A landmark structure in the Mount Hood National Forest was destroyed overnight as a wildfire continues to rage east of the mountain.
Fire officials confirmed Saturday, Aug. 1, that the Flag Point Fire Lookout was burned down by the Grasshopper Fire. Flag Point has long been an important place for members of the surrounding communities — the first lookout at the site was installed in 1924, and the current Flag Point Lookout was built in 1973.
The difficult terrain complicated firefighter efforts in stopping the Grasshopper Fire. In the days leading up to its destruction crews cleared as much of the surrounding vegetation as possible. They removed trees and utilized fire retardant around the building to improve its chances of surviving the approaching flames. Firefighters remained on site as long as possible until conditions deteriorated…