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Maine History Online

Maine History Online

A Maine Historical Society Website

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Looking Out: Maine's Fire Towers

Old fire lookout tower, Number Nine Mountain, ca. 1918

Old fire lookout tower, Number Nine Mountain, ca. 1918

Item 19126 info
Maine Forest Service

The Maine woods -- especially harvesting trees -- have been an important economic resource since Europeans first began visiting the region.

Protecting that resource also has been important. Maine has been a leader in fire protection, passing the first legislation to address the issue in 1891.

The law created a State Forest Commissioner (formerly known as a land agent) and made provision for appointment of fire wardens throughout the state.