Victoria once had well over one hundred fire lookouts and firetowers. Fire lookouts, or observation posts, were often just a clearing on a hill or a vantage point, whereas firetowers were definite structures. There are at least three categories of firetowers… (1) tree perches, (2) four-legged towers made of either wood or steel, as well as (3) hilltop cabins and observatories. Many were established by the Forests Commission Victoria (FCV) in the 1920s, but the network was expanded rapidly in response to recommendations of the Stretton Royal Commission after the 1939 Black Friday bushfires. The wooden towers were often built by bush craftsmen like legendary FCV overseer Clem Heather from Orbost. But advances in aerial reconnaissance and radio technology led to the gradual reduction in the number of fixed towers. FFMV now operates 72 firetowers. The CFA, Melbourne Water, Hancock Victorian Plantations (HVP) also operate some, the Army has one at Puckapunyal overlooking the live-firing range. Only two remaining fire towers of this design remain in Victoria (Mt Little Dick and Big Tower in the Mullungdung State Forest). Mt Nowa Nowa and Stringers Knob burnt down in the 2019/20 bushfiresLarge model of an Reef Hills fire tower. Presumably used for instructional purposes. Traditional FCV four legged design with three landings and closed cabin.bushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv)

Photograph - sepia. Photograph panorama from Fire Tower, Bendigo.. In the distance shops that I can read 'Mobiloils', 'Cockings', 'Cocks Motor Garage', back view of the Conservatory building and gardens. The Rose Series P.3231. It is written on back but unable to read much, its from Monica. Trees etc along the bottom front are part the rosalind park.Rose Seriesplace, aerial view of bendigo, fire tower., bendigo. panorama from fire tower.

BHS CollectionBlack and white/sepia? Photograph mounted on green board. Narrow panoramic view of 'Bendigo from Camp Hill Fire Tower'. Rosalind Park in foreground., School of Mines, Town Hall, Bendigo Arcade, Banks, The Beehive, City Family Hotel, Law Courts and Post Office in foreground. Shamrock Hotel to left. Poppet legs of Royal Hustler's Mine Pall Mall. Inscriptions: 'Copyright Melb. P Scott', 'Bendigo from Camp Hill Fire Tower'. Royal Historical society of Victoria, Bendigo Branch, Circular blue stamp on back. 'MP270' TR corner. Portion of oval stamp on bottom right. Hand printed across bottom in ballpoint pen 'property of HJG Biggs, Town Hall Eaglehawk'. Portion of oval rubber stamp, purple, 'T. CA.., FOO.. Mark.. Be..' History: Previous Acc. No. MP 270.P Scottplace, landscape view, bendigo, bendigo, rosalind park, school of mines, bendigo town hall, camp hill, landscape, post office, bendigo post office, shamrock hotel, pall mall, fire tower

After the 1939 bushfires, the Forests Commission Victoria invested heavily in a radically new communications network. After suffering some inevitable delays due to the war, radio VL3AA switched into full operation in October 1945 proudly beaming out 200 watts across the State. But by today’s standards, the technology was primitive and the reception poor unless the user was on a high point somewhere. The radio signal was "line-of-sight" and bounced between fire towers and relay transmitters across the mountains back to the District offices. The advent of solid-state electronics in the 1960s replaced the more delicate valve sets which enabled greater use of vehicle mounted radios. The Commission continued to research, develop and build new radios at its many workshops around Victoria. The network was supported by a large team of skilled radio technicians. The more secure and versatile State Mobile Radio (SMR) digital trunk system came into operation in about 1995. Upgraded Tait Radios were purchased in 2014 after recommendations of the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission. But it was the convergence of separate technologies such as 5G mobile phones, high-capacity and light-weight lithium batteries, Wi-Fi, the ever-expanding internet, cloud data storage, digital cameras, GPS, personal organisers and hundreds of supporting Apps into powerful smartphones and tablets which revolutionised bushfire communications from the mid-2000s. Used to communicate to remote fire towers Single wire often run through the bush from FCV district officesFire tower telephone with winderChristmas Hills South Instructions for use around winderbushfire, radios, forests commission victoria (fcv)

After the 1939 bushfires, the Forests Commission Victoria invested heavily in a radically new communications network. After suffering some inevitable delays due to the war, radio VL3AA switched into full operation in October 1945 proudly beaming out 200 watts across the State. But by today’s standards, the technology was primitive and the reception poor unless the user was on a high point somewhere. The radio signal was "line-of-sight" and bounced between fire towers and relay transmitters across the mountains back to the District offices. The advent of solid-state electronics in the 1960s replaced the more delicate valve sets which enabled greater use of vehicle mounted radios. The Commission continued to research, develop and build new radios at its many workshops around Victoria. The network was supported by a large team of skilled radio technicians. The more secure and versatile State Mobile Radio (SMR) digital trunk system came into operation in about 1995. Upgraded Tait Radios were purchased in 2014 after recommendations of the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission. But it was the convergence of separate technologies such as 5G mobile phones, high-capacity and light-weight lithium batteries, Wi-Fi, the ever-expanding internet, cloud data storage, digital cameras, GPS, personal organisers and hundreds of supporting Apps into powerful smartphones and tablets which revolutionised bushfire communications from the mid-2000s. Used to communicate to remote fire towers Single wire often run through the bush from FCV district officesFire tower telephone with winderChristmas Hills South Instructions for use around winderbushfire, radios, forests commission victoria (fcv)

