Historical information

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.

Significance

Uncommon usage

Physical description

Telescope used in fire towers

Inscriptions & markings

Ex military
Kern Company NY
Argus made in USA
Adjustment lens, dials and focus ring
Small spirit level