Forest Fire Lookout Association (FFLA), founded in 1990, is an all-volunteer national organization involved in research of former forest fire lookout sites, ground cabins and early forest fire detection methods. Anecdotes of lookout operators both past and present are documented. The organization encourages efforts of public groups and others in the restoration of historic forest fire lookouts. Some lookout projects are undertaken by chapters of the organization.

Link To FFLA SDRC

This Link takes  you to the San Diego Riverside Chapters website. This organization staffs and mans two previously closed towers in San Diego County. It has been in existence since 2009 and maintains a staffing of around 100 volunteers to staff both lookout during the California fire season.  

Link To FFLA Monterey
This Link takes you to the Chews Ridge lookout which began in 2019 with volunteers that restored the Chews Ridge Lookout.  Since its return to service, dozens of trained volunteer fire lookouts have staffed the tower.  Our volunteers are bringing early smoke detection capability back to the Ventana Wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest.
Link To Figueroa Mountain Lookout

This link takes you to the California South Division’s website. This organization is currently working to re-open the Figueroa Mountain Lookout. They have formed a skeleton operation and are working with the California Department of Forestry to obtain the proper permits and are actively recruiting staff for the tower.