Montana farmer-stockman. [volume], October 01, 1953, Image 1

About Montana farmer-stockman. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1947-1993

Image provided by: Montana Historical Society; Helena, MT

                
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October 1, 1953
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Fighting F arm and Field
PIRES
Extension Demonstrations Prepare
Ranchers to Meet Threat to Range
By LEO F. KLEFFNER
Associate Valley County Extension Agent
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A backfire properly planned, as is being demonstraled in Ibis picture, is one of
the most effective means of controlling a range fire. (Kleffner photos)
Valley County fire truck demonstrating technique of battling direct fir« line at
Oswego demonstration. Carl Newlin is handling fire hose.
HE 1953 growing season has been one that will be re
membered a long time in Valley County and northeastern
Montana. Some of the oldtimers who have been here since
1900 say that they have never seen the native grass as tall
and plentiful as it is this year. Grass and weeds grew tall
and lush along roadsides, in fence corners and all untilled
areas, making an earthly paradise for livestock and wildlife
of every kind.
But this also means a record fire hazard.
Many of us began to wonder just what would happen if
a prairie fire got started after this vegetation matured. We
remembered the large range fire in Phillips County in 1952
that burned over 15,000 acres before it was brought under
control.
Because interest and concern was great we organized a
series of three fire fighting demonstrations. Result is that
at least 175 farmers and ranchers in Valley and adjoining
counties now have a first hand, practical knowledge of
what to do if a fire should break out in their areas. Often
they came great distances, as many of our ranchers are
living in isolated areas where they have to depend entirely
upon themselves and few neighbors in case a fire breaks out.
Everyone co-operated to make the demonstrations a success.
All types of equipment from modern fire trucks down to
green boughs were used in teaching effective use of the
three best tools for fire fighting—water, fire and soil.
Here are a few of the fire fighting techniques that were
shown at each of the demonstrations (Please turn to page 18)
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Maurice Arnold. Valley County commissioner, bulldozes out a fire guard from
which backfire be started.
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MONTANA AND NORTHERN WYOMING
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George W. Gustafson, state coordinator of th« Montana Rural Fir*
Fighters Service, starts one of the fire control demonstrations in Valley
County with his talk on fire prevention. Note the lush growth of grass
around the sound car and the range stretching away in the background
11 a potential fire hazard typical of most areas in Montana this fall.
(Hinsdale Tribune photo)
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Group of northeastern Montana farmers and ranchers gather around the sound
at of the demonstrations.