After the 1939 bushfires, the Forests Commission Victoria invested heavily in a radically new communications network. After suffering some inevitable delays due to the war, radio VL3AA switched into full operation in October 1945 proudly beaming out 200 watts across the State. But by today’s standards, the technology was primitive and the reception poor unless the user was on a high point somewhere. The radio signal was "line-of-sight" and bounced between fire towers and relay transmitters across the mountains back to the District offices. The advent of solid-state electronics in the 1960s replaced the more delicate valve sets which enabled greater use of vehicle mounted radios. The Commission continued to research, develop and build new radios at its many workshops around Victoria. The network was supported by a large team of skilled radio technicians. The more secure and versatile State Mobile Radio (SMR) digital trunk system came into operation in about 1995. Upgraded Tait Radios were purchased in 2014 after recommendations of the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission. But it was the convergence of separate technologies such as 5G mobile phones, high-capacity and light-weight lithium batteries, Wi-Fi, the ever-expanding internet, cloud data storage, digital cameras, GPS, personal organisers and hundreds of supporting Apps into powerful smartphones and tablets which revolutionised bushfire communications from the mid-2000s. Used to communicate to remote fire towers Single wire often run through the bush from FCV district officesFire tower telephone with winderWattle Glen Diamond Creekbushfire, radios, forests commission victoria (fcv)

After the 1939 bushfires, the Forests Commission Victoria invested heavily in a radically new communications network. After suffering some inevitable delays due to the war, radio VL3AA switched into full operation in October 1945 proudly beaming out 200 watts across the State. But by today’s standards, the technology was primitive and the reception poor unless the user was on a high point somewhere. The radio signal was "line-of-sight" and bounced between fire towers and relay transmitters across the mountains back to the District offices. The advent of solid-state electronics in the 1960s replaced the more delicate valve sets which enabled greater use of vehicle mounted radios. The Commission continued to research, develop and build new radios at its many workshops around Victoria. The network was supported by a large team of skilled radio technicians. The more secure and versatile State Mobile Radio (SMR) digital trunk system came into operation in about 1995. Upgraded Tait Radios were purchased in 2014 after recommendations of the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission. But it was the convergence of separate technologies such as 5G mobile phones, high-capacity and light-weight lithium batteries, Wi-Fi, the ever-expanding internet, cloud data storage, digital cameras, GPS, personal organisers and hundreds of supporting Apps into powerful smartphones and tablets which revolutionised bushfire communications from the mid-2000s. Used to communicate to remote fire towers Single wire often run through the bush from FCV district officesFire tower telephone with winderWattle Glen Diamond Creekbushfire, radios, forests commission victoria (fcv)

Recollections of the author's father, who worked at the Mont Park farm in the early 1960s, the MMBW 1966-1981 and as a fire watcher at Strath Creek Fire Tower until his retirement. The family also had a small mixed farm.3 p. text with colour photographswallaby creek, strath creek fire tower, keating family, anne paul, ted keating, bushfire management, melbourne water

Fire lookout tower possibly situated at Mt Hickey near Seymour (Tallarook Ranges) or Mt St Leonard (Heaslesville)Print copy stamped "17" on reverselewis tulk collection, fire lookout tower, healesville, mt hickey, mt st leonard, seymour

This photograph is from the Max Harris Collection held by the Ballaraat Mechanics' Institute. Please contact BMI for all print and usage inquiries.ballarat, main, fire station tower

This photograph is from the Max Harris Collection held by the Ballaraat Mechanics' Institute. Please contact BMI for all print and usage inquiries.ballarat, main, fire station tower

Black and white image of the view of Ballarat East along Main Road. The photograph was taken from the Ballarat Fire Brigade Tower.ballarat east, main road ballarat east, ballarat fire brigade, phoenix hotel

bushfire, forest signs, forests commission victoria (fcv)

Tram tracks can be clearly seen in this image. Horse trams were introduced late in 1887, the line up Sturt St to the Lake and Gardens being built first. Note these tracks do not have any electricity above them - electric trams did not appear until 1905. St Andrews Kirk steeple was erected in 1884.Previously unknown image of Ballarat. The set and its subjects indicate these images were produced to promote Ballarat and were perhaps aimed at tourists.An image repeating von Guerard's famous drawing from the City Fire Brigade tower, looking east along Sturt St to Mt Warrenheip.

