UMATILLA COUNTY
SUMMIT GUARD STATION
Umatilla National Forest
1S-37E-17
1S-37E-17
September 1931: "The other day our Summit fireman-lookout, Bill Monroe, was returning to his station by car from a small lightning fire when he was startled by an airplane shadow and a lot of noise. He stopped to see what was making all the excitement and watched the plane circle the fire he had just left. Following it further he saw it circle another spot and noticed a small puff of smoke above the trees. Again the plane dived at him and zoomed away to circle the two spots a second time, then went about its business. By this time Bill knew what the maneuvers meant and was on his way. He called the Dispatcher by portable phone just as the first lookout report came in and was able to order the proper number of men and supplies and take action himself about an hour sooner than would have otherwise been possible. Some time later the Varney Air Lines called from Pasco to report the fire. A letter of appreciation has been written to the company with a copy for the pilot. After two days and nights of hard grubbing on a couple of small ones, Bill says that it cheers a fellow up to know that at least one man outside the organization is interested enough to go way out of his way.
Let's get a plane, Pat, one with a radio. J.G. Clouston" (Six Twenty-Six)
Let's get a plane, Pat, one with a radio. J.G. Clouston" (Six Twenty-Six)
1939: "The lookout part of the title came from an old white fir tree about 300 feet from the house. It had a rickety ladder up to the top where there was a little platform and a firefinder mounted on the 6 inch diameter cutoff tree. The firefinder was a small one with 1/4" scale base map. It was covered by a galvanized garbage can lid. We called them 'Ash Can Firefinders.' " (Memoirs, Harold C. Chriswell, 1933 to 1971)
March 17, 1949: "The old Summit Tree Tower was dismantled, for safety reasons." (Pendleton Ranger District Annual Report)