- TIMBER GROWING IN DOUGLAS FIR REGION 21 
(2) Any other method than broadcast burning is out of the ques- 
tion, because of the enormous expense of piling the volume of débris 
found in these slashings. 
(3) From the point of view of promoting reproduction, the prompt- 
ness with which the slashing is burned is most important. 
(4) Areas once burned should not be reburned. 
(5) A “burn as you go” policy—1. e., firing small areas both spring 
and fall—is wise from both the reproduction and the protection stand- 
points. 
Broadcast burning of slashings following clean cutting is the desir- 
able practice pee nee the Douglas fir type proper. Exception to 
this general principle should be made where there is so much small 
standing timber sure to be killed by the slash fire that the inflamma- 
bility would not be abated by burning, or where there is very little 
débris, as on the upper part of a slope ‘with downhill logging. There 
is, of course, no use in burning unless the objective of lowering inflam- 
mability, for the area is attained. 
Slash burning is now required by law in both Oregon and Wash- 
ington, but on the majority of operations it has been conducted with- 
out thought for its effect upon reforestation and therefore with 
unsatisfactory, even disastrous, results. It is clear that this impor- 
tant work must be better done if there is to be a satisfactory crop 
of new timber in the region, and also if fire-fighting bills are to be 
kept within reason. The following practice should be generally 
observed. 
PREPARATION FOR BURNING 
Slash disposal should be considered an essential part of the season’s 
operations, es much as railroad building or rigging spar trees. It 
must be prepared for well in advance. Prior to the slash-burning 
time, blocks of logged-off land should be definitely designated for 
burning and should be got in shape for burning—snags felled, equip- 
ment moved out, and preparations made for controlling the fire. 
Thus, when the right weather comes there will be no excuse for not 
burning. 
In view of the imperative necessity of prompt burning, it should 
be the rule to prepare for burning each spring and each fall. Occa- 
sionally, however, the weather is unfavorable for successful burning, 
turning suddenly too wet or too dry and staying so for an entire 
spring or fall. Except in these unfavorable seasons, each block of 
slash can be burned within six months after ‘‘falling.”’ Local con- 
ditions may give a decided advantage to one season of the year over 
another, and the wise operator will vary his practice accordingly. 
At low altitudes early spring burning may be feasible when at high 
altitudes it is impossible. It may not be practical to burn north 
slopes on the same day as south slopes. The spring burning season 
should not be allowed to extend into early summer, for late burning 
(in June, for example) has often a disastrous aftermath. 
EXECUTION OF BURNING 
Too much emphasis can not be placed upon the necessity for 
intelligent, careful execution of the burning. The superintendent 
or camp firewarden should be responsible for this work, and he should 
be given ample assistance in setting the fire and holding it until safe. 
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