Grasshopper Fire destroys Flag Point Lookout

The U.S. Forest Service said the Grasshopper Fire destroyed Flag Point Lookout on Aug. 1 after firefighters spent several days trying to protect the historic structure in Mt. Hood National Forest. The lookout site had been used for wildfire detection since 1924, according to the Forest Service and the National Historic Lookout Register. The loss came as the fire continued to expand across the Mount Hood area and prompted evacuation notices affecting major recreation sites, including Timberline Lodge. Columbia Gorge News first reported the destruction and said the lookout had long been a local landmark. ### When was Flag Point Lookout destroyed? The Mt. Hood National Forest newsroom said fire officials confirmed on Aug. 1 that the Grasshopper Fire had destroyed the lookout “last night,” placing the loss in the overnight period leading into Aug. 1. The Forest Service said crews had made “an extensive effort” in the preceding days to prepare and defend the structure. (fs.usda.gov) Columbia Gorge News reported the lookout was destroyed as the fire burned through the area east of Mt. Hood. Other regional reports, including KOIN and Statesman Journal summaries surfaced in search results, also placed the destruction at the start of August. ### Why was this lookout significant? Flag Point’s history stretches back to 1924, when the first lookout at the site was installed, according to the Forest Service. (fs.usda.gov) The current structure was built in 1973, but the site continued to be staffed every summer as part of the forest’s fire-detection network, which also includes patrols, cameras and other remote sensing tools. (columbiagorgenews.com) The National Historic Lookout Register says the original 1924 structure was a 6-by-6-foot cabin on a 40-foot timber pole tower. A 1932 replacement followed before the 1973 flattop tower was built. A Forest Service recreation page describes Flag Point as sitting at about 5,650 feet on Flag Point Butte. ### What did officials say about the loss? The Forest Service said Flag Point “holds a special place for many members of the surrounding communities.” That statement was repeated in later local coverage after the agency confirmed the destruction. (fs.usda.gov) Fire officials did not announce any immediate rebuilding plan in the material reviewed. (nhlr.org) The agency’s statement instead focused on the structure’s role in detection and on the effort crews made before the fire overran the site. ### How does this connect to Timberline Lodge and evacuations? OregonLive reported Timberline Lodge was placed under a Level 1 “be ready” evacuation order as the Grasshopper Fire grew, while Mt. (fs.usda.gov) Hood Meadows faced a higher-level evacuation notice. KATU and other local outlets reported similar conditions around Government Camp and the Highway 35 corridor. The Forest Service said a closure remains in place for the Grasshopper Fire area and directed visitors to county sheriff evacuation notices and Watch Duty for current levels. The closure notice said travelers should check whether an area is under Level 3 “Go Now,” Level 2 “Be Set” or Level 1 “Get Ready” before heading into the forest. ### Where does the fire stand now? (oregonlive.com) The most recent reports surfaced in search results said the Grasshopper Fire had grown to more than 34,000 acres by Aug. 5, with containment still limited. Willamette Week, OregonLive and other outlets described the blaze as a major threat to Mount Hood landmarks and a significant source of smoke across the Portland region. (fs.usda.gov) The next official updates are expected through the Mt. Hood National Forest alerts and newsroom pages, where the Forest Service has been posting closure notices and incident statements tied to the Grasshopper Fire. (fs.usda.gov) (wweek.com)