Life as the Last Fire Lookout

[@ninjagod6917]

don't fall in love with your supervisor that you never met over a radio.

[@Raviolli58]

wild reference

[@aristidecipriano5046]

@@Raviolli58 was an amazing game

[@NUN0VAZ]

i wonder if he brought his son. hope nothing goes wrong!

[@username6828]

would be a shame if someone tapped the radios

[@duckquackerss6601]

@@username6828when are the scientists returning

[@Deadmanx117x]

This is my uncle Russ. As long as I can remember he’s been doing this and I always follow his Facebook posts and other things to see what he’s up to. I showed this to my dad-his brother- and he had no idea this documentary was made nor did I. This is an incredible video and I appreciate you shining light on this badass of a man

[@SonjaSophie]

Your uncle Russ seems like a wonderful human being! Tell him I said THANK YOU for his service - when you get a chance! 💜

[@snipergh0st380]

Whats his facebook? If you dont mind sharing... I'd love to work a job like this

[@AwtaMadik]

You should ask your uncle Russ about the missing 411 phenomenon in national parks. Would be really interesting to get his opinion on it.

[@kennethMaveGR]

We need more people like your uncle in these days. Thanks for your uncle services.

[@dylanstephens4075]

You're walking amongst great men brother

[@ratgirl13]

Dude seems like a chill guy, I wonder if he has ever seen anything unusual going on in those woods. I think the towers should be preserved for future history.

[@abouras]

thought the same, especially if he's had any dangerous wildlife encounters. Or maybe sth more unusual 🛸.

[@justintime753]

Guaranteed

[@olachens]

Almost certainly not. 99% of your time is spent in the tower or talking to visitors. You can't see shit in the woods when you're above the woods.

[@Frank-dd5nq]

bigfoot!

[@dx-ek4vr]

I'm sure these towers could be left as shelters that hikers can use

[@Nestico87]

"This land is worth more than the industries that want it." -- so true, and wonderfully said

[@QuartBernstein311]

as a lookout, i always told people we are a 20k a season insurance policy against mass destruction.

[@donniecatalano]

Excellent, inspiring and truthful

[@madrain9898]

Reminds of what Dr Manhattan said about how "Mars could be improved by a shopping mall or an oil mine". Shows that Nature does just fine without humanity and we might actually be the real problem that needs solving.

[@nonyanks2510]

Fire Lookouts are just plain cool, they are the inspiration for my 195 square foot off grid cabin have been living in these past 12 years! An excellent quality video!

[@theee2144]

woahh, where can i see this?

[@LEGOFiney]

Ever since I played Firewatch the game this job has always played around in my mind and it sounds amazing to be able to live by yourself in nature when you need a break from chaotic cities and things which clutter your life up.

[@Tiger-eu5ur]

EXACTLY Love that game

[@Aiyqk]

exactly what i was thinking

[@buddyholleypoint9032]

Is the game worth playing?

[@Aiyqk]

​@@buddyholleypoint9032 definitely, its pretty short but a really good game. i think i played it through in one long night without a break, so that should speak for itself :D

[@Tiger-eu5ur]

@@buddyholleypoint9032 yeah especially if you have Xbox game pass it’s a free download

[@Spifey]

These visuals are amazing

[@sebastianronnholm3191]

Yep, this is insane. The first seconds blew me away instantly. I'm lost at words.

[@tywilliams4332]

I did not expect to see Spifey here!

[@EJHigz]

For real, the camera work is insane, the compositions, the pans and zooms. Editing too, top notch. I've no doubt I could imagine myself sat watching a documentary on Netflix / Television when in reality it's just this. Thankyou algorithm, this was randomly on my front page and I'm all for it!✌

[@aJ-bw2sw]

it looks like a video game, but not in a bad way

[@swilleh_]

@@aJ-bw2sw try FireWatch

[@Jeracraft]

First time here, this is like honestly movie style quality filming, really enjoyed it. 👍

[@jobussin]

of course you would love the move style quality filming...

[@notchlol158]

love your videos

[@FadeRunnerOG]

Wow its such a small world i see your comments everywhere i go.

[@Idk___3276]

Love your work jera!

[@NooshyYT]

What are you doing here lol 😂

[@MasonMcLeodFilms]

I love randomly finding KZbin videos like this; the quality is so high and the subject matter so earnest and interesting. These videos aren’t just ‘content’, they’re films!

