The Butte County Board of Supervisors could approve a letter opposing the closure of the Colby Mountain Fire Lookout. The U.S. Forest Service had initially announced plans to close the tower due to a lack of maintenance.
The tower, which overlooks communities such as Butte Meadows and Forest Ranch, has been a critical asset for wildfire detection. A community group from Butte Meadows had previously appealed the decision to close it.
The board’s letter highlighted the lookout’s vital role. “The Colby Mountain Fire Lookout, though located in Tehama County, has long served as a vital component of wildfire detection in Butte County and the surrounding region,” said the board.
The letter also emphasized the importance of early detection. “As wildfire behavior becomes increasingly severe and unpredictable, early detection remains a cost-effective tool for protecting lives, property, critical infrastructure, and natural resources,” said the board.
The board stressed the need for increased public safety. “In an area that has been devastated by multiple megafires, the Forest Service should be looking at ways of increasing public safety rather than reducing it,” said the board.
The supervisors meet on Tuesday at 9 a.m. in Oroville.
