Fire Watchers watching over Land of Giants

A wisp of white-grey clouds in the distance. The gnawing sense of trouble forming on the horizon. The sound of static is broadcast as Buck Rock’s fire watcher radios Porterville Dispatch.

In a steady voice, the fire watcher announces, “Porterville – Buck Rock - Smoke Report.”

Years before the first fire lookout was built in 1876, fire watchers safeguarded the Forest, warning when smoke billowed above the trees. Traveling on horseback or by foot, fire watchers pitched a tent on mountain tops or high elevations to view the forest. Once spotting smoke, the fire watcher would chase down and fight the fire. Today, fire watchers peer from lookouts stationed throughout the forest. Each equipped with modern radios and a telephone used to report fires and other emergency incidents.

According to Buck Rock Foundation President, Kathy Allison, fire lookouts or towers, are often thought of as a thing of the past, but in many areas, they still play an essential role in fire management programs.

“Here in the Sequoia National Forest, there are still fire watchers on the lookout for that little wisp of smoke that may turn into a larger, destructive wildfire if not for their keen eye and quick report.”

Once, there were more than 40 fire towers between the Kings River and the Tehachapi Mountains. “Although the numbers have dwindled, (4 of the remaining nine standing fire towers in the Sequoia National Forest are staffed), lookouts still play an important role in the detection of wildfires and often provide critical radio communications,” Allison acknowledged. “They also offer a unique opportunity for forest visitors to enjoy a spectacular view and to learn more about the forest.”

Much like their predecessors, today’s fire watchers carry on the tradition, reporting the signs of impending danger. According to Buck Rock Foundation Volunteer Coordinator Wendy Garton, fire watch for the northern portion of the “Land of Giants” is achieved by Buck Rock, Delilah, and Park Ridge lookouts.

“From mid-may to early November, 50 volunteer fire watchers work in conjunction with the Hume Lake District fire watcher, to survey the horizon towards the Great Western Divide, from the Kings River to the Kaweah River and over many foothill and mountain communities at risk.”

Garton muses over the end of 2019 season. “It’s always melancholy this time of year when we close the lookouts. Everyone has gone home, and we close the books to another successful fire season,” Garton reflected.

Delilah Lookout opened for the season on May 17 and was immediately pounded with rain and late-season snow! Reopening on June 2, Delilah went right to work refreshing and training volunteers with the Hume Lake Ranger District fire watcher Karen ‘Mich’ Michigan at the helm.

“The lookout was especially vital to both the Sequoia and Sierra National Forests as Fence Meadow Lookout was not staffed this year due to hazardous travel to and from the lookout,” she explained. “That was a huge loss to the front country from the Middle Fork of the Kings to Pine Flat.”

Opening dates for Buck Rock and Park Ridge lookouts were delayed until early July due to a late spring snow-pack.

“Buck Rock went in service on July 3, followed by Park Ridge on July 4. During this time, our fire watch volunteers worked to learn and renew detection skills,” Michigan reported.

Smoke reports and confirmations scored top numbers this year for Delilah and Park Ridge lookouts. “Buck Rock was very quiet... which is a good thing,” Michigan expressed.

“As in the past few years... I think that all of us, including fire managers, go into the fire season with bated breath and concern for the fire danger in all directions posed by the devastating tree mortality. Millions of dead trees are covering much of our visuals and the hazards they bring are absolutely frightening.”

For the Buck Rock Foundation, the 2020 Fire Season will kick into gear mid-february planning and coordinating the Volunteer Lookout Training Program. Orientation for newcomers will be at the Sequoia National Forest, Hume Lake District Office, Saturday, April 4, and training for all volunteers will be at the Sierra National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Clovis, Saturday, April 25.

Allison and Garton rave about the exceptional communications between fire watchers. “Smokes were triangulated, comparisons were made, heads-up for weather changes were issued or just plain old talking with each other and having each other’s backs,” Garton expressed.

“We appreciate Hume Lake District lookout, Mich, for keeping all three lookouts updated and “in the loop” with activities that affect our daily operations. That’s what it’s all about my friends.”