The Lassen National Forest recently announced it will staff the Colby Mountain Lookout for the 2026 fire season as part of its comprehensive fire detection and response strategy. The lookout is located in Tehama County, just west of the Plumas County line. It offers views over areas northeast of Chico and east of Red Bluff, including the Ishi Wilderness and the communities of Butte Meadows and Forest Ranch, as well as Lassen Peak.
Public safety and effective fire detection remain ongoing priorities for the forest, said personnel. LNF continuously works to enhance its capabilities, including through the installation and use of advanced technologies such as two AlertCA cameras on the Colby Mountain Lookout. Staff say these technologies contribute significantly to early fire detection and monitoring efforts.
LNF leadership said they will work with local communities this year to discuss fire detection and response capabilities and listen to input on how to best serve the public, including ideas for the long-term management of the Colby Mountain Lookout.
Safety tips, current conditions and more information about the Lassen National Forest are available at fs.usda.gov/r05/lassen/newsroom.
