PROTECTION OF FORESTS FROM FIRE 281 



described on page 276 for burning over regular fire-lines 

 should be used. 



Location of Fire-Lines. — The existing roads usu- 

 ally constitute the base or framework of a system of fire- 

 lines. Ordinary roads, old wood roads, skidding trails, 

 and other open strips are used first, and special lines are 

 constructed only when necessary. Special lines should 

 always be located at the strategic points. 



In any given forest the boundaries should first be pro- 

 tected. There must be protection from fires that may 

 start on a neighboring tract. Often roads running along 

 or near the boundary will give adequate protection. If 

 not, and there is danger of fire entering from the outside, 

 a fire-line is desirable, even if it is only a tree-cleared 

 strip. 



Fire-lines are often constructed around recent cut- 

 tings, where there is young growth established or on 

 areas where there is still considerable slash. 



One of the places where fire-lines are most needed is 

 along railroads. It is the custom of certain railroads to 

 keep their rights of way clear, usually by annual burn- 

 ing. In some States this is required by law. In spite 

 of this precaution, innumerable fires are set on the right 

 of way, and very commonly by sparks thrown into the 

 woods beyond. 



Many special fire-lines have been tried. In general, 

 these are based on the principle that the right of way 

 should be cleared, then a strip of woods left standing, 

 and then a second cleared fire-line constructed back of 



