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Training

April 2009

Dear Interested Fire Lookout Host:

 Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer with the Fire Lookout Host Program.  The program started on the San Bernardino National Forest in 1994 with a handful of volunteers and two lookouts.  Since then, thanks to the dedication and hard work of our volunteers over the years, we have restored, reopened and now staff seven historical fire lookouts: Strawberry Peak, Keller Peak, Butler Peak, Tahquitz Peak, Red Mountain, Black Mountain and Morton Peak. 

 The 2008 season proved to be very challenging due to the drought and the bark beetle infestation.  All of us in the program find representing the Forest Service a true privilege and we hope that you will find this kind of volunteer work as rewarding as we do.

How does it all work?

 There are four mandatory training modules that must be completed to be a Fire Lookout Host: Orientation (2 hours), Interpretation/Natural History (3 hours) and Operations (7 hours).  We have several dates and locations to choose from (see below).  After the classroom training, you will also be required to complete 8hours of “In-Tower” training in the lookout of your choice. This is your first actual shift in a lookout with an experienced lookout host. A Fire Lookout Host is only required to volunteer a minimum of 8 hours per month in any lookout they choose.  Shifts are either 4 or 8-hour increments.  It sounds like a lot but it’s easy and fun!

We’re looking forward to meeting you and hope that one of the dates listed for the training will fit in your schedule.  Unfortunately, due to the tight training schedule, we are unable to offer any make up classes. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to call George on his cell phone at (909) 225-1025 or email us at pammorey@fs.fed.us

We hope to see you in April!

George and Pam Morey

Fire Lookout Host Program Coordinators