West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1915-01-28

(FRox JAS. w. wx,s,

(FRoN Jas. w. WEIR)
Charleston. w. Va, Jan. 10 The
annual loss 10 FORGET fires In this State
mskes Il imperative that further steps be
taken IN protect ons of the states princi-
pal resources. While much has been
accomplished in reducing the loss from
fires. within the last few years there yet
remains much IN do il the forests of West
Virginia are to have adequate protection.
and legislation looking to greater protec-
ton is absolutely necessary.
1t is only within the last year that any
attack has been made to guard against
tircs in the forest with their accompany.
ing losses. Federal aid i'm establishing a
system OF protection became available
about year ago when West Virginia APP
proprated $40, 900 i'm order 10 come with
In the provisions OF the Weeks law. An
amount almost equal to that was raised
by the Central Wcst Virginia Fire Associa-
ton who assessed their members cent
| an acre. The three agencies co-operat-
ing I'm the establishment of a system of
fire patrol and look out station did much
to check the ravages Of the flames in the
forests ofthe state. Fires we're put before
they could reach any serious proportions
and many thousands of dol ars worth of
property saved.
Yet an analysis of the causes of forest
| fires shows that many OF the fires were
due to carelessness and to the fact that
the penalty for setting out fires is not
sufficiently severe. 1t is proposed there.
fore to make it felony to put out a
forest fire.
Furthermore the experience of last
summer has shown that it is difficult to
get county courts to allow claims prompt
w to those who are called upon to fight
fires. 1t has therefore been suggested
that law be passed requiring County
Courts to pass upon such claims, when
properly certified 10y the Chief Forest
Warden, at the fret term OF Court sue
ceeding the work done.
There is an annual loss throughout the
nation every year of about $25 600 OOO
from forest fires. Those figures do not
include loss of immature timber, crop,
dwellings, farm buildings and live stock
not TO speak OF the total loss OF value to
the community or section az commercial
asset. When IL is remembered that de-
-truction of timber means a field for
labor removed, adds to the possibility oi
high priced lumber and lire wood i'm the
near future, ard causes an increas. in
taxes on other classes OF property, il j.
evident That the public has a decided
interest in not allowing destruction OF
forest resources, and can well afford "a q
public measure. 80 lar as possb e, safe
guard the crop.
lt required a series OF disastrous forest
fires in Minnesota to arouse popula,
opinion tn the necessity or organized pro
lection of the timber. The cumberland o
Minnesota was divided into Districts. IL
addition To forest rangers out there 25(
patrolmen were maintained by the rail
roads OF the state. Minnesota employ,
an inspector whose duty it is to investi
gaze the condition OF the spark arresters
on locomotives and report such as are
found defective. Some such a law il
needed in this state because many ires
are due to de Efficient sparks arresters
Other states are following Minnesota
lead i'm providing better forest protection
and as result thousands of dollars worth
OF property is being saved, as il can b,
saved IN this state without much add
tional outlay but with more stringen,
laws destined to prevent hres. A more
rigid enforcement of the law il also
necessary and that is only possible
through awakened public sentiment
With an appreciation Of the small out
lay required and of the passage OF a few
measures which will operate TO make
more effective the fire protective SYSTEM
now in operation, the legislature is sure
to take cognizance Of the great ben, fits to
the state to be derived from such
measures as il may seem fiji to pass Al.
ready members awakened by the publicity
which the press OF the state has given tn
the effort To arouse public interest are tax
ing more interest in the subject and seem
disposed to give any measures proposed
serious consideration.