FOREST FIRES.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18231, 15 November 1924, Page 13

FOREST FIRES.

DRY SPELL IN U.S.A.

FLAMES COVER WIDE AREA.

AEROPLANES DOCTORING THE

CLOUDS.

(BT CABLE—FBESS ASSOCIATIOH— COFTRIGST) (AUSTRALIAN AND K.Z. CABLE ASSSJCIATIOH.) (Received November 14th, 10.5 p.m.)

NEW YORK, November 13.

A drought throughout the country is now approaching its fortioth day, and is causing tremendous damage through forest fires, which arise everywhere because tho slightest carelessness on tho part of woodsmen is sufficient to ignito tho tindcr-liko forest. The damage cannot be estimated, but it will easily run into millions of dollars.

Tho States suffering worst aro New York, Kentucky, Ohio, Alabama, Georgia, and California. The flames cover a wide radius, destroying forests, burning villages, and paralysing motor traffic, since drivers dread envelopment by shifting winds. Most States have suspended all hunting licenses, while redoubling their efforts to check the fires. The task often appears hopeless, and' armies of fire-fighters frequently suffer tho heartbreaking experience of seeing tho wind shift just after the blaze is within control, thus scattering brands in a hundred new directions.

Prison officials in several localities, have permitted tho inmates to help check the flames. Rich men aro offering attractive wagos to cnl|st itinerant labour to save large estates.. The seasonal damage appears greatest in the Southern- States, whero fires have destroyed vast areas of vegetables and crops upon which tho largo cities of the East depend for their winter supplies, Moantime numerous rural communities assemble in tho churches dally, praying for rain. Others havo contracted with "rain-makers," notably a man named Hatfield.

Army experts continue their experiments of scattering electrified sand into the clouds from aeroplanes; but these, when successful, relieved only a limited area.

Forestry officials everywhere are broadcasting appeals to campers to avoid carelessness, but it is recognised that rain alone can counteract the woodland menace.