[@prest1geiscool]

If you guys like horror, yall should try Fears to Fathom: Ironbark Lookout. Its literally a park ranger that is looking out for fires but something ominous is going on in the forest. Very scary.

[@dominikjergovic6896]

Its kinda scary ngl

[@devinhigoy221]

There was also one called "Do you copy?" it is pretty cool. There have been a lot of fire watch horror stories lately.

[@dominikjergovic6896]

@@devinhigoy221 yeah ive played and i think that ironbark is scarier than do you copy but still two good horror games

[@jonsnow3300]

npc

[@prest1geiscool]

@@jonsnow3300 lol frl

[@VacantInside]

Your use of black and white imagery when Russ is recalling his history like flashes of his memory is superb attention to detail and really added to his story. Really ❤ your storytelling.

[@TiPeteux]

Yes but, is memory must be in vivid color tho.

[@MrWiseinheart]

​@@TiPeteuxblack and white photos video usually implies something in the past that's what they were going for I think.

[@awsomegamer8277]

@RepentandbelieveinJesusChristshut up god and Jesus ain’t real stop believing in fairytales

[@sideridely]

It's kinda obvious lol

[@davearonow65]

Beginning film making 101. He didn't invent this technique. He's not even the millionth one to use it. Act like you've been here before.

[@ccn6558]

I put myself through university by working 4 seasons as a fire lookout in eastern WA state. Best job ever - getting paid to look out the window and what a view!!! So grateful to have had that experience.

[@lewislorethe6553]

Does it pay well, how difficult is it to get a job like that

[@santiagomartinez9728]

Hey man! how do you get that sort of job?

[@DonB.-Mulefivefive]

@@lewislorethe6553 USAJOBS.gov. Look under US Forest Service, National Park Service and BLM ( Bureau of Landmanagement- might have some towers left but notmany. NPS has several scattered all along the Cascade range . Forest Service is in several states. in just about 2-3 weeks hiring for the next season should be or may already be undre way. Applications on line. Good luck!

[@bernsky]

This guy must be in his 50s at least if not older. i remember going to firetowers as a kid in the 80s and they were being phased out. they just dont need them with satelite technology now. Its not really a job anymore. if you want to read more: check out desolation angels by kerouac and desert solitaire by edward abbey

[@DonB.-Mulefivefive]

@@bernsky False and not by a small margin either. Towers are being phased back in because, satllites dont tell you some certain key features. The jobs are still out there and advertised annually. Abbey was a terrorist and even he said so.

[@stephenmiller5023]

Great story . Here in San Diego California we lost an Unsung Hero named Norm Mitchel about 5-6 years back who did Fire lookout out at the old “ Los Pinos” lookout tower About 50 miles or so East of Downtown. Norm was my friend and worked there tirelessly for over 25 years , and had stories & log book entries of visits from people his whole career. He was an enigmatic figure there & anyone who he met became his friend , and Norm had MANY . He is missed by those who knew him as he passed away suddenly one year , and the tower has pretty much fallen into nowhere near its former glory as the Forest service doesn’t man it hardly anymore that I can tell at least , and it needs some repairs , things that Norm did willingly & as far as I knew out of his own pocket as he loved his job & took pride in his work , and it showed. Your guy here in this video immediately reminded me of Norm , and I wanted to say “ Thank you , for doing this service , and for all you do “ Rest In Peace , Norm Mitchel.

[@Proteus6684]

wish I could thumbs up this 1000%, Great guys who do this job with little government support....shame on the government for letting such a national asset die

[@somethingorother9263]

Peace to Norm Mitchel. Why not apply or atleast find someone to take the mantle.

[@theohicks9268]

Can’t get over how good the editing, color grading and cinematography are in your videos! Very impressive stuff!

[@Fallen608]

Seriously. The budget on this thing must have been pretty decent.

[@Polymecha]

I feel like the only budget he had was willpower This was likely intended to spread awareness of the decline and eventual extinction of this long-forgotten practice and possibly maintain it for future generations to come. @@Fallen608

[@Brinta3]

I was reading your comment at the same moment the camera shake at around 17:10 was annoying me. But otherwise I agree with you!

