Fire-lookout towers perched atop remote, craggy peaks across the U.S. West may seem like quaint reminders of an era before satellites, smartphones and jet-propelled air tankers. Indeed, some of the structures are more than 100 years old. But with their …
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service readily admits it can’t see the forest for the trees. Literally. Even when fire spotters climb to the top of the 80-foot Bass River State Forest fire tower, their view is blocked on three …
Imagine waking up to the sun cresting a ridge of the Cascade Mountains. You look out the window, and through the dawn light you can see clouds still settled over a lush alpine forest. You’re in a tower in the …
For 13 years, Charlie Womer climbed to the top of Mehoopany fire lookout tower in Wyoming County to watch over miles of countryside. The tower went up in 1923. Womer was born four years later. Fire season is changing for …