Athabasca Lookout Tower Report Released
An independent review by a panel of experts has resulted in four recommendations to enhance safety at the Athabasca Lookout Tower.
The review followed the mysterious disappearance of lookout tower employee Stephanie Stewart on August 26, 2006. Her disappearance continues to be investigated by the RCMP.
The Expert Panel Review: Personal Safety and Site Security at Athabasca Lookout report was released by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development on July 23. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development hires seasonal staff at 128 lookout towers from April to October to help detect and report wildfires. The recommendations of the panel are being implemented at all lookouts in Alberta.
Here are the recommendations:
- Sustainable Resource Development should review the design and layout of lookout facilities using the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) program. Priority should be given to sites with high visitation.
- Sustainable Resource Development should review working-alone procedures in lookout observer training and lookout operations.
- Sustainable Resource Development should review personal safety training provided to lookout observers.
- Sustainable Resource Development should review its radio communication program (hardware and procedures) at lookout sites.
Implementing changes recommended by the panel is already well underway.