The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1912-07-04
FEW FOREST FIRES
THIS SEASON

Reassuring bulletins on the forest
fire risk at the beginning OF July nave
been received by the Western Forestry
& Conservation Association from prac-
tically all the state, government and
private protection agencies in the
Pacific northwest. The most prom
inent feature Of the situation is the
perfected preparation all are making.
especially in more systematlzed CO.
operation between the several forces
than has existed in former years.
There have been no serious fires since
the abnormal dry spell in May. Al
though June rains have removed i'm
mediate hazard, the authorities caution
against any relaxation of care for his
year all rains seem to be followed by
unusually hot windy weather quickly
restoring dangerous conditions.
Western Oregon shows great advance
in timber owners patrol associations.
five new ones added this year making
chain frem the Columbia to the Cal
ifornia line. The State Forester CO.
operates with these and five counties
also contribute, making the semi
official force of 250 patroimen already
in the field outside the national for
ests. The state receives $l0,0 from
the Government under the Weeks law
in addition to its own appropriations
of $50, 900, and private owners will
spend at least Sl00, 1000. No timber has
been lost since the May fires.
The Washington Forest Fire Associ-
alton has nearly 100 men out now and
is working up further cooperation with
the state and government which will
give still fuller patrol. 1t is adding
railroad velocipedes and improved
hand d-pumps to its equipment. The
State Foresters' funds will be in
creased $40, 600 under the Weeks law
this year. Five lives and some timber
were lost in May. but none 10 June.
Idaho reports no loss of merchant
able timber, slashings we'll disposed Of,
and favorable weather conditions.
Full patrol Is not established, but the
cooperative associations have about rs
men watching slashing fires and build
ing trails and telephones. Large ex-
penditure is being made for telephone
and lookout stations. Idaho also ex-
poets to benefit from the Weeks law,
and the railroad companies are CO.
operating both by clearing rights of
way and by contributing toward patrol.
Montana is beginning to secure sat
isfactory cooperation between protec-
tive agencies and 265 men have been
given state authority. About 354, 900
acres of state and private timber is
patrolled by the Northern Montana
Forestry Association. The State
Forester is arranging an agreement
with the Forest Service which will
PROBABLY entitle him to assistance
under the Weeks law. No timber has
been lost.
The Federal forest service IS re-
tarded in its plans by Congressional
delay with appropriations but is begin
ming the season with about the equip
ment of last year. 1t reports about 70
harmless fires so far, chiefly from
land clearing and locomotives. but
marked tendency toward better care
by lumbermen and railroads.
All reports pronounce careless slash
burning by settlers or loggers the
greatest menace to the community.
From now on such fires, even If they
do not gain uncomfortable headway.
are likely to shoulder and break out
again in the dry weather sure to fol-
low. Violations of laws forbidding
burning without permit and extreme
precautions will be severely punished.