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REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF 



course of the fire and control it until the main force can head it off in front at the 

 safety strip, or at some road or stream of water. The work is no easy task; for the 

 men who are fighting the fire in front have, in addition to the heat, to contend with 

 the masses of blinding, suffocating smoke that rolls along the ground in dense volumes, 

 making the work exceedingly trying and exhaustive. Where there is water at hand, 

 and the firewarden, when " warning out " his posse, ordered the men to bring pails or 

 buckets, the smoke is less annoying; for the men along the rear and sides extinguish 

 the smoking, half burned material by throwing on water, thereby rendering it easier 

 for the men who are at work in front. The men, when ordered out to fight a fire, 

 generally bring with them the necessary implements, including shovels, which are 

 used to throw fresh earth on the little creeping flames ; and rakes or brush brooms, 

 which are handy in sweeping up the dead leaves, and in making a barrier or 

 safety strip. 



A ground fire on the side of a hill is more difficult to manage. It requires prompt 

 action and energetic work, for it will run up the slope rapidly if unchecked. A 

 mountain fire seldom runs down hill. If it does, its progress is very slow and easily 

 stopped. But the flames will sweep up a hillside rapidly, even on a still day, the 

 inclination of the land creating a partial draught, while the position of the timber 

 facilitates the action of the flames just as a lighted stick will burn better when inverted. 



A top fire, fairly started on its way, cannot be extinguished ; nor can it be 

 controlled except under favorable circumstances. The smoke and intense heat prevent 

 anyone from approaching closely. It is also dangerous to work in front of one, as a 

 man is liable to become surrounded by the flames and his escape cut off. Many 

 lives have been lost in this way. 



The only remedy for a top fire is in back-firing. This is done by selecting a 

 suitable place in advance of the fire at some road, stream, or clearing, and then 

 kindling counter fires on the side of the opening next to the coming flames. Care 

 and good judgment must be exercised in starting back fires, in order that they may 

 burn towards the advancing fire, and not escape in the wrong direction. After starting 

 them the work is generally facilitated by the favorable breeze caused by the currents of 

 air which naturally rush in from the outside towards the main fire. Back fires thus 

 clear a space of material, so that when the main fire reaches the place it loses its force 

 through lack of fuel; a good opportunity is then afforded for the men to fight it, and 

 to prevent any further spreading. But too often it happens, when the men have 

 succeeded in corralling the flames, that a gust of wind will carry burning brands, or 

 pieces of blazing bark from some dry stubs or charred trees, carrying them high in air 

 across the line of defense into the adjoining forest, and another fire is under full 

 headway before the men can get there in sufficient numbers to put it out ; or, the men 