[@thewoodlandbear2529]

As a kid, I watched this game firewatch, and was immediately in love. Becoming older now, I read books and watched videos like this. It was a dream job I couldn't have. I would love to do exactly what russ is doing

[@trifix]

First of all - the cinematogrophy, color grading and editing is exceptional in this video. Second - I like many others didn't know fire lookouts existed until the game Firewatch. Me as somewhat of lonewolf was extremly fascinated with the thought of fire lookouts and the job that they were doing!

[@dbugman1]

Seriously you honestly didn't know fire towers existed ? Man, those things used to be everywhere all over the US, mainly in rural areas. You learn something new every day

[@OldTime--Gamer]

exactly, but the interview shots were kind of strange on wide shots and shakey :(

[@Apollo007.]

@@dbugman1 yeah... it so sad that almost all of them are gone. It sounds like such a beautiful job, and amazing to meet hikers there and tell them stories.

[@gunnergunnarsson3534]

Not everyone lives in the US@@dbugman1

[@d-day1050]

@@dbugman1 the thing is that he's can be not from US

[@davidadams405]

Really well done. I’ve known Russ for many years and helped replace the roof on that lookout a few years back. As well as showcasing the historical value of these structures, you captured the essence of a fine man doing a job he dearly loves.

[@AB-hu2uw]

show us some bush landings fella

[@davidadams405]

@@AB-hu2uw Sooner or later I’ll get around to processing all the video I have. Once you retire, ya never have any time.

[@Kdschaak]

My Dad, Mom and Uncle all worked for the Forest Service in the late 60's here in Oregon. They all have super fascinating stories from their time in the lookouts. My mom said the stools sat on special insulators that were supposed to protect you during thunder storms. My uncle told me of a time where he was in one and could see another one in the distance through his scope. He said they were having a big lightening storm and he saw his buddies tower take a huge hit. They had radios to communicate but they weren't working. My uncle was worried his buddy might have been hurt, so he got his pack and hiked for hours cross country to the other lookout. His buddy was fine. He had left the tower to get shelter when things were looking too dangerous. They all worked in those big wildfire camps too. Those are the best stories. Ill always remember how my dad looked a smelled when he cam home from a fire. His sooty yellow fire shirt, and deep smoky smell meant he was home safe again. He would also come to our school and talk about Rangers, fire safety, and Smokey the Bear. He gave out STB swag too. Stickers, automobile trash bags, pins.

[@patchycb]

As someone from the UK where we have nothing like lookouts it's something I've always been super fascinated by (as many people I was first introduced to them by the game Firewatch and have just had a fascination with them ever since!) and will definitely be one of the things I hope to see when I do eventually visit America

[@moonasha]

here in new york state there's a bunch of restored fire towers on mountain tops that you can climb up for a 360 view, it's pretty cool

[@MickyAspire]

Everyone that likes fire lookouts should play Firewatch, very scenic game with great storytelling

[@declandorsey9662]

Such a lovely thought. I've lived in the us all my life and definitely took them for granted until watching this video and reading your comment. I enjoyed Firewatch but never really looked into the real thing. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Hope you enjoy your stay here whenever that may be.

[@lucasbuttalicka4521]

If you’re lucky enough come to western Canada. We still have lookout towers and jobs to be a lookout.

[@iainmore3961]

I remember open Fire Lookout towers from my childhood in Scotland. I often spent overnight stays in them with a friend. I know of one that is still standing but wouldn't stay overnight in it due to drunken aholes and wasted dope heads spoiling the experience. Drunken aholes managed to burn my favorite tower to the ground.

[@cole2716]

Earlier this week I had an opprotunity to play the game "Firewatch". I had a buddy of mine recommend it to me- lone behold I finished the game in two days. I must admit I don't know how I should feel, but it's a good feeling of not knowing how to feel. Out of place, yet comfortable and settled. (10/10 game, definently recommend) This video not only showcases the beautiful tradtions of being a fire scout, which specifically resonated with me because of my experience I recently had with the game Firewatch, but also the true BEAUTY of America's forests. The stories told, the imagination of standing where an old scout once did, looking over the horizon for any ounce of smoke that could be a fire. What a video. Very well done.

