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By Norm Gladish MNR Fire Prevention Technician The holiday weekend has passed quietly from the point of view of the Ontario Provincial Fire Centre in Sault Ste. Marie. Opening season for pickerel is always a concern because of the number of people and tourists heading for the province's lakes and forests. However, as of last- Monday, only eight fires were burning in Ontario. One of these was not under control. Only one fire occurred in our region (North Central); none started in the Terrace Bay District. The total number of hectares burned to date is 24,363. The Kenora 14 fire accounts for the greater part of this area (22,700 hectares). Though no longer expanding, this fire, which started April 30, is still being manned. High winds are keeping fire fight- ers busy putting out "flare-ups" and patrolling the perimeter. The remaining 1,663 hectares were burned by 361 fires, Don't let this quiet situation allow you to become complacent about campfires or burning. Limited precipitation and high winds in our area have kept forest conditions dry. A few sunny days could cause the fire danger to climb rapidly to extreme. Have you ever wondered what causes fires? Lightning is the only natural cause and is responsible for only 30% of all forest fires. People cause the remainder. If we know who these people are and from what sources ignition is caused managers can then determine what fire prevention measures should be directed to the cause of the prob- lems. Studies have revealed that care- less smokers are responsible for more forest fires than any other group of forest users. Nearly one- quarter of all fires caused by people are ignited through careless use of smoking materials. It should be no surprise then, that we have legisla- tion in Ontario that prohibits smok- ing while walking or working in forested areas. Carelessly attended campfires rank second, starting 19% of all people-caused fires. While the numbers of campers and outdoor recreationists using our forests has increased, the number of fires caused by this group has dropped slightly. Perhaps this indicates a growing awareness of the need for Sire safety among the public. Residents (and cottagers) burn- ing grass, brush or rubbish trigger another 13% of fires, as do the rail- ways. Many fires can be traced to chil- dren playing with matches. Parents and teachers can help in this area by impressing the danger of fire on children. "QNLY YOU CAN PREVENT FOREST FIRES!" - WE DO: landscaping « garden and lawn maintenance « garbage cleanup * repairs & services EIGHB Unwanted stumps creating a problem? Call Team Effort about our new tree stump shredder. Get your stumps together and appoint a dispatcher Call Today Suryied . Suiyjnd poss SSUASB [ICI T. 3 dangerous tree cutting * lock stone installation * snow plowing services * minor property 399 Mooney St. se LEE C tear EI services tt. RR Phone: 345-0281 Suid pao 2 YUL] UIBYD » SadUaJ UIPOOAs + Suyuied wz sueUdJUICUL 40] National Water Safety/Safe Boating Week Know the difference between lifejackets and 'PFDs' The Law requires that one Department of Transport approved lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device (PED) be carried for each person on board your boat. This law also applies to sailboards and water scooters. But that alone won't help if you unexpectedly fall into the water. Lifejackets and PF.D..s are survival aids which are designed to be worn at all times -- they can't save your life sitting in the bottom on your boat or back on shore. Lifejackets and P.F.D.s differ in several major respects. The main feature of lifejackets is their ability to turn an unconscious person over to a face-up position to ensure a clear passage for breathing. PED.s are designed to keep a conscious person afloat, but have less buoyancy and turning ability than lifejackets. P.F.D.s provide greater insulative capacity and pro- tection against hypothermia than do lifejackets. Regardless of whether you are using a PFD. or a lifejacket, all flotation gear must be approved by the federal Department of Transport (DCT). Only those safety aids with a DOT stamp are approved. The label on your PED. is your assurance of consistent high standards in design and fabrication. After years of research and improvements, today's P.F.D.s are more comfortable, safer, and even attractive. They are available in a wide variety of styles and sizes designed specifically for activities such as fishing, canoeing, sailing, water skiing and windsurfing. Each has unique design features to accommodate the rigors of each particular water activity. Most P-F.D. s come in several sizes for specific body weights and chest sizes. If you already have lifejackets and P.F.D.s on your craft, make sure each passenger is wearing the proper size and also ensure that they are worn properly CWL celebrates the Living Rosary Our parish wanted to do some- thing special to express our love for Mary, the mother of Jesus, in 'this Marian Year. The ladies of the C.W.L. along with the children of St. Martin of Tours' School gathered together to celebrate the Living Rosary. The Rosary is a prayer in hon- our of Mary. The word Rosary means "Roses" -- a garland of Roses -- beautiful spiritual roses that we wanted to offer Mary. Singing "Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria" the procession of students, C.W.L. ladies and Father Campbell entered the Church and formed the "Living Rosary". Mary was crowned as everyone sang "Immaculate Mary". As the joyful mysteries were -- Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria was sung at the end of each decade. Following the Rosary a very meaningful reflection was prescnt- ed! (One of the messages from Our Lacy of Medjugorje was read.) Our joyful celebration came to close with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and blessing the children and all those who attended with Father walking among the people and making the Sign of the Cross over them with the Monstrance. Everyone joined in the singing of "Hail Holy. Queen Enthroned Above". It was a special gift that we offered to Mary! I'm sure she was very pleased with our efforts and that she will pray for each of us! It was a wonderful experience work- announced we meditated on Mary's ing and praying with children. It Story. was a Special day for St. Martin's -- on the joyful events of her Parish and for St. Martin School. life as the Mother of Jesus; Many thanks to all who helped. ; es aN SERVING THE NORTH SHORE ER AVE Box 368 . Terrace Bay, Ont. i] ESROSIERS & SONLTD. 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Try your lifejacket/PF.D. out in the water to become familiar with how it works. It should feel com- fortable whether on your front or back and allow you to float with your face out of the water. Your PED. should not "ride up" onto your shoulders. Practice swimming to discover the best way to propel yourself. When purchasing a P.F.D. for your child, check to see that it has a label stating DOT approval; a col- lar for head support; a safety strap between the legs to prevent it from slipping over your child's head; neck and waist ties; and a grab _ strap on the collar. Make sure that the PED. is comfortable, yet snug. Do not but too large a size hoping the child will grow into it. In a 'controlled setting, have your child swim wearing their P.F.D. That way the child learns to feel com- fortable with it on. Explain how it works and why it must be worn, and of course, set a good example by wearing yours too! Remember, a lifejacket is not a substitute for adult supervision. Finally, attaching plastic or brass whistles to pull tabs of P.F.D.s or the straps of lifejackets is strong- ly recommended. In the event of an accident, the thrill of a whistle can be heard much further than a human voice and will save your breath in the long run. Lifejackets and P.F.D.s are designed as survival aids. In the ultimate analysis, the probability of their working properly is propor- tional to the degree of knowledge and the amount of practice you have in using them. The Red Cross reminds you to take the time to learn about water safety. Courses in Small Craft and Water Safety are available from your local branch of the Red Cross. June 5 - 11 is National Water _ Safety/Safe boating Week. The Canadian Red Cross Society strongly urges you to wear your lifejacket of PF.D. when participat- ing in water activities this summer. A lifejacket or P.F.D. can save your life --. j j