Chippewa National Forest

DEFENSE AGAINST FIRES

Half the battle in fire fighting is waged before a smoke is sighted. It consists of thorough, systematic preparation.

Many miles of truck trails and fireways have been built on the Chippewa to provide easy access to fires. Ranger headquarters are stragetically located and equipped with modern fire-fighting apparatus. The CCC camps have well-trained, well-equipped fire suppression crews.

The speedy detection of fires is assured by 23 lookout towers with 8-mile visibility in normal weather. Airplane observation and ground patrol supplement the work of the towermen during periods of low visibility.

Eyes of the forest. F—365351

Ranger stations, camps, and towers are connected by metallic circuit telephone lines which facilitate speedy reports of fires and unified suppression action. Short wave radio supplements the telephone system during the fire season.

The Chippewa has a good fire record. Credit for this record can be traced to an adequately organized fire system, which shares honors with the people who visit and use this forest. They realize that everybody loses when a forest burns, and they practice care with fire.

The following rules, practiced by experienced woodsmen, are commended to the attention of all newcomers to the Chippewa:

MATCHES.—Be sure your match is out. Break it in two before throwing it away.

SMOKING.—Smoke only while stopping in a safe place clear of all inflammable material.

MAKING CAMP.—Before building a fire scrape away all inflammable material from a spot 5 feet in diameter. Dig a hole in the center and in it build your campfire. Keep your fire small. Never build it against trees or logs or near brush.

BREAKING CAMP.—Never break camp until your fire is out—dead out. Always leave a clean camp.

HOW TO PUT OUT A CAMPFIRE.—Stir the coals while soaking them with water. Turn small sticks and drench both sides. Wet the ground around the fire. Be sure the last spark is dead.

Radio set installed in the glove compartment of a small fire truck with an outside aerial makes possible radio communication while the truck is en route to a forest fire. F—401094

Large tanker to reinforce the initial attack crew. F—37260

TOBACCO.—Be sure that pipe ashes and cigar or cigarette butts arc dead before throwing them away. Never throw them into brush, leaves, or needles.

BRUSH BURNING.—Never burn slash or brush in windy weather or while there is the slightest danger that the fire will get away.

IN CASE OF FIRE.—Extinguish any small fires you can, Report others to the nearest ranger or to the telephone operator.