[@loragunning5394]

Stumbled on this video and so glad I did. I lived in western Washington State for almost 40 years, embraced between The Olympic Mountains and The Cascades, with the islands and waters of Puget Sound as my daily companions. I live in northern Idaho now and while Idaho is indeed very pretty, it pales in comparison to the breathtaking beauty of Washington, in my opinion. This short film brought tears to my eyes, as many images of Washington do, I miss my long-time home so very, very much. despite now living here in Idaho these past 10 years. Washington will always be the home of my heart.

[@the_bearded_firefighter5160]

As a prior fire lookout and now firefighter this is a good story. However there are a lot more active lookouts than you said, also there is a federal archive that documents these towers and puts them in a protected category.

[@Anberel]

I don’t know how many are manned by the forest service, but there are several in Washington that operate as FCFS shelters for hikers. I have no idea whether they’re being regularly maintained either by the forest service or the national park service, though.

[@Temperius]

I wonder why they still exist as sattelites do the same thing

[@PhillipVu]

i've been watching your videos for so long and i'm seeing you evolve into this info-nature documentary niche makes me so happy. BTW you're one of the people that taught me to make videos :)

[@AidinRobbins]

Means the world my friend! Really appreciate the continued support 🥹

[@AikonikBoy]

@@AidinRobbins In contrast, this is the first time I'm finding your channel but do you think this individual would be open to further visitors provided proper advanced communications?

[@therabbidt]

@@AidinRobbins Your work is incredible ♥Please keep up the amazing effort. I've always been a fan of nature and your videos just hit the absolute sweetspot for me

[@olachens]

@@AikonikBoy Go there at a reasonable (usually 9:30 - 6) time in the summer, only go up if invited. You don't need permission to hike up there, same with all lookouts in WA on public land.

[@AikonikBoy]

@@olachens thank you!

[@m.k.mcgill]

“It’s one thing to read the account of a homesteader, but it’s another thing to stand on their front porch.” This truly speaks to the tangibility of a place like these lookouts. Beautiful video. Just absolutely amazing.

[@Arbiter-j6l]

He is so in-tune with life. Vibrating being in the moment. Admirable

[@Jamal.S]

One of the most beautiful films I've seen in a long time. Appreciate the work. I had really forgotten how beautiful the American landscape was.

[@DanielleBeaty]

My son, a 20 year old Eagle Scout going into firefighting, and myself stumbled onto your channel tonight. We binged every video you have shared. As fellow N. Carolinians, we loved the story about the Appalachians, the tallest trees in the world (🤫), and the fire towers. You have a gift for story telling. Don’t ever stop!

[@supercooldude824]

@RepentandbelieveinJesusChristamen the desires of this world are temporary

[@jameelalom2961]

After I stumbled onto the tallest trees in the world, I also binged some of his other videos and watched his channel regularly. Excellent storytelling.

[@sevitaral]

can you help me become a firefighter

[@hightiescannabis4827]

Ever heard of Redwood National Park? Pretty sure those have taller trees.

[@NoahBerzerk]

@RepentandbelieveinJesusChrist shush

[@parkerjordan9444]

In July of 2021, I got the chance to hike to the top of Mount Harkness in Lassen Volcanic National Park. I got to speak with the watchman who lived in the fire tower up there. He shared the tower’s history, purpose, what his day-to-day was like, and welcomed me up to see his views. It was such an inspiring and captivating space. Sadly, one month later, in August, the Mount Harkness fire tower was burnt down in the Dixie Fire. It’s sad knowing I can’t go back and see it. Towers are beautiful places, keeping them around for just that alone is worth it.

[@DonB.-Mulefivefive]

Never give up! We'll build it back better and it will, return!! Shots up!!

[@HikingWithJustin]

Man, this video just hits for me. Incredible cinematography, but beyond that, THE STORY. I became enamored with these little lookouts in just about the same way, they make incredible hiking destinations, and then learning about the history and stories made me fall in love. I sort of adopted a local lookout tower here in NW Montana that has been abandoned and this year finally got the opportunity to get on work party to fully restore it! So stoked to save one of these incredible places. Again, awesome video! I’ll be sharing it far and wide!

