BUSH FIRES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 74, 8 January 1930, Page 5

BUSH FIRES.

PREVENTION WEEK IN VICTORIA PUBLICITY DRIVE ORGANISED. Within the last year or two Victoria has suffered more than ordinary havoc and loss of life through hush fires. The State Forests Commission is determined that a special effort shall he made to so educate the public in the causes of these disasters, and to so enlist their co-operation in doing everything humanly possible to prevent them, that the.risk of a repetition of the* disastrous conflagrations of the last two years will he reduced to u minimum. Circulars have been sent to advertisers throughout the State in which it is stated that “this is to be a Statewide appeal, haying for its object the preservation of our natural timber resources, watershed areas, • natural beauty spots, camping grounds (the playgrounds of the people), and the private assets of the rural community.” “Various city firpis are being/asked to include a fire-warning slogan in their advertisements during the week,” It is also suggested in the circular that some firms whose business is closely related to rural asset may bo prepared to design and donate a larger advertisement. It might he added that the object of this effort is so important as to afford ample justification for a special Government allocation for advertising,- not only during the Bush Fire Prevention Week, but also throughout the summer months. Such an effort, if generally supplemented by advertisers including tho suggested slogans in their advertisements. should have a definite influence m at least preventing those hush fires which arise through the carelessness or tourists and campers. The special week begins on January 12. The following are some of the slogans suggested by the Forests Commission for use in the advertisements of private firms:— “Forest fires —easy to start—hard to stop. Be a. non-starter of forest fires and use your influence to make others likewise.” “Fires destroy, but forests produce. Help production by preventing forest, fires.” “Burning tobacco causes many forest fires. 'Don’t knock your pipe out while it is hot.” ( “Build camp fires in safe places. Extinguish them with, earth or water if left untended.” “Lightning and glass and men cause forest fires. But the lightning and glass can’t help it.” “Prevent small fires and there will be no large ones. Exercise care with all fire in the forests.” “Enjoy the beauty of our forests. But he careful with fire.” “Forest fires destroy timber, dry up ■ streams, and drive away wild life. They leave in their wake ruin and desolation.” “Which do you prefer? Cool forests and shady gullies or a burned, treeless countryside?” “Boil you hilly in the fireplace provided therefor. This will help preserve our valuable forests.” “A match may he down but not out; break yours in two before your throw it away.” “If you see a forest- lire try to put it out. if too big notify the nearest for- ' ester or police officer.” “Do not light a fire against a log or among scrub. Clear at least 3ft around it.’ ’ “Fire in the mountains means poverty in the valleys. Prevent hush fires by exercising care.” “Protect your property—preach and practise care with fire. Stamp your ‘smokes’ in the ground.” “Put your ‘smoke’ out when finished. Don’t let it start the forest smoking.” “Before you leave your camp see your fire is dead—then bury it.” “Don’t start anything you can’t stop, particularly forest fires.”