Distant light

In a changing world, where fire related disasters are more prevalent than ever before due to changing climates, a new approach to the tried and effective fire lookout tower may be the answer to helping save millions of acres of valuable natural landscapes as well as peoples’ lives and property.

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Built upon the ashes of the original South Mount Hawkins Lookout Tower and using the same concrete footings on the mountaintop, the new lookout tower acknowledges the simple design and functionality of the old lookout towers that were so prominently used over the last hundred years. The new tower boasts two floors with ample space for lookouts and climate researchers to work and live side by side for extended periods of time. The occupiable rooftop can be used for observations or data collection. The cab can be shuttered during off seasons for protection from the elements or vandals. The space underneath the cab is partially enclosed by a light fabric stretched over the buildings structure to provide a shady place of repose for hikers.

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Because vehicular access to the site has been severely limited since the Curve Fire of 2002, the entirety of the new tower will be constructed off site and lifted into place by a Sikorsky S-64 “Skycrane” helicopter, (the same type of helicopter used to fight forest fires from the air). The modular construction with an estimated weight of roughly 17,000 lbs can be lifted and placed onsite in one piece by the S-64 with a lifting capacity of 20,000 lbs.

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Over time, the detachable cab can be removed from the structure by helicopter, and bought elsewhere for repairs, renovations, or to protect it in case of a threatening fire. In the case of a disaster or total destruction, the cab can be replaced by a new one in a short amount of time.