[@etBulkyBear]

Dude what is this video quality holy f... This is pure cinema movie on a youtube. Your color correction and shots are top notch. Never seen better. It's amazing how much of yourself you invest into 1 video

[@BAJJURI.JYOTHISHWARNATH]

5:35 i compltely fell in love with the videography

[@csepke2]

Every time I see your videos, a kind of “home sickness” rises in me for nature. I never lived in the woods, but I am originally from a small town(pretty much a village)in Hungary, that is surrounded by woods and nature. There is something about mountains and forests that I feel a strong connection to.

[@sayochikun3288]

Forget all that. You are supposed to work indoors 10 hours everyday so you can spend your money on stuff you dont need. This is the future

[@csepke2]

@@sayochikun3288 that actually is the past and the present. But the mind can only predict based on past experiences, so it can only imagine the same shit that already happened. Or versions of it. In reality, the human mind is absolutely limited and has no way of knowing what life can bring. But because it focuses on things it thinks it already knows, it keeps recreating the same scenarios over and over. Hence why mankind always repeats history. Until it learns to pay attention to life itself, instead of the chatter of the “monkey brain”.

[@miketusz131]

I have similar feelings too. Also hungarian here.

[@csepke2]

@@miketusz131 Hi fellow Hungarian! 😊

[@iamarizonaball2642]

I live in Arizona. Phoenix Arizona. I just want to move to… the Netherlands. Europe. It’s just, better.

[@mountainhobbit1971]

the Smokey the Bear program was one of the most effective government programs ever. I got to spend one season in a lookout tower 2010 in Montana, that was the last year that tower was staffed, most lookouts now are 'vacation rentals'. Thank you so much for sharing this...I will never forget that summer.

[@easternju87]

There are multiple active lookouts in the Frank Church Wilderness in Montana and Idaho. As wildland firefighter, we rely on them heavily. Fantastic video!

[@treydee1260]

Facts, i visit the one north of challis idaho on the twin peaks all the time. The guy who works it is a pretty cool guy

[@shannonfoster5806]

Long tom?

[@ZIOGD]

Im feeling ironbark lookouut vibes. (fears to fathom)

[@duckydewer]

I saved this video as a reminder of my late father. He worked for the National Weather Service his entire career. At the end in what they called, "Fire Weather," and he would visit these lookouts as part of his job. He would drive ridiculous hours in a camper filled with Weather Forecasting gear (what they called a Mobile unit) to get to a forest fire to forecast weather conditions for the Fire Bosses. This video and the man you interviewed made me very emotional. It's one of the few positive memories I have of my Father. Thank you for this video; I am grateful for it. Thank you.

[@chrisprescott272]

The cinematography in this video is some of the best I’ve ever seen. High quality! Thanks for sharing your talent and bringing light to this extremely important piece of American history.

[@markjlewis]

What a glorious life. It doesn't sound lonely with numerous visitors a day but I would love the solitude in between. Long may Russ continue to send time at the lookout.

[@keithstapleton2087]

as a fellow Washingtonian i love the fact that this video exists, everyone usually thinks about seattle or something like that but the best thing about washington is by far the mountains and forests. every year there are fires here and we love these fire lookouts to explore and some you can actually camp in with permission. washington has some of the best landscapes around for driving and hiking and i want to thank you for showcasing these

[@EyeofValor]

Stark contrast, the ugly Seattle versus the mountains.

[@shushyshushy6762]

@@EyeofValor Seattle has gotten worse and worse year by year. Now as a Seattle born Washingtonian, I just see a husk of what was once considered the Emerald City of the west coast..

[@tzzz7]

Shhh...let's keep this secret😉

[@redline1916]

@@shushyshushy6762 Please don't bring Seattle over to the south or anywhere in the mountains and Appalachia, thanks.

[@shushyshushy6762]

@@redline1916 Ah I see, another UnAmerican pretending to be an American by not helping their fellow Americans, No wonder this country is so fucked and divided. Hope WW3 starts and we get NUKED to all hell.

[@mayureshpatil1873]

You deserve more recognition for your work, even though this content doesn't match today's young generation like short videos it's more then a history lesson.

[@PureEnjoyment-ForYou]

“They are just special”This touched me so much. Meaning changed when demands changed, but even if you like it alone without reason, that’s where the major meaning of one thing is❤

[@louiswj295]

I was born in washington and have lived here for 10 of my 16 years on this planet and I just wanna say how grateful i am for people like this guy for protecting the lands of washington because these rolling mountains and forests are the most magical things i've ever seen on this planet and I dont know what i would do if i couldn't go and enjoy them, and thank you for capturing the beauty of washington in this video.

