Keeping eyes on the forest: A look at Alberta’s wildfire lookouts

EDMONTON – Stephanie Stewart disappeared 10 years ago while working alone at one of Alberta’s wildfire lookouts. The mystery put a spotlight on her job and the province’s network of lookouts. Here are some facts:

— There are 127 wildfire lookouts in Alberta, the most of any province.

— Some are towers and others are house-style lookouts on high points. Some are fly-in only, but most have road access.

— Most towers are about 30 metres high.

— The first permanent lookouts were built in 1915. Although they’ve since been refurbished or replaced, most remain in the same areas.

— Workers in lookouts are called “observers.” They detect almost one-third of the average 1,500 wildfires each year.

— Lookouts are used during the wildfire season, typically April or May until August or September.

— Work consists of watching for smoke and lightning and recording weather readings.

— Observers live in a small house or cabin (some are attached to towers) equipped with a propane refrigerator, stove and heater. Each site has an outhouse and water is collected in rain barrels.

— The province says lookouts are not available for public viewing, but workers will welcome hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts who come upon the locations.

(Source: Alberta Agriculture and Forestry)