In rural farm communities there are the forest and brush fires, which we need consider but grudgingly here, the many fires which catch from roof to roof, and the fires from the chimney which start one’s own roof afire. Then there are lightning, incendiary fires by tramps, kerosene oil lanterns; creosote from the smoke and soot in wood-burning communities disintegrates the mortar in the masonry, and as the woodwork comes in contact with the chimneys, fires are the result. To these are added the other hazards common to all modern life to-day. Farmers or those living out of the range of the fire department should be more especially equipped against fire than any other groups. For example, a ladder is a great necessity, and yet many people who are in isolated places never spend a little money on a good one that might save the roof and then the home, to say nothing of lives. Dirty lamps with loose connections cause many a fire and should be thought about seriously. Wet days on the farm are great fire makers, for clothes are put near to the fire, and whoop la!--a very warm fire ensues! Candles, too, are handled carelessly and should be treated as inflammable material when they are lit. Most ashes will spontaneously burn if set away, as the fine bits of coal and grease adore fire. Lanterns plus hay if not carefully used are another cause of fire. So carelessness really is the root of 99% of fires, and yet we indulge ourselves in this ruthless pleasure. Probably the kitchen is one of the best little hatcheries in the home for fires. Why that is, is easy enough to see. The chief cause here is negligence and its first cousin, ignorance. Fires are swift followers of these conventions: Ignition of wood floors under, or walls back of, stoves; drying wood in ovens; kindling left over night too near the stove; clothes hung on backs of chairs too near the stove or on the clothes horse too near to the stove, especially if they have been cleaned with gasoline or other cleaning fluids; thin clothes, flimsy sleeves catching a flame make delightfully hot and dangerous fires. Fires may be guarded against in these ways: 1. Metal shields projecting at least 6″ at the sides and back and 12″ in front of ash pans should be placed under all kitchen stoves standing on wooden floors. 2. All ranges on wood or combustible floors and beams that are not supported on legs, and have ash pans 3″ or more above their base, should be set on brick foundations. 3. Large ranges, if under combustible ceilings, should have metal hoods above with a ventilating pipe passing through to the outer air through a sleeve or asbestos packing. 4. Wood stud partitions back of ranges standing 12″ or less away should be shielded with metal from the floor to at least 36″ higher than the ranges.