Losses Due to Forest Fires From 1923 Report

Damage by Forest Fires: Six-Year Averages

Based on report of the U.S. Forest Service. The figures represent the average yearly area of forest burned and the average yearly loss from forest fires.

--J.S. Holmes, State Forester, N.C. Geological and Economic Survey

In terms of financial loss, only Minnesota lost more from forest fires than North Carolina. North Carolina lost an average of 337,737 acres of forests per year, with a financial loss of $1.497 million. Minnesota lost more acres to forest fires—383,597—valued at $5.192 million.

Nevada and Utah suffered the least in financial loss. In Nevada, 512 acres burned, with a financial loss of just $291. In Utah, 872 acres burned, and the state loss was $909.

Oklahoma lost an average of 124,864 acres worth $78,876; Arkansas lost 558,650 acres worth $214,694. Texas lost 527,137 acres worth 249,763. And Louisiana lost 1,605,903 acres worth 585,632.

From the University of North Carolina News Letter, June 20, 1923