Does SFLA control the lookouts?

No. The U.S. Forest Service owns and operates the Fire Lookouts, including scheduling, authorizing work, opening gates, etc. SFLA simply works to assist the Forest Service with maintenance, preservation, major repairs, and as requested, helping to staff the lookouts when Forest Service determines they should be opened.

Can SFLA open up the gate to Suntop for a special event?

SFLA works for the Forest Service. If you have been granted a permit for a special event such as a wedding at Suntop, please contact the Forest Service and they will make arrangements for gate opening, etc.

Can I rent these lookouts or camp at them?

The lookouts that SFLA works with are active fire lookouts and are not part of the USFS rental system. Lookout rentals can be found at www.recreation.gov .

Camping at the lookouts depends at the lookout. At none of the lookouts are you allowed to sleep on catwalk or inside the lookout. None of the lookouts are open to stay in unless you are assigned to fire lookout duty for that day. At Suntop you may camp below the lookout gate at the “saddle” but camping is not allowed above the gate. At Kelly Butte, you may camp anywhere on the butte, but not within 500’ of the lookout; Note that there are no potable water sources close to any of these lookouts and early season snow may be gone by mid-July.

Why is there a concern about the future of the lookouts?  

U.S. Forest Service has been strapped for funding for a number of years and in recent years funding has been even tighter. The District has won some grants to help the lookouts, but a long-term funding strategy is needed to preserve the lookouts. This led to the idea of forming a non-profit Association to ease the strain.

Why couldn’t we just keep going the way it’s been run in past years?  

The demands of the previous volunteer system that were placed on the small Forest Service staff have started to cause challenges. The Association will give an organization structure that will be able to help with day-to-day organizing and supervision of volunteers in the field and relieve the Forest Service of much of this burden. We are also able to raise funds to pay for materials to help with lookout preservation.

How does training and lookout duty work?

Training is held multiple times a year and focuses on the tasks and duties of SFLA volunteers. Training is provided on basics such as how to operate safely when conducting regular duties, how to use radios, how to report issues like security, injuries, and of course, fire.

For lookout operations, training covers how to explain the lookouts and the historical role of fire lookouts to the public, as well as how to spot and report fires. In addition, fire lookouts perform many of the maintenance activities around the lookouts, e.g. daily mop out/sweep of toilets; checking for garbage around picnic areas; etc.

Do I have to join the Association to help with the SFLA ?

Yes, due to liability insurance rules, if you are going to volunteer with the SFLA, we need you to join the Association and pay dues (part of which goes to cover insurance). OR be a registered U.S. Forest Service volunteer. In our litigious society, the Association has to have insurance to protect you from the public suing you and the Association.

If we join the Association, are we guaranteed a chance to serve at the lookouts?

No; The Forest Service maintains operational control of the lookouts and determines when or if they will be opened and how they are staffed. If they decide the lookouts can be opened, any and all persons interested in volunteering to serve will be welcomed and no volunteers will be turned away without cause.  Membership in the Association will not convey automatic rights to serve in the lookouts 

Which lookout will the SFLA be working with?

SFLA assists the Forest Service in caring for and with staffing Suntop and Kelly Butte, two of the remaining operating lookouts in Western Washington.  Depending on COVID rules, Suntop and Kelly Butte MAY be opened and operated as interpretive sites for Fire Lookouts (as well as operational Fire Lookouts) in 2021;    

Can I join the Association and support the lookouts without serving in the lookouts? 

Absolutely!   We welcome your membership and support!  

Can I donate to support the lookouts? 

Yes!  We are a registered 501C3 non-profit group and able to accept tax deductible donations. Note that these donations are to support the SFLA and our efforts to preserve the lookouts and are not donations to the U.S. Forest Service. Make a donation.