KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – After 12 years of closure, the 45-foot lookout tower on the highest peak of Mount Konocti is once again being used to protect Lake County.
The tower had been closed due primarily to high costs as well as the proliferation of cell phones, according to tower volunteer Chuck Sturges.
However, last year, Cal Fire, in concert with the Forest Fire Lookout Association, began working to reopen the facility and return it to service.
Today, the tower's operations are supported and staffed by an all-volunteer effort.
The first volunteer training was held on Sept. 12, 2015 – the day the Valley fire broke out.
This summer, thanks to the efforts of volunteers, each morning the radio call goes out, “St. Helena, Mount Konocti Lookout … in service.”
The payoff has come almost immediately as volunteers in the tower sighted three unreported fires in the first three weeks of operation, Sturges said.
Cal Fire officials, including Cal Fire Division Chief Greg Bertelli, have credited the lookout's efforts with helping firefighters quickly respond to those incidents.
One of the season's early fires that the lookout spotted was the 215-acre Reservoir fire, which began June 26 east of Clearlake Oaks.
The lookout also was the first to report a fire at Beckstoffer Vineyards on July 1.
Lookout volunteers choose days for eight-hour shifts in the tower from an online schedule. At least one per month is required.
With a magnetic “Konocti Fire Watch Unit” sign attached to their personal high-clearance vehicle, they drive through a locked gate then three miles up the dirt road which extends from just passed Kelseyville Middle School to the top of Mount Konocti.
The summit itself has become part of Mount Konocti County Park, which normally requires a fairly steep three-mile hike to the top from the locked gate, located near a rudimentary parking area.
If an individual wishes to participate in this program serving all of Lake County and neighboring areas, the next training session for new volunteers is 9 a.m. Saturday, July 30, at the Kelseyville Fire Station.
For further information one can call Chris Rivera at 707-279- 2363 or e-mail Randall Grindle at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Follow the Forest Fire Lookout Association's Konocti Chapter on Facebook.