Wow!!! Great saves!!! Thanks to our volunteers who staff Boucher and High Point Lookout. Driving up the South Grade late afternoon yesterday, I passed a tow truck with the totally burned out car. Many, many thanks to the lookout crew and all who responded. Keep reading for the note from Scott:
From: Scott McClintock [mailto:palomartowers@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, June 19, 2017 2:07 PM
Subject: Suggested article by Scott McClintock, Chairman, FFLA
Recently we have heard and reported that firefighters are concerned about this season’s potential for wild land fires. Although it is early in the season, Palomar Mountain’s High Point Lookout reported two young fires on June 18. Both were reported and extinguished before they could spread on a day with near-record heat.
At 9:30 AM, the tower spotted a small smoke on the edge of Mendenhall Valley and Forest Service resources responded to an accidental fire reportedly started by a chainsaw. Before the engine from Palomar Station left the scene, High Point reported a larger smoke from Canfield Road one mile east of Fry Creek. Turns out a vehicle went off the road, struck a tree, and caught fire. The fire spread into the brush and was growing quickly when firefighters, called in by High Point, arrived. A quick response by the Cal Fire engine from Palomar Mountain Fire Dept. and the Forest Service’s engine from Palomar Station stopped the fire’s spread.
Both towers on Palomar Mountain are staffed by volunteers from the Forest Fire Lookout Association. Although there is no “pay” involved, the volunteer program has already paid off significantly. These incidents last Sunday were poignant reminders of how careful both mountain residents and visitors need to be.
Palomar Mountain News 
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