| LOOKOUT LINKS |
The main purpose for building fire lookouts was to protect the nation’s forest reserves, and in 1900 the first lookout was established in Idaho. By the 1930’s, forestry departments were determined to put a fire lookout on top of every mountain as the first line of defense to saving valuable timber resources. With the help of the CCC’s, fire watchtowers sprung up across the land. In their heyday, over 8,000 lookouts dotted the countryside. Times have changed and today most fire lookouts and their dedicated watchers have been phased out. While it is true that many fire lookouts have been abandoned, vandalized and even destroyed, there is a growing trend towards lookout revival. Groups of enthusiasts, like members of the Buck Rock Foundation, are organizing to share information and enhance public knowledge and awareness of fire lookouts. Learning about the history, architecture, and tools of the trade are just a few of the interesting tidbits that will lead you on the path of discovery to an important part of our conservation heritage. We hope you enjoy your journey! Lookout Associations and Groups LOOKOUT ASSOCIATIONS / GROUPS: Forest Fire Lookout Association National Historic Lookout Register Angeles NF Fire Lookout Association Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center
Giant Sequoia National Monument Sequoia / Kings Canyon National Parks Sequoia Natural History Association
Daily Wildfire Report (pdf) Current Southern Sierra Wildfires
Local NOAA (Hanford, CA) Lodgepole (NOAA)
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