[@adamkennedy796]

Hey man, just wanted to tell you that your video popped up on my recommended and it is easily the highest quality KZbin video that I have ever seen. The cinematography... absolutely amazing, the soundtrack was beautiful, the voice over was crystal clear and well placed. And you kept my full attention the entire way through. Your video was super emotive and honestly just a pleasure to watch. Thank you !

[@Jarekthegamingdragon]

I didn't realize they were so rare. I live in Portland and grew up in the scouts. I went camping once a month my whole life. We frequently visited these look outs. Not the big easy to access ones, but the ones deep in the mountains. As a kid I hated the hike but I loved not needing to sleep in a tent for once. Or more accurately, not having to put a tent away after.

[@russiabear4044]

Well , i surprised

[@Jinjinajin]

this is profound sadness in 18 mins and its beautiful

[@TheLostGrem]

The new fears to fathom made me curious. The game made the tower so cozy

[@ktkthakre]

I don't know exactly how the algorithm suggested me this video, but thank god it did. This was one of the most well thought-out, euphorically shot, and brilliantly narrated KZbin video I've seen in a long time. Your storytelling is top tier. And hats off to Russ Dalton for sharing his epic journey. You can see in his manner of speaking that this job has kept him calm and composed throughout all those decades of working in such isolated and remote locations. One last thing, the question that Aidin asked "Are fire lookouts still worth saving?". I would say for the beauty of it and the now obscurity of it... absolutely YES! Thanks for sharing this!

[@baigus]

This is for sure one of your most incredible works to date. I am from Pakistan so there's not much I can do for the fire lookout tradition in the US but I sincerely hope the natives watching this were not only moved as much as I was by watching this film, but also unify for the greater purpose that was depicted in this film. Thank you for sharing the true power of filmmaking and stories Aidin!

[@STVLK3R]

I got literal chills, when the drone shot started "zooming out" from that last lookout, before going into the epilogue. This is some damn good content.

[@Sek_0]

when i was younger, i was dreaming to become a fire lookout, i got tears watching your video. Just insane

[@shanemag-ash6315]

The vibes of this place remind me of Fears to Fathom: Ironbark Lookout

[@Mcgeee]

Incredible work man. It's so rare seeing someone as talented as you behind the camera also being such a good storyteller. One of my favorites so far

[@vikramsharma2910]

You're growing as a filmmaker! Cheers to you and thank you for inspiring others. Your're really setting up the bar for nature filmmaking.

[@joshramirez7]

I will always have a fascination with fire lookouts and towers since playing Firewatch a few years ago. Seems like such a peaceful job and great for introverts.

[@kingkris4119]

The quality of the filming in this video really makes it stand out from others I’ve seen, it really conveys the subject really well. Thank you for giving me an insight into these fire lookouts all the way back here in the UK.

[@568843daw]

Thank you for the video. 👍 My great aunt Tootsie was a Fire Lookout and a hell-of-a hunter too. She lived for the outdoors. Her husband and children as well. He was a train engineer and they had a house in a valley town… . On her days off she canned fruit, attended church and made ‘Shine’ which she sold to townsfolk. It was gooood sh#t! Times were rough back then and the people were determined to survive. But I think they weren’t rough as in gruff, uncultured and Deliverence like but loving, self confident, family centric and creative. She was small in stature and a natural beauty. She and her family contributed the best the could to society. She was a fabulous, generous, brave women. An inspiring example of womanhood for generations. How many of us can say that about our influence?

[@juliangreengiant]

I'm from the UK and just last week was in the US. My friend and host suggested we walk to the Fryingpan lookout tower near Asheville NC. It was awesome to see it appear here in your montage a couple of times. Keep up the excellent work. Great video

[@stevehaney7584]

Thanks, Aidin! I live in Washington State and have hiked up many times to fire lookouts and even if they're not being used, they are still in some of the most beautiful places in the mountains. I love the lookouts at Desolation Peak, Sourdough, Hidden Lake, and Green Mountain. I like that you're drawing attention to these beautiful structures and their history. The more people know about them, the more likely they'll be preserved and maintained.

