USDA Forest Service
Daniel Boone
National Forest
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391

Phone: 859-745-3100
FAX: 859-744-1568

Suspected Arson Fire Burns Tater Knob Fire Tower

For Immediate Release

Contact: Marie Walker – (859) 745-3145
Jerry Wheeless – (606) 784-6428

MOREHEAD, December 4, 2008 - A suspected arson fire burned the cab of Tater Knob Fire Tower located on the Daniel Boone National Forest in Bath County. Tater Knob was the last remaining fire tower on the national forest and is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register. The Tower is currently unsafe and the area is closed to the public.

Tater Knob Fire Tower was built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The structure on top, known as the cab, was rebuilt in 1959. It was staffed daily during the fire season from 1934 until the early 1970’s. In 1993, the Tower was restored and opened to the public, with the help of the Tater Knob Fire Tower Restoration Committee, Kentucky Bicentennial Commission, Bath County Historical Society, Frenchburg Job Corps Center, U.S. Forest Service and many volunteers.

If anyone has any information as to the cause of this fire, please call the U.S. Forest Service at 859-745-3100 or 606-784-6428, and ask to speak to a law enforcement officer. A reward will be given for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

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