Fire Lookouts
Fire detection and suppression have been priority work for The United States Forest Service from its beginning in 1905. In the 1920s and 1930s, the Forest Service began building access roads, communication systems, and received equipment and manpower to effectively control fires. Suppression, However, still depended on early detection. In the technology of the time, this required manned lookout stations on most National Forests.
The Civilian Conservation Corps built several fire lookouts in the Big Horn Mountains. Three of these remain today, but are only manned in seasons with the highest fire danger levels.
This is one such station. The lookout was the summer home of an individual or couple who kept watch for and reported signs of fire. They also had time for wildlife watching, and during summer storms watched spectacular natural "fireworks" as lightning struck the surrounding peaks. The station stood protected by grounded points that drained the static electricity from the lookout.
Erected by USDA Forest Service.
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Location. 44° 9.068′ N, 107° 12.102′ W. Marker is in Ten Sleep, Wyoming, in Washakie County. Marker can be reached from Forest Road 429, 1.4 miles south of U.S. 16. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ten Sleep WY 82442, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 17 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Died in the Line of Duty (approx. 1.4 miles away); Company 841 (approx. 1.4 miles away); Tensleep Canyon (approx. 6.3 miles away); Leigh Creek Monument (approx. 6.4 miles away); Bighorn National Forest (approx. 7.1 miles away); Site of South Wagon (approx. 16.4 miles away); Spring Creek Raid (approx. 16.4 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 127 times since then and 13 times this year. Last updated on July 31, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 20, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
