Say goodbye to Wisconsin's 72 fire towers

End of an era: State to end use of its 72 forest fire towers.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/17/2015)

Like so much else, the towers and the people inside them are being replaced by technology. 

Traditionally, spotters would use their binoculars, maps and a table-sized 360-degree compass to identify the location of smoke and then radio the coordinates to headquarters. Other spotters might see the same smoke and help to pinpoint the fire. 

Marty said that the $100,000 saved from ending the program will be redeployed for more aerial surveillance.

Want a fire tower of your very own?   Visit the Forest Fire Lookout Association website.