II 6 FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 



the same time; on the contrary, hunters' fires were less than the average 

 in 1 903 , because the fires occurred when there was no open season for hunt- 

 ing. On the other hand, fishermen's fires were not above the average in 

 1899, but were very numerous in 1903, because the fires occurred that year 

 in the spring and early summer, when most of the fishing is done and were 

 only increased by ten to fifteen in 1908. 



It will be noticed that up to and including 1900, the burning of fallows, 

 brush, logs, etc., to clear land was the cause of more forest fires than any 

 other agency. In that year a Chief Firewarden was appointed. He 

 became acquainted with the town firewardens and instructed them in their 

 duties, securing greater efficiency in this work. The law prohibiting the 

 burning of fallows from April 15th to June 1st, and from September 15th to 

 November 10th, was rigidly enforced. The result of this law and the work 

 of the Chief Firewarden and his assistant wardens is shown by the diagram. 

 In 1 901 there were more railroad than fallow fires, and the same ratio has 

 continued ever since. The fallow fires have been on a comparative decrease 

 each year and in 1908 were one of the least important of the causes of 

 fires. 



The railroad fires have been on the increase. The cause of railroad 

 fires, — dropping hot coals and sparks along the lines of the railroad, — 

 being always present, only enough favorable weather to dry the grass is 

 needed to start the flames. The dryer the weather the greater the increase 

 in danger and damage. The railroads set more fires than any other agency 

 in 1903, and did it again in 1908; but the chart does not show such to be 

 the case in the past year. The less number of fires in 1907 and 1908 for 

 railroads is a direct result of a patrol inaugurated by this Commission. 

 These patrolmen extinguished hundreds of fires in their incipiency, and 

 these are not included in this diagram, because it was made from the reports 

 of the town firewardens which do not include fires of less than one acre in 

 extent. All told about 2,500 fires were set by railroad engines as shown by 

 evidence taken before the Public Service Commission. Those of importance 

 onlv are considered here as above stated, because most of them were 

 extinguished as soon as started. 





