How the Forests Suffer from Fires 



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toward the main fire, and when they meet both must die 

 out for lack of fuel. 



For many years forest fires have caused as much damage 

 as the lumbermen ; but now most of the forests are patrolled 

 by rangers during the summer, and there are fewer serious 

 fires. 



How do the fires start in the forest? It is supposed that 

 long ago the Indians set many fires to keep the woods open 

 for their hunting. Lightning has always been a frequent 

 cause of forest fires. As many as a dozen fires are known to 

 have started during a single thunderstorm. But such fires 

 are not as serious as they once were, because the rangers 

 are on the watch for them and put them out before they get 

 well started. 



Aside from "those due to lightning, most forest fires are 

 now either set purposely or come from engine sparks or 

 from somebody's carelessness. Many fires are set purposely 

 by stockmen who think by this means to clear away the 



H. \V. I'airtnuws 



Fires destroyed the forest that once covered this region and its place is now mostly 

 occupied by small bushes. 



