(1) The preservation of the forests and the conservation of the forest resources through the prevention and suppression of forest fires hereby are declared to be the public policy of the State of Oregon.
(2) In order to accomplish the purposes of the policy stated in this section:
(a) The need for a complete and coordinated forest protection system is acknowledged and the primary mission of the State Forestry Department in such a system is protecting forest resources, second only to saving lives. Structural protection, though indirect, shall not inhibit protection of forest resources; and
(b) This chapter shall include all persons and activities designated in this chapter, irrespective as to whether or not such person or activity is concerned with the harvesting, cutting, removal or marketing of trees, timber or other forest products.