drive out game. Of course, most hunters are not 

 included in this category. The old-fashioned stockmen 

 \\ho set tires to "improve the range" are classed here. 

 Incendiary fires are those set intentionally for any one 

 of a number of reasons. The remaining classes require 

 no explanation. 



Numerous Convictions. 



A large proportion of the fires were of unknown 

 origin. Probably in most cases the firewardens had a 

 shrewd suspicion of the cause but could obtain no 

 leiral evidence. Even where it is possible to determine 

 with absolute certainty the cause of a fire there is 

 often too little evidence to warrant legal action. The 

 reasons for this are several. In the first place, fires 

 usually occur in remote districts where inhabitants 

 are few and scattered, and it is easy for any one to 

 set a fire either carelessly or intentionally and avoid 

 being caught at it. Secondly, the firewardens are. 

 very properly, more interested in putting the fire out 

 than in gathering evidence as to how it was caused. 

 and the evidence may be covered up by the time the 

 warden gets around to investigate. Thirdly, there is 

 a strong tendency among many of the voluntary fire- 

 wardens to consider that they have done all that can 

 reasonably be asked of them when they have extin- 

 guished a fire, and. that after the crisis has passed, 

 they should not be expected to spend more time and 

 money in gathering evidence without compensation. 

 This is a reasonable view, revealing one of the faults 

 of a system of fire protection which depends largely 

 on voluntary contributions for its success. It may be 

 noted here that the disproportionately small number 

 of convictions is due largely to these causes. Of 307 

 fires suspected of having been set in violation of the 

 fire laws, only 18 have resulted in conviction. But 

 considering the difficulties attending successful prose- 

 cution for forest fire cases this result is far from dis- 

 couraging. Fines amounting to $385.00 were imposed 

 on 17 offenders and one was sentenced to 90 days in 

 jail. Other cases are pending. 



STRY. 



r. 



T. AGRICULTURE. 



NTERS 



rintendent State Printing. 



(5) 



