TFS Crewleader Charles Modisett climbs a lookout tree to get a second look at the fire he’s heading toward. 

The tallest trees on hills were ideal for lookout spots. These trees were spiked with galvanized iron telephone pole steps and eventually outfitted with a tree cab.

This was the typical fire detection method in the 1930s until fire lookout towers were erected in state forests. (1952)