Connecticut western news., 1910-03-31
CANAAN, CONN. THURSDAY MARCH 31. 191O

tiCn of the railroads with forest fire war dens must be secured before the coming season.
 Those fires due to carelessness are of two classes. One kind is caused by peo- pie who are absolutely careless of the re- suits produced and very likely never realize them. These include fires due to smokers who carelessly drop lighted matches. or more often. unextinguished cigar and cigarette butts, and pass on with no more thought of damage done than of intention of doing it. Although difficult to prove conclusively, there is good reason to believe that more than one fire during the past year was started by cigar butt thrown to the side of the road from an automobile. Fires started by boys are also of this class. They gen orally start fires simply to see them burn, with no thought of the damage which may result. The prevention of such fires must be a matter of education. Every school teacher should emphasize the im- portance of the matter, especially in the early spring and late fall, when the ab- serce of green foliage renders the hazard particularly great. By means of publi- cations like this. and of articles in the local papers, it may be possible to bring home to many thoughtless people the serious damage to private property and to the resources of the whole State which may follow their carelessness.
 Spreading of fires through lack of pre- caution is the other source of loss due to carelessness. A fire which may be easily controlled and is kindled for legitimate purposes may readily escape and become "wild" fire. Such fires may result from incomplete eXtinguishment of a camp fire; from attempts to burn brush heap in a high wind. or from burning over a field with an insufficient number of helpers. The forest fires of this class are by no means uncommon, especially those due to brush and grass burning. The increasing number of foreigners i'll 
 aimed at the control of such fires. as it is doubtless true that through ignorance tor lack of help, the foreign element is often responsible for them.
 A close season for brush fires, during which permits must be secured, Was established by act of the 1909 Genel al Assembly, with 8 view to lessening the danger from fires of this last class. (The kact here referred to is tae one printed in THE NEWS last week,) =.
 This law was written i'll the interest of the entire State, and should show practical results during the coming sea- son. From March 10th to June 1st, and from September 18th to November 18th, it will be necessary to secure a permit from the Town Fire Warden or one of his District Wardens, except as provided in the act. Such permits may be applied for by telephone in many cases. and the written permits sent by mail. By hearty cooperation with the wardens in this, citizens may assist materially i'll carry. AhS Oub pun pOoO OA NAhS eASob AeAANAy' to reduce the damage from forest fires due to carelessness.
 Complete protection against forest fires in Connecticut can be secured through good laws, capable wardens. and cooperation on the part of all citi- zens. That such protection is possible is shown by results obtained on the Sims bury State Forest. This tract, before being acquired and managed by the State, was burned over annually and had become nearly worthless. The State has prevented all fires and is planting the land with pines.
 Our laws cover the needs of the prob. lem and provide punishment for the ma licious or careless setting of forest fires. Wardens have power to arrest without warrant, and 1t is the purpose of the State Warden to have these laws en- forced. Cooperation of citizens includes familiarity with the laws and assistance in upholding them.
 Information regarding any phase of the situation may be obtained from S. N Spring, State Forest Fire Warden, New Haven. Conn.
 Connecticut Red Cross Board.