OCR Text |
Show OUTRAGED PUBLIC OPINION NECESSARY Forest fires swept 29,000,000 acres of public and private lands in 1925, causing a loss of $38,000,000, it is estimated by the forest service. The number of forest fires was fixed at 92,000, which was 24,000 more fires than in 1923, and 45,000 more than the 9-year average. Money damage in 1924 was estimated at $10,000,000 more than in 1923, and $18,000,000 higher than1 the 9-year average. The estimate does not include damage to young plant growth, watershed protection, wild life or recreational areas. On the national forest areas alone 8,237 fires were reported as sweeping .602,000 acres, with a money loss of $1,500,000. William B. Greeley, chief of the forest service, declared the increase in-crease in reported fires was due partly to more complete reports, although al-though he termed 1924 as a "very bad year." "The greatest single agency with which to combat forest fires is public opinion," he said. "The federal and state government are doing their utmost with the funds and esuipment allotted them. It is high time that a more effective weapon is placed at their disposal and that weapon is an outraged opinion." |