St Paul's Church can be clearly seen.st paul's church, east ballarat fire station, church, building, private dwelling

Taken April 23-24 1988, during Heritage Week.Colour photograph of Linton fire tower next to a tall landmark tree which has trunk covered with climbing plant.linton fire tower, linton cfa, linton fire brigade, telecommunications towers

c.l; Limited Edition number PROOF of 150, c; Ballarat from the Fire Brigade Tower/ (Looking East) 1870/ by Eugene Von Guerard, c.r;; An engraving printed from/Eugene Von Guerards original woodblock/now in the possession of the Ballarat Historical Societywork on paper, print, printmaker, printmaking, australian artist, ballarat, wood engraving, city, town, regional victoria, goldfields

historic, fire, towerView from Mount Buninyong Tower, with Ann Beggs Sunter and unknown.mount buninyong, fire tower

Stawell Fire Brigade Siren Towerstawell

This photograph is from the Max Harris Collection held by the Ballaraat Mechanics' Institute. Please contact BMI for all print and usage inquiries.ballarat, fire station, sturt, east, town hall, harry davies, church, golden city hotel

.The view of Port Melbourne looking towards the sailing ships moored at Railway Pier is believed to have been taken from the Fire Tower off Liardet Street. Swallow's chimney can be seen behind the Graham Street Methodist church. This photograph is a part of a wider view of an original photograph taken for International Exhibition of 1873.View of Port Melbourne looking towards Town Pier with Swallow 's chimney behind the Graham Street Methodist Church.On back Methodist Church Graham Street Swallow's Chimney in Back groundreligion - methodist church graham street, swallow & ariell ltd, fire tower

Black and white photograph of Ballarat taken from the Ballarat West Fire Brigade on the corner of Sturt Street and Raglan Street. ballarat, ballarat west fire brigade, solomon and bardwell

An image from the Herbert Richmond collection, gifted in 1982 to the Ballarat Library. The collection contains approximately 200 photographs of Ballarat and district in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, as well as photo albums, glass negatives and other memorabilia. Herb Richmond was a keen photographer, a foundation member and a life member of the Ballarat Camera Club, and a photographer with the Ballarat Courier during the 1940s. The Ballarat Camera Club named an annual award after him. Mr Richmond died in 1981 aged 79. These images were digitally re-photographed by members of the Ballarat Camera Club in September 2006.barkly street, east ballarat, main road, len t frazer reserve

Shows the Blue Jacket Mine.east ballarat fire station, blue jacket mine, streetscape, mining, commerical

Old Llanberris Mine and Chinatown in the centre.east ballarat fire station, llanberris mine, chinese settlement, mining, buildings, commerical

Mining Scene looking North probably from Fire Station. Grant and Lamont's Battery in corner left side, in background of photograph. In Centre right is No1 North Cross Reef Mine. On left behind the tree is No2 North Cross Reef Mine. On right is Oriental Mine.Houses and yard in foreground. Poppet heads to right of centre and right Crushing Battery on left of image.stawell mining

After the 1939 bushfires, the Forests Commission Victoria invested heavily in a radically new communications network. After suffering some inevitable delays due to the war, radio VL3AA switched into full operation in October 1945 proudly beaming out 200 watts across the State. But by today’s standards, the technology was primitive and the reception poor unless the user was on a high point somewhere. The radio signal was "line-of-sight" and bounced between fire towers and relay transmitters across the mountains back to the District offices. The advent of solid-state electronics in the 1960s replaced the more delicate valve sets which enabled greater use of vehicle mounted radios. The Commission continued to research, develop and build new radios at its many workshops around Victoria. The network was supported by a large team of skilled radio technicians. The more secure and versatile State Mobile Radio (SMR) digital trunk system came into operation in about 1995. Upgraded Tait Radios were purchased in 2014 after recommendations of the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission. But it was the convergence of separate technologies such as 5G mobile phones, high-capacity and light-weight lithium batteries, Wi-Fi, the ever-expanding internet, cloud data storage, digital cameras, GPS, personal organisers and hundreds of supporting Apps into powerful smartphones and tablets which revolutionised bushfire communications from the mid-2000s. Radio line controllerDunns Hill and South Morang (fire towers)bushfire, radios, forests commission victoria (fcv)

Victoria once had well over one hundred fire lookouts and firetowers. Fire lookouts, or observation posts, were often just a clearing on a hill or a vantage point, whereas firetowers were definite structures. Many were established by the Forests Commission Victoria (FCV) in the 1920s, but the network was expanded rapidly in response to recommendations of the Stretton Royal Commission after the 1939 Black Friday bushfires. When a fire or smoke was spotted from the tower a bearing was taken with the alidade and radioed or telephoned into the district office. It was then cross referenced with bearings from other towers on a large wall map to give a "fix" on the fire location Alidades and telescopes were used in the post war period but were replaced with a much simpler map table and reference string suspended from the centre of the tower cabin.Uncommon usageTelescope used in fire towers Ex military Kern Company NY Argus made in USA Adjustment lens, dials and focus ring Small spirit levelbushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv)