East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-08-18
FOREST FIRE LOSS
DURING PAST SIX YEARS
COVERS MUCH TERR|TOy
Germany Lost 21,547,620
Acres in War; Trees Burn in
U. S. on Area 21a Larger,

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1S-Telegran
Washington Bureau. )--Because of the
war, Germany lost about 2l,547,52C
acres of land exclusive of plebiscitSs
This was undoubtedly a serious ma
tional misfortune to Germany. The
United States during the period 1916
1920, inclusive burned up 56,4SS.S07
acres OF our forested area-over two
and half times as much as Ger
many's entire loss-an area greater
than New York and Pennsylvania
combined, or Minnesota, Kansas, Ida
no or Utah.
While it is impossible to trace the
origin of all forest fires. the records
of the forest service of the United
States department of agriculture show
that a large number originated
Through the carelessness of happy -go-
lucky tourists. The forest service is
anxious to encourage the use of the
national forests as recreation grounds.
1t co-operates with plans for build
ing fine roads through the forests and
establishes numerous free camping
grounds where shelter, water and fire
wood may be obtained.
Many Visit Camps.
Many of these camps are located on
main automobile highways and are
easily reached. Some states provide
tourist guide maps to the forests and
camp sites. About 5,00U,OOO people, it
is estimated, use the forests each year
ba 30 afin,1 caaShp
At Eagle Creek camp grounds on
the Columbia River highway in the
Oregon national forest 1921 goo tour;
lists registered last year.
Some of the campers, however, do
not seem to appreciate the pleasures
and privileges afforded to the touring
public. They disfigure the scenery
with rubbish and filth. they disregard
game laws and pollute streams. but
their worst and most frequently re-
curing offense. according to forest
officers, is the starting of destructive
forest fires by carelessness either with
camp fires or with smoking,
A lighted cigarette thrown into dry
leaves or needles may start fire that
will spread for miles. camp fire
not fully extinguished may be the
means of destroying valuable timber
which has taken hundreds of years
TO reach maturity. The reports of
forest rangers are filled with drama
tic accounts of the work involved in
such fires and also in de- |
teeting and bringing the culprit be-
fore a Judge after following the very
slight clews obtained in a deserted |
camp site. Sometimes an old bottle |
Or pocket handkerchief win reveal |
he original possessor who did not |
put out his fire Sometimes a par
ocular make of automobile tire can |
be traced for miles aud the careless
,amper brought to justice.
Damage Can't Be Restored
No fines, however, on the part of |
he local magistrate will restore the !
burned area. While forest rangers
ire vigilant and alert to catch care
essness and prevent incipient fires, |
he real need, the foresters say, is for
he development of more concience
IN the part of the public which uses |
he national forests. 1t is greatly de-
ired by the forest service that all the |
All national forests, from the Allan
ic to the Pacific and from Gulf to
border, be used and enjoyed to the |
uilest extent by as many people as |
possible. This involves universal ad-
option of the slogan, BE sure your
ire is OUT