There are some positive changes happening at Park Ridge Fire Lookout, and we’re excited to share the news.

A New Heart for the Kitchen

After years of faithful service, our decades old stove finally needed to retire. While it was bittersweet to say goodbye to a piece of lookout history (we even found an old photo of longtime staffer Mattie Simms with the stove from back in the 1960s), it was time for a replacement.

Thanks to the generous support of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, we now have a brand-new stove that’s ready to handle whatever our fire lookout staff can dish out. Getting it up to the lookout was quite the adventure – imagine hauling a full-sized stove up two narrow flights of stairs! Huge thanks to Buck Rock Foundation volunteer Greg Gia and the crew from Cover Engine 652 from Redwood National Park for their muscle and ingenuity in making it happen.

Creature Comforts Keep Improving

Our maintenance hero Greg has been busy making life better for everyone at the lookout. His latest project? A custom-built step for the outhouse that eliminates the precarious balancing act on a trailer tongue that Park Ridge staff had grown used to. It’s amazing how the little improvements can make such a big difference.

Between the new stove, the outhouse upgrade, a new BBQ and air-fryer, and a more user-friendly catwalk gate, Park Ridge is a better space to live and work for lookouts on duty.

Clearing the Views

One of the most exciting developments has been the ongoing tree removal project around the lookout. Dead trees and those interfering with power lines are being cleared, dramatically improving our sight lines. The view into the historic Wilsonia area has opened beautifully, giving our fire lookout staff even better visibility for their important work of spotting potential wildfires.

While the tree cutting can be a bit noisy, it’s all for a great cause – for safety, better visibility for lookouts on duty, and for those breathtaking views that make Park Ridge such a special place.

Season Winding Down

As summer moves toward fall, we’re reminded that our 2025 lookout season is slowly winding down. With 8 to 10 weeks remaining before we shut down for the winter (likely around mid-October), there is still time to experience this unique piece of California’s fire protection history.

A Living Piece of History

Park Ridge Fire Lookout represents more than just a building on a mountain – it’s a vital part of California’s wildfire detection network and a testament to the dedication of countless volunteer firewatchers who keep our forests safe. Every improvement, from a new stove to a simple step, helps ensure this historic lookout continues its important mission.