l8 BIENNIAL REPORT OF THE 



through the deputies in whose districts fires existed, rendered 

 valuable assistance in fire fighting. As to the loss of timber 

 on government, state and private lands, the report will not 

 touch, and only in a general way upon the loss of game and 

 fish entailed by the fires in the different districts. It must 

 be readily understood that data upon this subject is at best 

 but approximate. 



In District No. i, comprising Lincoln and Flathead Counties, 

 there were no less than one hundred fires. In this district 

 there are four National Forest Reserves with three Forest 

 Supervisors, three Assistant Supervisors and scores of Rangers 

 and the entire force has been busily engaged since the fire 

 season closed early in September in examining conditions in 

 the burned districts and preparing reports. It is largely due 

 to data furnished by these officers that I am able to state 

 the approximate loss of game in this districts. In not all 

 instances where these conflagrations occurred, was there a 

 loss of game. 



On August loth fire started on the Upper Stillwater River. 

 On tlie iQth, 20th and 21st it was fanned by a high wind 

 and was carried with such speed that it destroyed the camp 

 of the fire fighters who lost their provisions, bedding and 

 clothing. This fire burned over about one township and was 

 one of the rnost destructive in the district to the game. As 

 near as can be estimated, thirty deer were burned there. 



The next fire in point of loss of game in Flathead County 

 was a fire on the North Fork of Flathead River in the Glacier 

 National Park, where the loss of deer is estimated at twenty- 

 five. The area burned over would probably cover two town- 

 ships. 



In Flathead County, the estimated loss of deer is placed 

 at seventy, and there is known to have been four bears burned. 

 There was considerable loss in game birds which is impossible 

 to estimate. 



In District No. 2, embracing a small portion of Missoula 

 and the northern part of Powell Counties, the loss of game 

 and fish bv fire was inconsiderable. It is supposed that a 

 few deer and elk perished in the flames on the upper South 

 Fork of the Flathead River. 



In District No. 3. comprised of the western portion of 

 Missoula County and all of Sanders County, there were many 

 fires. Commencing at the western line of the state, four miles 



