Canadian forestry journal 



Vol. Xr. Ottawa. Canada. May. 1915. No. 5 



Forest Fire Probabilities in 1915 



The outlook for a summer season comparatively free from serious forest 

 fires is decidedly hopeful. Reports secured by the Canadian Forestry Jour- 

 nal from officials in control of large areas in Ontario, Quebec, and the Mari- 

 time Provinces state that rain has been falling in abundance and that the 

 gTeen undergrowth is developing to a marked degree. These facts stand 

 out in striking contrast to the 1914 forest conditions when during April and 

 May severe drought had made itself felt, unbroken by more than occasional 

 showers, and the forest floor was parched and ready for ignition. 



•DISTINCTLY BETTER." 



■ Our reports show a very hopeful condition in regard to the probability 

 of dangerous fires this year. The rains have been heavy and the ground 

 is moist and covered with fresh vegetation — distinctly better than a year 

 ago," is one of the statements made to the Canadian Forestry Journal and 

 duplicated in its essentials by other limit holders in Ontario and Quebec. A 

 Nova Scotia correspondent reports heavy rains and a very good prospect 

 in regard to fire immunity. Many of the Quebec lumber companies sent 

 their rangers into the woods a week or two earlier this year and the extinc- 

 tion of several incipient fires in valuable parts of the limits towards ihe 

 end of April well repaid the precaution, 



IN THE WESTERN PROVINCES. 



Throughout the Western Provinces the spring came early and with high 

 winds in many places. Fires started earlier than usual and for a time during 

 the month of April the condition looked serious. Fires were reported from 

 British Columbia and also in the northern parts of Alberta and Saskatche- 

 wan, and it looked as if the season was likely to result in heavy loss. Fortu- 

 nately during May rain has fallen generally and the situation is now under 

 control so that, the spring danger having passed, the prospects for the sea- 

 son seem favourable. 



05 



tCULTY OF FORESTRY 



MAY *! 1915 



