Connecticut western news., 1914-03-12
LOOK OUT FOR FIRES
State Forester FIIIey Issues Warning tO
 Hunters and Others.


 Hunters and Others.
 Walter O. Filley, state forester, sends to The News his official warning to hunters and land owners generally, con corning precautions against forest fires, of which We print the following portions
 Editor Conn. Western News: With the return of spring tue danger from for est fires Is again one of the most import ant problems of the woodland owner. Not only is this problem of the indi- vldual directly concerned, but it IS also problem to which avery citizen of the state ought to gIve his attention.
 Recognizing this to be a problem which Interests the whole state, A Forest Fire Warden system has been created with laws to restrain the irresponsible and careless, and to protect the owners of woodlots. The selectmen of each town have to appoint town fire warden sub ject to the approval of the State Forest Fire Warden. The town wardens in turn appoint men who live in tlae seo- tions of the town where fire danger is greatest, to act as district wardens- Both the town wardens and district wardens have power of summoning such assistance of men, tools and teams as is
 
 In this state the fire danger is greatest in spring aud fall, just when people are burning brush to clear the land or dis pose of trash. Hunting. fishing and picnic parties bring many people into the country and greatly increase she danger from fires caused by carelessness- In general the people from the city are not careful to respect property rights of others. Smokers do not take pains to extinRuish matches, cigars, cigarettes, and heels from pipes when thrown on the ground. Fires are built upon land without securing the owners per mission and without clearing the % feet required by law.
 Permits for burning are required from March 15 to June and September l5 to November l5, unless the fire is on plowed land, a garden or public highway at least 900 feet from woods or grassland This is to protect the woodland owner from the person who is reckless or oare- less in burning brush and other trash The permit is issued by the town or dis Jriot warden upon request unless he deems the danger too great, either be- cause of high winds or excessive drought A permit does not exempt the holder from liability for damage caused by the escape of a fire. Fire should only be started when sufficient help is present to keep it under control. The burning of brush under permit helps the war deus to keep better watch for wild fires, as they are able to eliminate certain smokes which are known to be from carefully guarded fres-for which per mits have been issued. The building of fire upon publlc land, and land of private individual without securing his permission is forbidden by law.
 All persons building fire in or near woods or grassland are required by law to clear a space for 20 feet on all sides of such fire. and all such fires must be extingushed before leaving. The town and district wardens have the power to arrest without warrant violators of for est fire laws. Everyone should be famil- far with these laws and obey them for the good of the community. Fire war dens cannot prevent forest fires without the help of the public. They should have the backing of every good citizen Anyone who does not know his local warden's name should ask the seleotmen or write to Walter O. Filley, State For est Fire Warden. New Haven, Conn.