Iviii APPENDIX. 



as the flames, lacking the influence of the wind, travel but very 

 slowly and can rapidly be extinguished. Nevertheless,' it is essen- 

 tial that this work should be executed with thoroughness, for any 

 section of the perimeter incompletely dealt with may suddenly 

 burst into flame with a change of wind. As these rear gangs beat 

 out the fire they should sweep a strip, six feet wide at least, quite 

 clear of inflammable material along the edge of the burnt area to 

 guard against subsequent outbreaks. All smouldering logs or 

 pieces of wood on or near such a strip should be completely extin- 

 guished, but if time does not permit this to be done they should be 

 rolled or thrown well inside the burnt tract. Burning trees, 

 especially old hollow stems, along or near such swept strips should 

 be felled in the direction of the burnt area and completely extin- 

 guished. Burning stumps near the strips should receive attention 

 and care should be taken to see that no fire remains in them. Fire 

 in stumps is apt frequently to be overlooked. Sometimes stumps 

 continue burning for days, the smouldering fire persisting in 

 working its way deep into the wood and even below the ground 

 surface to the dry decaying roots. In order that the work of 

 extinguishing burning logs and other timber may be done thorough- 

 ly these minor gangs should be supplied with sufficient water. 

 The mere plastering of mud over the burning parts does not act 

 effectively ; indeed, this measure is deceptive for though it may 

 temporarily cancel all signs of smoke the fire continues alive inside. 

 It will frequently be found necessary to use axes and cut deeply 

 into the wood to get at the fire so that it may be properly put out 

 with water. The function of these minor gangs is therefore not 

 only to extinguish the fire but to devote their energy towards 

 rendering the cleared strips effective and doing everything possible 

 to prevent subsequent outbreaks. They should not be employed, 

 during the progress of the fire, in the interior of the burnt area to 

 extinguish burning timber, etc., as such work comes properly 

 within the duties of those specially deputed on post-fire opera- 

 tions. 



