It was a long ascent to Clarks Knob Fire Tower in Pennsylvania, but it was worth the drive to check out a unique fire tower that still exists in some form.
It was a long ascent to Clarks Knob (Gobblers Knob) Fire Tower west of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, but it was worth the drive to check out a unique fire tower that still exists in some form.
Constructed in 1945 by AT&T to replace an earlier fire tower at the same location, it was later relocated to a lower elevation and used by state staff for fire monitoring as needed. A new cab on the top of the tower was erected for communication equipment.
At its peak in the 1940s, Pennsylvania had about 150 fire towers. The use of fire towers gradually declined with the introduction of cheaper airplanes that could spot fires more quickly. Many towers were closed in 1970, although some have since been rehabilitated or re-erected as the rising costs of air flights have made traditional fire towers more cost-effective.
Fire lookout towers provided housing and protection for individuals responsible for searching for wildfires. Located on the summit of a mountain or another high vantage point, the spotters could observe for smoke, determine its location, and call for fire suppression personnel.
