Dry Spell – (PIP #81)

By Louise Peloquin

      Weather news has always ignited readership interest.

L’Étoile – October 28, 1924

THE DANGERS OF THE PROLONGED DROUGHT

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Hunting permits could be suspended in order to avoid the dangers of forest fires.

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     For several weeks now, drought has created the dangerous conditions necessary for forest fires in the entire region. Authorities warned that anyone who lights a fire outside should do so with the greatest of precautions. For a week, large fires have ravaged Pelham and Salem N.H. Sunday’s fire in Pelham was the most serious because it devastated a considerable wooded area. Yesterday, a large fire broke out in Salem, close to Pelham. It was contained and was almost put out last night.

     Clarence Blood, forest ranger at Robins Hill observatory in Chelmsford, reported yesterday that the smoke obscured six miles of surrounding countryside. Serious threats exist because strong wind gusts are frequent at this time of year and, once a fire has a good start, it is difficult to master.

     New Hampshire authorities have already taken radical measures to save their forests and Massachusetts will do the same. Hunting permits may be cancelled as long as the drought lasts. (1)

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1) Translation by Louise Peloquin.