Volunteer Firewatchers work in an active fire tower. They provide early fire detection, perform basic radio communications, make weather observations, and educate visitors. Both Delilah and Park Ridge Lookouts are staffed 7 days a week by volunteers, who take turns in shifts. Shifts range from one to four days. Volunteers will cover several shifts over the course of fire season with a minimum commitment of 5 days during the season. Volunteers stay overnight in the tower when staffing two or more days in a row.

Buck Rock has a full-time Forest Service firewatcher who covers 5 days a week. Volunteer firewatchers cover the remaining days, working two days in a row and staying overnight in the tower.

Volunteer firewatchers work at Delilah or Park Ridge their first year in the program and may graduate to Buck Rock over time.

New volunteers attend two classroom training days and two in-tower training days before qualifying to staff a tower on their own.

The first classroom training day is an Orientation event held each April in Dunlap, CA. This is a popular program and space is limited. Click the Contact Us button to reserve your spot at the next Orientation.

Requirements for Volunteer Firewatchers:

• Be 18 years old or accompanied by an adult if 16 or 17 years old.
• Be in good health and have good eyesight.
• Be able to read a topographical map.
• Feel comfortable talking on a two-way radio.
• Think quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Work independently with little supervision.
• Be able to work and live in an isolated environment for up to 4 days.
• Have reliable transportation; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
• Be friendly, courteous, professional, and patient with the visiting public.