The Ronan Pioneer

Rain Halts Forest Fires; Aids Crops And Road Conditions

Rains visited this section of Western Montana Wednesday and Thursday and were effectual in quieting the forest fire situation throughout the district.

Fires which have raged for the past month in all parts of the timbered section west of the divide are reported checked as a result of the rain and forest officials believe the danger from further spread is past. It is estimated that about 3,400 fire fighters have been in the field, distributed as follows: Kaniksu, 1,100; Flathead, 600; Pend d'Oreille, 500; Blackfeet, 400; Clearwater, 215; Kootenai, 200; Coeur d'Alene, 200; St. Joe, 50; East Selway, 50.

Local conditions have been bettered by the rain. Roads have been settled and dust laid. While harvesting operations have been delayed, no damage is reported to grain, and to the late maturing crops the rain was of great benefit. Cutting of the second crop of hay is now in progress and some delay in haying operations will be caused, but no damage. After the prolonged dry weather, with dust and mutilated roads, people of the valley are grateful for relief and rain.

Country roads are being dragged and put into better shape since the rain, it is reported, and this improvement will be a boon to those who are hauling their crops to the elevators and other points of disposal.