Spokane, WA

For fire lookout enthusiasts, Ray Kresek is a sort of celebrity. A retired DNR fire warden and Spokane Fire Department firefighter, he authored the famous book Fire Lookouts of the Northwest, the most complete guide to lookouts in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana. Out of print for several years, it will cost you $80+ to get your hands on. He’s led efforts to preserve the Salmo-Priest Wilderness and won a Smokey Bear award for his service and excellence in wildland fire prevention.

Ray maintains a fire lookout museum in his backyard in Spokane that is available for public visitation by appointment.

You would expect Ray's home to be out in the country, but instead, it's part of a quaint little established residential neighborhood. Ray shared his years of experience in fighting fires, and explained how his passion led to the preservation of the memorabilia contained in his museum - items that would normally be buried or burned when taken out of service. He has an incredible collection of fire lookout and firefighting items including fire suppression devices, safety equipment, communication devices, signs, and an L-6 fire lookout built from the salvaged remains of several decommissioned lookouts.

Ray said maintaining it all is becoming too difficult for him to maintain as he ages, and it is all scheduled to be distributed to various regional museums. It was special to have had the opportunity to have Ray provide our tour of the collection.