37 

 Results of Experience in Fire Protection 



Failure of Light Burning to Protect 



While considerable has been said regarding the 

 alleged merits of Light Burning as applied to forests, 

 very little actual data showing the results of its 

 application are obtainable. Of the data extant, per- 

 haps those of the Forest Service are most comprehen- 

 sive and authoritative, due to the fact that men train- 

 ed in investigative work have made studies of the ef- 

 fects produced by Light Burning. For this reason, 

 most of the following data showing the inability of 

 Light Burning to protect, were obtained from the files 

 of the Forest Service, San Francisco, California. 

 Supplementing this material are the observations made 

 by the writer during a period of four and one-half 

 months spent in the Sierra region. 



It is claimed that Light Burning should not be 

 practiced because :- 



1. It results in severe damage to the merchant- 

 able stand and to reproduction. 



2. It reduces the amount of available forage. 



3. It causes deterioration of the soil and de- 

 nudes watersheds. 



4. It is practically impossible to burn over 

 considerable areas unifonnly, due to differ- 

 ence in moisture conditions of various ex- 

 posures. 



