Pratt Mountain has been an active California Division of Forestry fire lookout since 1931. The current structure was built in the early 1930's. It has been staffed continually since then during the summer months and has a 360 degree view of Southern Humboldt, Northern Mendocino and Southwestern Trinity Counties.

The proliferation of antennas on Pratt Mountain has detracted from the view that the fire lookouts have on Pratt Mountain. But it has also made their job easier, if less work could be counted as 'easier', in that modern communications has enabled faster fire reporting and response time.

Here are links to some old photos (each about a 400K file) that I found posted by someone who lives in the vicinity of Pratt Mountain. Thank you. Pratt Mountain had been in the Tooby family for more than 100 years until I purchased it in October 2000. I would imagine that at least one of the Tooby men is in the photo of the 'crew'.

Early wooden lookout tower.

A bit more sophisticated wooden tower with covered hut.

A boy proudly standing on his 'tower' next to dad's.

The 'crew' getting together.

 

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