Fire season has already landed in the San Bernardino Mountains and a new class of trained volunteers is stepping up to help protect local communities.
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Lookout Program has officially welcomed its Class of 2026, adding 40 new recruits to its roster. These volunteers join 125 returning veterans, creating a strong and well-prepared team for the months ahead.
This year’s staffing levels reflect a healthy and growing program, with both new and experienced volunteers ready to serve the mountain region and surrounding metropolitan areas. Many members of the leadership team have already logged more than 100 hours of service, even before the official start of the season, demonstrating their commitment and preparedness.
The lookout season was set to begin May 1, with operations initially launching at Morton Peak (Yucaipa) and Strawberry Peak (Lake Arrowhead), the only two towers currently ready for immediate use. Butler Peak (Big Bear) will unfortunately experience a delayed opening due to lingering impacts from winter storms. Road access issues, including rockfall and tree debris, as well as necessary repairs to electrical and Internet infrastructure, must be addressed before safe operations can begin.
Meanwhile, the recovery progress continues at Keller Peak (Running Springs), where the previously devastated lookout site, burned in September 2024, has received recent approval for hazardous materials cleanup funding. In addition, construction is underway for a new forest-wide radio repeater vault in the area, a vital component to support and enhance communication capabilities throughout the mountaintop area.
The Leadership team describes their ongoing involvement as both a pleasure and a privilege, reflecting the dedication shared by so many within the organization.
This spring, new recruits and returning volunteers participated in a series of orientation sessions, operational training and recertification classes to ensure readiness for the fire season. These efforts are critical in maintaining a vigilant and responsive lookout network, especially as wildfire risks continue to evolve.
With a strong team in place and preparations underway, the Forest Service Fire Lookout Program via the Southern California Mountain Foundation (SCMF) remains a vital part of safeguarding the mountain communities residents call home.
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