FOREST FIRES 



Loss IN MASSACHUSETTS 

 As explained above, the estimated loss does not equal the 

 real loss, and the following figures represent only the esti- 

 mated loss. Moreover, the figures from 1899 to 1904 inclu- 

 sive are probably not complete. They are compiled from 

 reports on file in the office of the District Police, and there 

 is good reason to believe that many fires were not reported. 

 The figures for 1885 and 1895 were taken from the State 

 Census reports. 



In order to get an approximation to the cost of extin- 

 guishing and preventing forest fires circular cards were sent 

 to the town clerks and chiefs of fire departments throughout 

 the Commonwealth. In some cases it was difficult to sep- 

 arate the amounts spent for forest fires from those spent 

 for fires in buildings; and when there was doubt it was 

 deemed best to leave out the figures altogether. The reports 

 from 311 towns and cities show an expense of $30,880 for the 

 last fiscal year. 



Fires occur in all parts of the Commonwealth, but the 

 reports show that Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol, 

 and Barnstable counties are the greatest sufferers. 



