Virginia Leads South

Virginia Leads South

In Woodland Protection

Washington, D.C., (Special)-' Despite a slight increase in acreage burned and number of forest fires reported during 1950 Virginia continued to lead the Sotith in the effectiveness of its woodland jprotectjon program.

Last year the state had 2,110 fires that burned 20,740 acres of woodland. This compared to the previous year's record of 1,630 fires and 12,597 acres burned. All of the state’s 14,634,000 acres of timberland is organized under protection.

Careless smokers started 797 forest fires in the Old Dominion State last year. Debris burners with 534 fires to their discredit were the next worst offenders. Incendiarists, willfull woods burners, started 251 forest fires.

This information is contained in a report distributed by American Forest Products Industries— Rational sponsor of the Keep Green program underway in 30 states. This educational campaign in forest fire prevention education operates locally under the banner of Keep Virginia Green.

Commenting on Virginia,s 1950 forest fire control record, J.C. ■McClellai^, chief forester for AFPI stressed the need for greater cooperation by the public in 'presenting woods fires. Since most woods fires are caused by iocal residents, the Keep Green program provides a most effective vehicle for grass roots education in forest fire prevention.

“Man’s most effective tool in preventing forest fires is education,” Chief Forester ^McClellan declared. “An alert public, aware of its collective responsibility for preventing fire in the woods can keep America's forests green, growing and productive.”

The AFPI report, based oh U.S. Forest Service figures, emphasizes the continuing need for full public support of federal and, state fire control agencies. It points out that continued cooperation between industry, the public agehcies and woodland owners in preventing fire is an integral part of the nation’s defense program.