Elmore County Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1910-1915, 1912-08-10
NO FIRE LOSS
DURING JULY

Portland, Aug. July passed prao-
tically without forest fire loss, Aug
ust begun with unusually favorable
cond tons. and better equipment than
ever before by all protective agencies
except the federal forest service,
which Is hampered by congressional
delay in acting upon Its appropriation
Is the summary OF statement issued
today by the Western Forestry &
C Conservation Association upon advices
received from all protective head
quarters In the Pacific northwest.
Due partly to the weather but also
to the perfection Of preventive meas
ures which like the block signal sys-
tenn on railroads, safeguard without
being spectacular. the situation Ia
novel in that the middle of the
usual fire season has arrived and
there Is not p single fire OF import
ance to report.
Although small fires are becoming
numerous, green timber Is not dry
enough to carry them unless strong
wind prevails and the patrol forces
are handling them promptly. The
s ason has been favorable for dispos-
ing of dangerous slashings and never
befere has there been such system
and success In extinguishing shoulder
ing logs and snags left after burn
ing to become menace later. On
the other hand, the growth Of grass
and underbrush has been SO heavy
as to threaten peculiar danger from
now on. Marked improvement in care
With fire is reported, although there
& considerable complaint against
care e.s leaving of debris by county
r, ad builders and against the opera
t ons Of small and irresponsible log
gers.
The safe forester Of Montana has
received $500 from the federal
government through the Weeks law
to be used outside the national forests
in the territory protected by the
state and the Northern Montana For
es.ry Association.
Idaho has had few slashing and
ghtning fires but practically no dam
age. The cooperative patrol as
cia ions have completed several new
telephone s; stems and are rapidly in
ere sing patrols to meet expected dry
weather..
Washington reports no July fires
IT consequence, but the laws are
,e ng rigidly enforced to prevent
LANCER later. Several attempts to
burn without permits or operate un-
larded engines have been followed
~ prompt arrest and conviction.
The Washington Forest Fire Assoc
,iation has 80 patrolmen out and
s devoting special attention to find
ng and exinguishing any fire left
/ ter spring sash burning. The
'tate forester has ~ regular wardens
IN duty and is increasing this force
, adually, besides having special
orce of IS secured by government
I'D under the Weeks law.
Oregon had but one fire worthy OF
mention in July and this was speed
ly extinguished without loss, by the
Columbia County Patrol Association.
About $50 wardens are on duty In
he state outside the national forests,
imp Dyed by the state, counties and
,r.vate owners.
Although the usual fire season Is
laf over, Congress has made no ap-
)ropriation for the federal forest
service. TIE national forests are be-
ng guarded on a deficiency fund,
which 1t Is said would be wholly in
adequate in an ordinary season, but
10 far there has been little loss.
It Is emphasized by all authorities
that, while the immunity enjoyed so
Tar shortens the danger season and
has permitted careful preparation, a
few hot drying days may bring the
maximum hazard at any time now.
AL persons are urged not to attempt
slash burning and to exercise great
care with sparks. matches and camp
fires.