Fire Lookouts: The Later Years

The early years in the development of the fire lookout system were fraught with difficult decisions, hard work, and danger. Roads and trails had to be built, materials had to be transported. Building materials and supplies were carried up steep, treacherous mountainsides on the backs of horses, mules, and men. Primitive conditions were met with courage, grit, and determination. The people who built and the people who staffed and maintained these lookouts were often exposed to extremes in we...