their ability, carrying out the laws enacted for that 

 purpose. 



Forest Wardens. 



The regulations and instructions contemplated in section 3 will cover 

 such duties as are not specifically mentioned in the law. Included in 

 them would be the manner of procedure in case of fire ; instructions as to 

 the best methods of fighting fires in various cases ; the organization of a 

 fire-fighting force ; the necessary preparations for a fire season ; the time 

 when patrol must be undertaken; methods of investigation into the 

 causes of fires; the collection of evidence for prosecutions; and many 

 other things in regard to the daily duties of the wardens. 



The duties of fire w^ardens mentioned in section 4 are those which are 

 universally recognized as the usual duties of such officers. Other duties 

 and acts may be necessary in certain cases, or as conditions which are 

 not now foreseen arise from year to year. These other duties Avill be 

 such as any employer of help might require of those under him, and 

 will of course be in strict accordance Avith this and all other laws of 

 the State. 



The reports required from forest wardens are necessary not only that 

 the State Forester may be in close touch with the wardens and with fire 

 conditions in the various districts, but also as a check on the monthly 

 accounts sent in by the wardens, which have to be paid after approval 

 by the State Forester. The reports will be as simple and brief as is 

 consistent with the information desired. Blank forms will be printed, 

 so that only a small amount of wi-iting will be necessary. These reports 

 will form the basis of the annual report of the State Forest Warden 



