APPENDIX. 



lix 



Theoretically, the best time to start a counterfire is when the 

 wind has somewhat abated, but such a favourable circumstance is 

 not always present and it becomes imperative to take immediate 

 action and begin the counterfire. The point at which counterfiring 

 should usually be begun is that nearest the advancing fire. One 

 of the cardinal principles of counterfiring is that the operation 

 should be executed, under complete control. It is therefore neces- 

 sary to have a sufficiently large labour force before undertaking a 

 counterfire, especially since this operation is done against the wind ; 

 if the measure is attempted with an inadequate number of men it 

 is almost certain that the counterfire will become uncontrollable 

 and spread thj general conflagration instead of checking it. 



The counterfiriug party should consist of three distinct groups 

 of men each performing different functions. The first group should 

 contain men equipped with suitable grass-cutting implements, the 

 second should be comprised of those to whom the grass is supplied, 

 usually in the form of sheaves, and who should run along 

 with their lighted sheaves developing the counterfire, while the 

 third and considerably the largest group should be made up of 

 individuals armed with extinguishers. The latter should follow 

 the second group and prevezit the counterfire from crossing the line 

 selected for the operation. The members of the second group 

 should not go too far ahead of those following them. Much 

 vigilance should be exercised by the third group because it some- 

 times happens that the counterfire fanned by a high wind and 

 encouraged by the presence of heavy grass, grows rapidly in 

 intensity throwing its flames high into the air and carrying 

 burning material on to and even across the counterfiring line into 

 the neighbouring compartment, there to begin another fire unless 

 such material is immediately extinguished. When the first attempt 

 at counterfiring has failed and the fire threatens to develop an 

 uncontrollable frontage the wisest procedure is to fall back on to the 

 next selected line and to begin a second counterfire without loss of 

 time. If it is eventually concluded that circumstances are so 



Counter- 

 firing. 



