PROTECTION OF FORESTS FROM FIRE 289 



and a regular lookout station is not feasible, a special sys- 

 tem is used for signaling for help in fighting a fire. 

 Some prominent peak is selected, from which, in case of 

 fire, the location and size of the fire and the required help 

 are signaled by a prearranged code. There are various 

 systems of signals in use. The fire signal is one of the 

 oldest methods. At a time when the signals are not 

 needed small piles of wood, brush, or other inflammable 

 material are gathered and placed in position at about 

 equal distances, usually about 50 to 100 feet apart, ready 

 for firing on short notice. The number of fires burning 

 at the same time conveys the information required. 

 Thus, one fire might mean that a forest fire is burning 

 in a certain locality on one side of the mountain; two, in 

 another locality; three, in another; and so on. 



Another system that is sometimes em.ployed is the 

 smoke signal. This was once very commonly used by 

 the Indians in communicating with each other from one 

 distant peak to another. A small fire is built, and after 

 it gets under good headway, damp moss or earth is used 

 to deaden it and develop a heavy smoke. A blanket or 

 other covering is thrown over the top of it to smother 

 the smoke down for a few moments. The blanket is 

 then raised, and a dense puff of smoke is released. 

 The blanket is again thrown over the fire to check the 

 smoke for a moment, then it is again removed, and 

 another puiT of smoke ascends. This system also re- 

 quires a prearranged code. The smoke signal may be 

 used in the same manner as the fire signal, by causing 



