16 PRACTICAL FORESTRY IN 



forest conservation the organization of efficient fire patrols 

 and the enactment of good fire laws on the part of the states." 



The National Conservation Commission reports: "Each 

 state within whose boundaries forest fires are working grave 

 injury, and that means every forest state, must face the fact 

 squarely that to keep down forest fires needs not merely a law 

 upon the statute books, but an effective force of men actually 

 on the ground to patrol against fire." 



We all know that few disastrous fires start under conditions 

 which prevent their control. Usually they spring from some 

 of the many small, apparently innocent fires which burn un- 

 noticed until wind and hot weather fan them into action. It 

 is far cheaper to put them out in the incipient stage than to 

 fight them later, perhaps unsuccessfully until after great dam- 

 age has been done. And if fighting is necessary, it is of the 

 highest importance to have it led by competent, experienced 

 men. Moments count, and bad judgment is expensive. 



Most western states already have laws regulating the use of 

 fire for clearing during the dry season. To accomplish this 

 with safety and without hardship requires fire wardens to 

 issue permits and help with the burning if necessary. 



Public knowledge that there is someone to enforce the law 

 tends to restrain the dangerous class. Still more useful is the 

 service of fire wardens in agitating the fire question and keep- 

 ing before forest residents the advantage of their cooperation. 



Co-operation With Private Owners Desirable 



In fire patrol, especially, the state and the lumberman must 

 work together. It is reasonable that the timber owner should 

 contribute to the protection of his property. He also has 

 peculiar facilities for getting the work done well and cheaply. 

 As a rule he is willing to do his part. In 1910 the Washing- 

 ton Forest Fire Association and other timber owners in that 

 state paid out $300,000 for patrol and other fire work. The 

 Coeur d'Alene, Clearwater, Potlatch and Pend d'Oreille Tim- 

 ber Protective associations spent over $200,000 in Idaho. 



