lge -, newsandwews

by BOB McBRIEN execulive vice president of the Lumber Merchonts Associotion of Northern Colifornio

\f/E WERE ALL SHOCKED recently to hear about the tragic YY fire which leveled Marion Nine Lumber Co. in Fresno, Calif. Residents of the area were even more shocked to learn through their newspaper a few days after the fire that a couple of youngsters, aged 5 and, 7, were blamed. It seems they were playing in the yard with matches.

Fire and theft are two words which make every lumber dealer shudder. In fact, they are two words that aren't spoken ofterr enough to keep all of us on our toes to prevent them.

FIRE danger and what the In the case of Marion Nine Lumber Co., dealer.can do.to help.pre- fire department officials said the young- vent fires at his yard are oiscusied bi ilb'.- - - sters pulled a board from a locked shed to gain entry and "were not planning to burn the yard down, but just were mischievous." That they were. In less than 30 minutes, the yard was burned to the ground at a loss exceeding $200,000.

What can we do about it? Many things, but the most important is to first consider the problem in specific relation to your own yard. Take a slow walk around the premises and ask yourself a few questions:

. Is the yard fully fenced in and can it be locked at night?

. Do we lock all windows, doors and gates at closing time?

I Do we have an "a.quulu *r- ,rrr"rr that is tested now and then to see that n r Do we have a watchman on duty or do we use a local security firm to check the premises on a regular basis? r Do we keep flamable liquids in the proper containers and locked up securely? r Do we have a name and telephone number easily visible on the front door or in the front window that police or others can call in case of emergency? to more and more California dealers and distributors. For year around supplies of dimension lumber and precision-trimmed studs, depend on D & R and these 4 Oregon and Washington mills:

. Do our fences and barriers prevent persons from entering the yard or building uil .l adjoining roof?

. Do we let trash, saw dust and*waste lumber accumulate?

. Do we prevent the growth of weeds and brush in the yard and around the perimeter of fences, sheds, etc.?

Do our employees know what to do in case of fire?

. Do we discuss fire and theft potentials with our employees?

. Do we have water buckets, workable extinguishers, and other fire-fighting equipment in proper locations?

As the teacher,would say, if you don't have the answers you'd better learn them-because we sure want you to pass this test now and every day in the future!

Old Growth Fir Dimension from F.S,P, Lumber Co., Port Or{ord, Oregon Hemlock Studs from Warrenton Lumber Co., Warrenton, Oregon Hemlock Dimension from Westport Lumber Co., Westport, Oregon Douglas Fir Studs fiom Shepherd & Dasher Lumber Co., Longview, Wash.

Fast, regular ocean shipments by barge from Southern Oregon and the Columbia River direct to Southern California.

Now, over 5,q)0,000 feet of dimension lumber and studs monthly . . . manufactured especially for Southern California construction needs.

Art Neth would appreciate an opportunity to tell you how you and your customers will benefit from using dependable D & R dimension and studs. You can reach him by calling 872-'1280 or 78il-0544.

Southern California Representative for

Western Retail Lumbermen's Association