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.

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