Before the time of modern telecommunications, lookout observers had to use their imagination to inform the dispatcher of the outbreak and location of fires. As strange as it might seem today, a common signaling method used in 1910 by lookout observers in Oregon consisted of dynamite blasts.

To report the presence and approximate location of smoke from a fire, the lookout observer first produced a single large blast. To communicate the direction of the fire from the lookout station and its approximate distance, the observer would then set off smaller blasts at timed intervals. In the early twentieth century, Oregon's Crater National Forest published specific instructions on how to use blasting signals.

Lookouts also had mirrors and flags, but these were useless in rain or fog. As often as not, however, these primitive systems failed simply because the intended recipient was not paying attention.

Spring Rains and Fire Danger