108 FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 



ever, was an exception, and fires occurred at different times from April 15th 

 until as late as October 26th. In 1903 the fires were confined to about ten 

 weeks during the spring months. In 1899 they occurred chiefly during the 

 month of August. 



Forest fires are caused by various agencies; but in order to make the 

 conditions dangerous and fires of general occurrence, dry weather or the 

 absence of regular rainfall is essential. When the snow disappears in the 

 spring the dry, dead vegetation of the previous year is exposed to the sun 

 and winds and soon becomes inflammable. The greater amount of material 

 on the ground, the greater the danger. But the actual danger comes when 

 this inflammable material is sufficiently dry to ignite readily and burn 

 rapidly. In the open, such a condition occurs early in April and often 

 before the frost is even out of the ground. The dangerous condition exists 

 until new vegetation has grown, and its green, moist foliage acts as a screen 

 to prevent the ignition of the old inflammable material underneath. In 

 the forest the snow remains later in the spring; the shade retains moisture 

 very effectively, and becomes an important factor in preventing fires. 

 If the spring rains are copious and warm, the dead vegetation does not 

 become dry enough to catch fire and the new growth starts quickly; but if 

 the ordinary spring rains do not occur fires will start as in 1903. During 

 the summer while the foliage is green the danger from fire is comparatively 

 small, if the ordinary rains occur. In the autumn months when the leaves 

 have fallen and frost or natural causes have killed nearly all the vegetation 

 there is another dangerous period, especially if the weather is dry, until 

 snowfall. Such is the condition in the Adirondack and Catskill forests, and 

 whenever droughts occur fires are bound to follow. 



It has been suggested that forest fires are becoming more extensive 

 and increasing in number. This is partly true, but needs an explanation. 

 Forest fires are bound to occur as long as careless hunters and fishermen 

 are allowed to roam our woodlands at their pleasure, and the railroads are 

 permitted to scatter live sparks along their lines. Any laiv, no matter how 

 carefully drawn, must have the moral support of the community and a 

 generous public sentiment in its favor to be effective. Pleasure seekers and 

 others who are not familiar with woods life must be taught the dangers of 

 fire and how easily one can be started. The popularity of our forest regions 



