Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1915-01-21
FROM CHARLESTON
FROM JAS. W. WEIR

CHARLESTON w. Va, Jan, IL
The annual loss in forest fires in this
State makes it imperative that fur
Their steps be taken to protect one of
the states principle resources While
much has been accomplished in re-
ducing the loss from fires, within
the last few years there yet remains
much to do if the forests Of West Vir-
ginia are to have adequate protection,
and legislation looking to greater
protection is absolutely necessary
1t is only within the last year that
any attack has been made to guard
against fires in the forest with their
accompanying losses. Federal aid in
establishing a system Of protection
became available about year ago
when West Virginia appropriated
$4,000 in order to come within the
provisions of the Weeks law. An a.
mount almost equal to that was rails
ed by the Central West Virginia Fire
Association who assessed their mem
bers a cent an acre. The three agen-
cies cooperating in the establishment
of a system of fire patrol and lookout
station did much to check the ravages
of the flames in the forests Of the
state. Fires were put out before they
could reach any serious proportions
and many thousands of dollars worth
of property saved.
Yet an analysis of the causes of
forest fires shows that many Of the
fires were due to carelessess and to
the fact that the penalty for setting
out fires is not sufficiently severe. 1t
is proposed therefore to make it
felony to put out forest fire.
Furthermore the experience of last
summer has shown that it is difficult
to get county courts to allow claims
promptly to those who are called
upon to fight fires. It has therefore
been suggested that law be passed
requiring County Courts to pass upon
such claims, when properly certified
by the Chief Forest Warden, at the
first term Of Court succeeding the
work done.
There is an annual loss throughout
the nation every year Of about $685.
100000 from forest fires. Those fig
ures do not include loss of immature
timber, crops, dwellings,, farm build
ings and live stock, not to speak of
the total loss of value to the commun-
ity or section as commercial asset.
When it is remembered that destruc-
ton of timbr means field for labor
removed, adds to the possibility of
high priced lumber and fire wood in
the near future, and causes an in |
crease in taxes on other classes Of
it is evident that the public
has decided interest in not allowing
destruction of forest resources, and
can well afford as public measure,
so far as possible safeguard the crop.
1T requires series Of disastrous
forest fires in Minnesota to arouse
popular opinion to the necessity of
protection of the timber. /
The timberland Of Minnesota was di-
yided into Districts. In addition to |
forest rangers out there $50 patrol !
men were maintained by the railroads
of the state. Minnesota employs an
inspector whose duty it is to investi- I
gate the condition of the spark ar
rosters on locomotives and report
such as are found defective Some
such q law is needed in this state be-
cause MANY fires are due to deficient
spark arresters. Other states are fol-
lowing Minnesota's lead in providing
better forest protection and as re-
suit thousands of dollars worth of
is being saved, as it can be
saved in this state without much adj
1itional outlay but with more strin-
gent laws destined to prevent fires.
A more rigid enforcement of the law
IS also necessary and that is only pos
sible through awakened public senti-
nent. With an appreciation Of the
small outlay required and Of the pas
sage of a few measures which will
operate to make more effective the
ire protective system now in opera
ion, the legislature is sure to take
,ognizance OF the great benefits TO
he state to be derived from such
measures as it may deem fit to pass.
Already members awakened by the
which the press of the state
las given to the effort to arouse pub
ic interest are taking more interest
n the subject and seem disposed to
rive any measures proposed serious
Miss Clara Hincs, who has been
n Gilman for some time visiting her /
,rothers, passed through our city to-