The Forest Fire Lookout Association of San Diego and Riverside Counties (FFLA-SDRC):
Protecting Communities through Volunteer Efforts
using Modern-Day Techniques
Protecting Communities through Volunteer Efforts
using Modern-Day Techniques
By Don Piller, Forest Fire Lookout Association San Diego Riverside Chapter (FFLA-SDRC)
Introduction:
For over a decade, the Forest Fire Lookout Association of San Diego and Riverside Counties (FFLA-SDRC) has served as a dedicated non-profit organization, playing a crucial role in safeguarding Southern California from the threat of wildfires. Established in 2008, the organization's mission lies in the restoration, maintenance, and staffing of historic fire lookouts within the region, primarily those stationed within the Cleveland National Forest.
Within San Diego County, volunteers operate two active towers. A third tower, staffed by Forest Service personnel, is situated in Southern San Diego on Los Pinos. All of these towers utilize HPWREN equipment to facilitate connections to the Internet and leverage its resources, thereby ensuring dependable external communications.
Restoring and Staffing Legacy Lookout Towers:
Two significant achievements mark the FFLA-SDRC's unwavering commitment. High Point Tower, situated in the Palomar Ranger District, witnessed its initial full staffing by volunteers in 2013, a feat sustained consistently ever since with minimal exceptions due to weather conditions or personal concerns. Similarly, Boucher Hill Tower, positioned within Palomar Mountain State Park, achieved its 100% volunteer staffing goal in 2014 and has maintained that level to date, barring weather-related or personal considerations.
Enhanced Communication for Increased Vigilance:
Reliable communication forms the backbone of effective fire lookout operations. Both towers maintain connections to the National Forest Service Emergency Communication Center (ECC) via radio, further supplemented by local voice radio links. While cell service initially posed limitations, the invaluable assistance of HPWREN provided a game-changer. They established a link to their network for both towers, incorporating a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) system specifically designed for FFLA volunteers during the 2013 season. This transformative advancement significantly improved communication channels, enabling volunteers to stay connected with their families during extended shifts or unforeseen changes, facilitate crucial emergency discussions, and maintain regular home communication throughout their service periods.
The primary responsibility of all forest fire lookouts is diligently scanning for the presence of smoke, regardless of any headwear they may be wearing. Upon detection of smoke, the Osborne Fire Finder is utilized to obtain a precise azimuth reading from the tower, which is subsequently relayed to the Emergency Communication Center (ECC), along with details regarding heading, distance, and significant smoke characteristics.
Leveraging Technology for Improved Detection and Reporting:
The internet connection provided by HPWREN empowered FFLA volunteers with access to a wealth of crucial information. Tools like Google Maps proved invaluable, enhancing the accuracy of smoke reports by offering precise location details even for areas beyond direct sight. Additionally, access to weather reports, real-time weather radar, and other HPWREN cameras aided in identifying potential fires. The network further facilitated information sharing with CAL FIRE, the Cleveland National Forest, and other relevant agencies through platforms like CAL FIRE and Cleveland NF Incident reports, alongside San Diego County Emergency and Brush Fire Partyline North County sites.
Conclusion:
The dedication and efforts of the FFLA-SDRC volunteers go beyond restoration and staffing historic fire lookouts. They stand as sentinels, vigilantly scanning the landscape for signs of potential danger, their tireless work contributing significantly to safeguarding communities throughout Southern California. Through their unwavering commitment, the FFLA-SDRC serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power of community collaboration in protecting our environment and ensuring the safety of our loved ones.