The nature of forest fires, their development and spread depending on the conditions of forest vegetation and a combination of various meteorological factors are described on the basis of scientifically-collected data. The authors describes the designs of various fire observation towers and masts, and proposes unique technical methods ensuring the safe ascent of the observer to the top as well as his descent with the minimum expenditure of manpower and also describes technical equipment and methods of detecting and extinguishing forest fires. While examining the prospect of using television and the infrared technique for detecting fires, the author also discusses in detail aerial suppression of forest fires (using airplanes and helicopters), including the method of controlling extensive fires by means of artificially induced rainfall.