The midland journal., 1913-11-14
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for variable distances are cleared, but in the
ordinary ground fire such work is usually too
slow and unnecessary.
The best tools used by a fre-fghting crew in
the mountains are axes, shovels and mattocks or
grub hoes. the hoes being usually in greatest
proportion and most effective. Often one or two
crosscut saws useful, particularly where the
IRE is travelling through lot OF down timber
The axmen generally go frst, clearing out and
cutting away the heavy stun along the line; then
follow the grub hoe or mattock men, breaking
through the heavy sod and roots; and last the
shovel men who clean out the trail. or. as might
be stated put the finishing touches On the work
Of the Others The amount OF work a. gang of
men can do depends upon various circumstances.
such as the nature Of the country, tools avail
able etc. but roughly 1t might be said that
gang o. twevkr men can build mile Of line .
day.
Aside from few general principles there are
no set rules for lighting forest fres-in fact. II
is far from black-and white proposition. Rath-
er it-calls into play initiative and headwork.
and the result attained bears mute evidence OF
the success or failure Of the supervising olscer.
although always II must be remembered that
that uncertain and uncomfortable factor the
wind. can snatch victory from the hpnds OF man
SO quickly and easily as to make it seem some
times veritabe mockery of his Efforts. And.
too. the. unbelievable action OF fire. even when
apparently under control makes it absolutely
necessary that 1t be watched closely and con-
1nuously until there Is not single remaining
vestige OF its existence.
Among the principal causes Of forest fires are
locomotive sparks. lightning. camp fires left un-
extnguished. burning Of slash in clearing land
logging operations principally from fire in the
resultant slash accumulated by the average log
ger in cutting over an area. There are minor
other ways. such as incendarism ashes from q
pipe. lighted cigar or cigarette stub or lighted
match cast thoughtlessly aside. The first three
mentioned, however are the most general.
When IRE has once assumed the proportions
OF large top fire. It is generally inadvisabie to
attempt to check 1t: rather. it Is good Judgment
to consider the safety of the fire lighters them
selves. so that they may be In readiness to
attack the ire when It again leaves the tops OF
the trees and assumes It's slower progress along
the ground
It might be mentioned right here that forest
fires, with particular reference to ground Arcs
do not always destroy standing timber. but often
only the very small trees brush and surface
cover or humus. Potential timber. OF course, has
distinct value. and the destruction OF a good
soils cover IL a decided detriment to the forest.
but many trees. such as Douglas fir taraarack
and yellow pine have thick heavy bark which
forms good resistance to fire and will often
withstand periodic ground fires for years. Other
trees with thin bark. Of course. succumb quite
readily
In the report OF the secretary CT agriculture
embodied in the Yearbook Of the department Of
agriculture for 1911. he states that .the fires Of
the calendar year 1910 covered more than sO0o.-