Forest Devastation 43 



EXTRACTS FROM THE LAWS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 

 Chapter 17, part XI, 1912, as amended 1917 



106. The period from the first day of May to the fifteenth day of 

 September in each year shall be known as the close season in respect 

 to the setting of fire ; but when circumstances of unusual danger 

 render it necessary in the public interest, the Lieutenant Governor in 

 Council may, by Proclamation, extend 'the said season. 



107. During the close season it shall be unlawful for any person 

 to set out, or cause to be set out, started, or kindled, any fire in or near 

 any forests or woodlands except for the purpose of clearing land, 

 cooking, obtaining necessary warmth, or for some necessary industrial 

 purpose permitted by the Minister, and unless the obligations and 

 precautions imposed in the following sections shall be observed. 



108. During the close season no person, firm, or corporation shall 

 set out, or cause to be set out, fires in or near slashings or forest debris, 

 standing or fallen timber, or bush land for the purpose of burning 

 slashings, brush, grass, or other inflammable material, or for any 

 industrial purpose, without first obtaining a permit therefor : Pro- 

 vided that no person shall be convicted who shall have set in good faith 

 and with reasonable care a back-fire for the purpose of stopping the 

 progress of a fire then actually burning. 



in. During the close season every person who throws or drops 

 any burning match, ashes of a pipe, lighted cigarette or cigar, or 

 any other burning substance, or who uses any explosive in any forest 

 or brush land, or at a distance of less than half a mile therefrom, shall 

 completely extinguish the fire of such match, ashes of a pipe, or 

 other burning substance before leaving the spot, and any fire thereby 

 caused. 



120. During the close season a watchman shall be maintained at 

 the point where any stationary or portable engine is located in or near 

 any forest or woodland for at least two hours following any time when 

 said engine shall have ceased operation, to prevent the escape of fire 

 therefrom. 



121. (i) During the close season in each year it shall be unlawful 

 for any person or corporation 



(a) To use or operate any locomotive, logging-engine, portable 

 engine, traction-engine, or stationary engine using fuel other than 

 oil within a quarter of a mile of any forest slashings or bush land which 

 is not provided with a practical and efficient device for arresting 

 sparks, together with an adequate device for preventing the escape of 

 fire or live coals from all ash-pans and fire-boxes, and which does not 

 comply in every respect with any regulations for the 1 ime being made 

 and in force under and by virtue of the provisions of this Act : 



