Higgins Lake in Roscommon County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Hale Fire Tower
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023
1. The Hale Fire Tower Marker
-History of State Fores, 1947
This is just the top part of the fire tower from Hale, Michigan. During the 1920s-40s, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Civilian Conservation Corps built 154 towers, 100 to 150 feet tall, to spot fires before they got out of control. Hundreds of millions of the trees being protected were grown here at the Higgins Lake Nursery and planted around the state.
Lookouts
Fire towers were staffed by lookouts with binoculars. Training and keen eyesight enabled them to pinpoint the exact location of a fire. Quickly using a telephone or radio, they called ground crews to put out the fire. Some lookouts lived alone for days at a time. They had to be able to repair broken equipment without outside help. Fire towers became obsolete in the 1960s. What types of modern technology do you think replaced them?
Erected by Michigan History Center and Department of Natural Resources.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1947.
Location. 44°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Michigan's First Fire Tower (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to the Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Packing House (within shouting distance of this marker); Beginning of State Reforestation (within shouting distance of this marker); Cone Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Ice House (within shouting distance of this marker); Civilian Conservation Corps Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Civilian Conservation Corps (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Higgins Lake.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023
2. The Hale Fire Tower Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023
3. The Hale Fire Tower
The top portion of one of the 154 fire towers that were built.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023
4. Higgins Lake Nursery
Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 136 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 7, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
