On the lookout for fire Veteran firewatcher still on the job

On the lookout for fire Veteran firewatcher still on the job

courtesy photo
Puffy summer cumulus clouds rise above the 9,265-foot Benchmark Lookout, which is the last fire lookout still staffed in the San Juan National Forest.
photo courtesy of andrew gulliford
Zinn says the Benchmark Lookout is “quite roomy.” The 16-by-16-foot lookout, built in 1970, has been retrofitted with running water, a solar water pump, phone and radios.
photo Courtesy of andrew gulliford
With 24 years’ experienceas a fire spotter, Barbara Zinn is an expert with the vintage 1930s Osborne Firefinder still utilized in the Benchmark Lookout. She calls it a “precision brass instrument.”
photo Courtesy of Barbara Zinn
A Smokey the Bear patch is one of many firefighter traditions in the Benchmark Lookout. Smokey’s motto “Only you can prevent forest fires” may be true, but almost all of the fires seen from the lookout are lightning – not human – caused.
Photo Courtesy of andrew gulliford
Like all fire watchers, Barbara Zinn completes a daily log that includes weather observations as well as the color and location of any smoke columns.

On the lookout for fire Veteran firewatcher still on the job

courtesy photo
Puffy summer cumulus clouds rise above the 9,265-foot Benchmark Lookout, which is the last fire lookout still staffed in the San Juan National Forest.
photo courtesy of andrew gulliford
Zinn says the Benchmark Lookout is “quite roomy.” The 16-by-16-foot lookout, built in 1970, has been retrofitted with running water, a solar water pump, phone and radios.
Purchase
photo Courtesy of andrew gulliford
With 24 years’ experienceas a fire spotter, Barbara Zinn is an expert with the vintage 1930s Osborne Firefinder still utilized in the Benchmark Lookout. She calls it a “precision brass instrument.”
Purchase
photo Courtesy of Barbara Zinn
A Smokey the Bear patch is one of many firefighter traditions in the Benchmark Lookout. Smokey’s motto “Only you can prevent forest fires” may be true, but almost all of the fires seen from the lookout are lightning – not human – caused.
Purchase
Photo Courtesy of andrew gulliford
Like all fire watchers, Barbara Zinn completes a daily log that includes weather observations as well as the color and location of any smoke columns.