[@Mike0193Azul]

Gorgeous cinematography and storytelling. Great info given. Huge respect to anyone that works to protect animals, plants, and environments. 💚

[@scotteger6271]

I really appreciate the effort you put into this…very high level of finish to this short film. I’ve always loved the idea of spending a summer in a fire tower as a lookout. Especially now with the crazy world we all live in, the stress of work, having children and rarely a silent moment. The idea of just being out there, one with nature…peaceful and serene.

[@davidbalakirev5963]

I really hope this video yields an award of some kind. It's wonderful beyond words.

[@matushka__]

my guy playing firewatch irl, or are you being a firewatchman in the game?

[@ejuss4216]

well... firewatch is about IRL...

[@AidinRobbins]

Immersive VR experience 🕹

[@matushka__]

@@AidinRobbins Augmented reality.

[@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive]

Imagine playing Firewatch in a firewatch lookout tower.

[@matushka__]

@@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive now that is truly next level.

[@matthewjpowers]

Omg i stumbled on this video by accident, and couldn’t believe my eyes! I was a volunteer ranger in NOCA NP in 1994, and returned as a SCA trail crew leader in ‘96, working out of Hozmeen on Ross Lake, where Russ taught this punk college kid how to run a chainsaw responsibly. So good to see him still watching over the most beautiful landscape in the country. Hope you’re doing well old friend.

[@elijahpostdc]

There is still an active fire lookout program in Marin County, CA in which I’ve participated. My father has been staffing the one on top of Mt. Tamalpias for decades and still does about 20 days per year of service today.

[@rubes1688]

There's quite a few in the Sierra Nevada's as well. I think he just said this was the last lookout to use it as clickbait

[@HURRIC4NEyt]

Beautiful place bro, after Firewatch and also F2F ep 4 I kinda fell in love with these fire lookout jobs even tho its terrifying in F2F but I bet this is one of the most chill jobs out there

[@carpet7664]

my dad fought fire for the forest service for almost 30 years. always love hearing about this kind of stuff and knowing that other people are getting a better idea of how it all works

[@BbMaj13Sharp11]

The Big Burn is a fantastic book that describes the introduction of the forest service with Teddy Roosevelt. It gives the story of this fire and all of the people who were affected by it. Really a fantastic book, fun to read as it is presented like an adventure novel and is incredibly well researched.

[@Waterboyofsuperman]

Some of the most beautiful shots from Fremont lookout that I’ve seen. Really well done.

[@TrailRunner44]

I staff one of the most remote lookouts in the country and just wanted to say, you capture the essence of fire lookouts perfectly. Thank you for sharing with the general population who may never get to visit one in person - but can experience it through your terrific film.

[@seanjones2456]

I am 52, I look forward to retirement and visiting spots like these. Stay healthy and enjoy the views.

[@amnush2769]

Captivated by the view, engulfed by the story, drowned in the cinematography. What a masterpiece 👏

[@mayolvr]

Dude this is one of the best productions I've seen on youtube. Your shots and color grading are unmatched along with accompanying music, sounds, and dialog!

[@IAMAliIbrahim]

simply wonderful, the scenery has got its own effect but your photography skills are a bonus to it

[@derrekord]

Incredible work! I was excited to see a 20 min video from you because I know you put a lot of work into your stuff :)

[@KEWLAID81]

After my grandfather retired from his job he became a look out ranger for a couple of years. I got to spend 1 weekend yo there with them. It was so much fun and unbelievably beautiful.

[@SirBee1]

This video was a historical masterpiece. The roles these fire watchers in the past are played looked down today. Thank you for making this video

[@tminusnyc2915]

Absolutely stunning piece. Thank you so much for spotlighting Russ and providing the visuals exemplifying his story. The man is a living legend. Also, please send a copy of this small film to the TriBeCa Film Festival as an entry. You need a bigger stage to showcase your vision, and the world can greatly benefit from your perspective.

[@moose9680]

I absolutely love your projects. Thank you.

[@zephyerus]

There are a handful still active and standing in the Nez Perce-Selway forests in Northern Idaho i have visited. Several of the rangers being at their same lookouts anywhere from 20-50 years. It's very rich in history and so many stories in just the same forests.

[@jesselll5165]

this reminds me the firewatch game, chill and peaceful.

