Fire detection, as we know it today, began with fire rangers on ground patrol.

The early fire rangers moved to higher ground whenever possible to increase their range of vision, scrambling up hilltops, mountaintops, and trees. Yet ground patrols were not enough. Wildfire continued to inflict terrible losses.

Fire lookouts evolved to meet the need for speedier, more effective fire detection. To find out more, click on the titles below.

Fire Lookouts: from crow’s nests, platforms, and tents to cabins, a land-locked boat and towers

Tools of the Trade: skills and equipment

It’s Lonely At the Top: fire observers at work

Photo Credit:
Provincial Archives of Manitoba [Manitoba Lookout 1923]