Amidst the smoke and destruction caused by the Line fire burning in the San Bernardino National Forest, the fall of Keller Peak Fire Lookout has saddened community members and volunteers who were preparing to celebrate the tower’s centennial.
The 98-year-old fixture outside Running Springs is the oldest remaining original tower in the forest, according to the Southern California Mountains Foundation.
“It is with sadness we report the oldest continuous serving Fire Lookout on the San Bernardino National Forest, Keller Peak Fire Lookout, has fallen in the Line fire,” the foundation announced on Facebook.
On Tuesday, Sept. 10, as the Line fire extended its reach into the forest, flames took out the Keller Peak tower, according to Cal Fire. The tower is located east of Running Springs and south of Highway 18 in an area popular with tourists and hikers.
“It was my pleasure to take new staff there to show it off,” Lisa Underwood, a restoration manager with the Southern California Mountains Foundation, said in reply to the organization’s social media post. “I’m sorry for … all the volunteers who served there and loved her.”
The Line fire, which erupted Thursday north of Highland, has burned nearly 35,000 acres, forcing evacuations in many communities and leading to school closures in some areas. Containment was at 14% midday Wednesday, fire officials said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Related Articles
Map: See where the Airport, Bridge and Line fires are burning in Southern California
How wildfires can create their own weather from smoke plumes
Mountain High ski resort in Wrightwood survives massive Bridge fire
Fires, poor air quality lead to changes in Week 3 high school football schedule
Bridge fire now at 49,008 acres — largest active wildfire in state now
