Trail Talks: The Fire Lookouts & Aircraft Warning Service Observation Posts of the Los Padres National Forest with Bob Burtness

This talk will cover the history and usage of the Fire Lookouts in the mountains of Los Padres National Forest, from the first Lookout on Zaca Peak to the few that still remain standing today. The talk will also cover the later and, in some cases, joint use of the lookouts as AWS Observation Posts during World War II for the purpose of detecting and reporting the presence of enemy aircraft.

Join Bob Burtness as he shares images and stories of these unique backcountry structures. A Santa Barbara native, Bob is an avid outdoorsman, Volunteer Wilderness Ranger, and history lover. He is the author of The Santa Barbara B-24 Disasters: A Chain of Tragedies Across Air, Land & Sea, as well as the classic backcountry guidebook, A Camper’s Guide to the Tri-county Area: Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo.

Disclaimer(s)

Participants in this event may be photographed by Library staff. These photos may be used in promotional or educational publications, including in print, social media, and presentations. Please see staff if you do not consent to having your photo taken. Staff will obtain individual, signed photo releases of photographs that contain only an individual as opposed to a group.