The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-03-12
FOREST FIRE DANGER

ger from forest fires is again one or the most important problems of the woodland owner. Not only is this a. problem of the individual directly con eerned but it is also a problem to which every citizen of the state ought to give his attention The loss by forest fires not only affects the i1ldi- vidual owners but also every tax pay CT in the state A comparison of two woodlots. one burned and the other not burned, will show why every one Is directly interested in the forest fire problem
 Two woodlots just cut over are left Co reproduce by sprouts,--one Is pro- tected from fire and the growth is very rapid with heavy leaf litter and humus on the ground The species represented are the same as in the originaI stand The poorer species and brush are choked out while only the more valuable species mature and evenually a crop of timber is cut from this land. and at the time of cutting a number of men are employ ed. thus increasing the amount of money in circulation, and eventually Bringing returns to the owner to re- pay him for taxes and the interest on his investment in the land
 The other Woedlot had the same in itial possibilities but a fire occurs the first summer, killing all the young sprouts The stumps send out a small number of less vigorous shoots but these are also burned and only few of the fire resistant trees send out third set of sprouts which arc later killed by another fire. The ground on this tract is now bare both of hu- mus, and leaf litter to make hunnus Tine rains wash the surface and the sun bakes 1t hard and dry. Weeds and herbs gradually cover the ground, and an occasional gray birch, poplar OF other light seeded tree appears. This aeeumu1ation of light, inf1anna- bie material increases the fire dan ger. and rarely year passes without it's fire This is sHrhe condition at the time. the protected area is ready to cut The burned land is lacking in plant food: mo growing stock and no income has Bskn produced during the past years, wt1--ie artificial introduction Of a va1- uable species will be necessary before crop of timber can be secured In fhe future
 <assessors place only a nominal value upon this land, but the owner has to figure interest upon his or- iginal investment and pay such taxes as are required without getting any returns OF prospect of returns in the future Such pieces of waste land are direct loss to all fax payers of area, and in that way reduce the grand list. All tax rates are based upon Fthis grand list and "a propor- nenafaly higher rate has to be paid
 
 loss from pon- reducing areas. Thus the couiPgnity loses. as well as the Endiv1duaL
 ReeognizinE this to be- problem which interests the whole state. Forest Fire Warden system has been created with laws to restrain the ir- responsible and careless and to pro- tect the owners of wood1ots. The se- lectmen of each town have 10 appoint rz<fowh fire warden subject to the ap- r,F den. The town watdens in turn ap- point men who live in tEe sections of the town where fire danger is greatest to act as district wardenss Both the fewn wardens and district wardens have power of summonlng such as- sistance of men, tools, and teams as Is required to put out such fires.
 Tn this state the fire danger is great est in spring and fall just when peo- pie are burning brush to clear the land or dispose of trash. Hunting fishing and picnic parties bring many people. into the country and greatly increase the danger of fires caused by care1essness In general the people from the city are not careful to re- spect property rights of others. This Is dne either to lack of knowledge or becalse of lawlessness. For example, smokers do not take pains to extIn- guish matches cigars, cigarettes and heels from pipes when thrown on the Eround- Fires are built upon land without securing the owners perrnis- sion and. without clearing the 20 feet rom these causes is well shown by the great increase in fires on holidays such as Fast Day.
 Permits for burning are required from March 15 to June 1 and Septem- Der 15 to November IS, unless the fire Is on plowed land, a garden or public highway at least 200 feet from woods pr grassland This is to protect the
 
 Is reckless or careless in burning brush and other trash The permit is is- gueG by the town or district warden rpon request unless h e deems the dan EerF too great. either because of high winds or excessive drought. A per- rnit does not exempt the holder from liability for damage caused by the es- cape of a fire. Fire should only be staEted when sufncient help IS present 10 keep it under control The burn- ing of brush under permit helps the wandens to keep a better watch for wild fires, they are able to eliminate certain smokes which are known to be carefuIly guarded fires for which permits have been issued. The build ing of hres upon public land, and land Df prfva4e Individual without secure Ina his permission is forbidden by law
 41 pertons building g. fire in or near woods grassland are required bz, law to clear space for twenty ffet on all sides of such fire, and all snch fires must be extinguished before leaving The town and district ward Ens have the power to arrest without warrant. vio1ators of forest fire laws Everyone should be familiar. with these laws and obey them for the good Of the community. Fire wardens cannot prevent forest fires without the help of the public. They should have the berk7rth of every good citizen. Any one w116. does not know his local ward ensz name should ask the selectnnen er gz4ess