[@delossmcwilliams4458]

Hi Aldin, My husband and I were fire lookouts in the Kootenai National Forest of NW Montana. We spent 3 summers in the early 1970’s on Blue Mountain Lookout. I was told that I was the first woman to attend the fire school there. The last summer, my husband was on big fires, and I was the sole lookout. It paid for our university tuition, and provides extraordinary memories.

[@RubenMaciel]

This is SO GOOD! Every single detail is well-thought-out and adds to the story-telling side of things.

[@jeb123]

1:02 insane shot

[@GreenL00gie]

Another 10 seconds is another photograph worthy shot 😂

[@bubbaray575]

Nice to see a fellow Tar Heel. Here in SE NC I know of at least four of the towers. Must have been pretty lonely work before the internet. We do have a LOT of controlled burns here and we appreciate just how much work the forest service does. Extremely well put together, sir.

[@SeeMoreWithC]

Wonderful and beautiful landscape and video. It touched me so much that I cried. We need more stories like this about ordinary people doing great things as caretakers of the land. You are a great storyteller. Thank you for your voice, vision, and talent.

[@dripsy6187]

That was the first time ever i was just captivated by a video, the first time i wanted to share a video to people. I used to live in Washington, and i am so disappointed i never got the chance to do this.

[@mattmatimateo]

man i love your style of editing, its so relaxing, keep up the good work!

[@belovedfriday]

absolutely loved this video. your story telling and visuals are next level!

[@kp5119]

This is incredibly well shot and the storytelling is paced perfectly. As a long time fan of the fire towers, it's great to see them getting attention!

[@Neur0nauT]

@7:00 I loved how you visualised all of the tasks this man undertook while on the mountain. Just mitigated any preconceptions instantly.

[@carsonmeyers5678]

I don’t normally comment on videos but I have lived in the PNW for 30 years and I must say your production and facts bring me a whole new appreciation and inspire me to keep exploring! Thank you so much keep up the great work.

[@datmanydocris]

My family owns land on Mount Utsayantha in upstate New York and at the top of the mountain there's an old decommissioned fire lookout tower. They view from up there is truly amazing, you can almost see all the way to Delaware. Every time I go visit my uncle, I always go visit it and can spend hours up there just looking at the surrounding. Especially during the fall when the leaves are changing, it's a view that cannot be beat.

[@ghost.bird.studios]

This was shot and edited beautifully, amazing work!

[@lambosenpaii6089]

fears to fathom flashback

[@muaazadinho9528]

FR

[@Sober1299]

idk why, but when the music was hitting several different time during the video, and the camera showed the views from some of the lookouts i got really teary eyed...its kind of amazing..

[@masons.4287]

i visited devils head lookout in colorado this summer. its an amazing hike and has beautiful view. i have grown up exploring the outdoors ,hiking ,fishing, backpacking ,camping , hunting , kayaking, with my father here in colorado. watching rangers and forest crew work pushed me to go to college to get a biology degree. it gave me a greater understanding of howbeautiful the world is around us. i hope to one day work with the men and women in the national park service and teach and help people appreciate the land that is right out their front door. videos like this keep me motivated to pursue my dream. keep up with the good work!

[@larrygerfen2801]

Back in the early sixties Dad and I came across one of these Fire Watch towers. We were surprised to see it was “manned” by a young woman. Talking to her we learned the Forest Service preferred women as they had less tendency to be affected by the loneliness of being by yourself for extended periods.

[@alwaysuseless]

Just discovered your channel through this masterpiece! So well organized and clearly presented. Great photography. Thank you for this! I feel really lucky that KZbin recommended this video just a day after you uploaded it. Now I can watch your other videos, while waiting for the next one, as a video of this quality must take a lot of time and work to produce.

[@hectorarias9516]

They’re not all abandoned! CalFire still supports several fire lookouts in the Sierra Nevadas, with volunteer lookouts manning them 24/7 during fire season. If you’re ever in the Pinegrove area of California, look up Mt. Zion lookout. It’s the CalFire battalion 3 headquarters, with an actively used and staffed tower.

[@kelseymb21]

North Carolina Native here. We truly do have some beautiful mountains!

[@PraetorianAU]

I came back to re-watch this again. It's a shame so many of these places are being torn down. If I live in America, I would buy one and go live in it. I live alone and have for a long time now. I don't socialize with others very much so being alone is nothing something that others me.