tree lookout Archives - Wildfire Today

Photos of lookout tree on Ochoco National Forest in Oregon

Black Mountain Lookout Tree, Steve Stenkamp

Steve Stenkamp sent us photos of another lookout tree in Oregon. This one is on the Ochoco National Forest between Bend and John Day. Previously he documented one on the Deschutes National Forest in Central Oregon.

Years ago, in order to detect new ignitions of wildfires, land management agencies occasionally took advantage of tall trees on hilltops, building platforms near the top with ladders or other climbing aids below.

Mr. Stenkamp used his Phantom 3 Pro drone to get these photos.

“The unique feature is the ‘resting platform’ about 30 feet up,” Mr. Stenkamp said. “The ground cabin was moved to the Ochoco Guard Station when the lookout went out of service.”

Black Mountain Lookout Tree, Steve Stenkamp

Some early fire lookout structures were in trees

Lookout tree fire wildfire tower — Lookout tree, photo by Steve Stenkamp

Using his Phantom 3 Pro drone, Steven Stenkamp shot photos of a what remains of a tree lookout on the Deschutes National forest in Central Oregon. Pumice Springs lookout was built in 1930 and used for less than 10 years, Mr. Stenkap said.

“The Pumice Springs Lookout had a ladder for about 20 feet, then 2 x 4s for about another 10,” Mr. Stenkap told us. “From there, the lookout used branches until he (or she) was about 10 feet from the platform where there was, and still is, another section of ladder. According to the data from the drone the platform is at 81 feet. The lookout was also known as Sand Springs lookout. The tree is just about equal distance from each of those springs.”

Before he retired, Mr. Stenkap’s duties at the Bend Fire Department in Oregon included flying a DJI Phantom 3 Pro drone.

Share this:

Share this: