In the rash of fires in Provo this past week, a number of situations surfaced which brought out examples of the public’s responsibility in such emergencies. The public should be careful not to interfere with the firemen in pursuit of their duties. A few people did, although generally the puhlic’s conduct was good. In a few cases, motorists would have run over fire hose had not officers been on hand to restrain them. With the pressure of the water in a fire hose, chances of rupture or other costly damage are great in case of a run-over. In another case, the fire engine drove to the fire scene but had trouble laying hose lack out to the fire hydrant as people crowded in. There were cases of people parking cars on the block or in the glelperal vicinity of a fire. is is against the law. Twice last week fires in the Indian Hills area were believed to have been started by children with matches, according to firemen. Quick work by the fire department doused one blaze; the neighbors were fortunate enough to get the other one out promptly. Such fires, in close proximity to homes, could be tragic should the blaze get out of control. The Forest Service has alerted the public that the fire danger is becoming acute and has decreed that fires not be built in forest areas except at designated places. With the Fourth of July period coming up, firemen cautioned children and adults on the use of sparklers, which can start fires unless kept carefully under control. City ordinance and state law prohibit use of all fireworks except sparklers and capguns. Conventional firecrackers are banned and anyone using them is in violation. The best way to prevent fire loss is to prevent fires. When blazes to occur, then the public should give full cooperation so that firemen and police officers will not be impeded in performance of their duties.