KERN COUNTY
WHEELER RIDGE
Private
July 28, 1928: "Said to be one of the first co-operative moves by corporations in California to aid the state in combating forest and grass fires, The Standard Oil Company is operating a fire lookout at Wheeler Ridge. The station is being operated without cost to either state or county, according to Fire Warden R.V. Wood.
Mr. Wood said today: 'Officials of the Standard Oil Company in Kern county are enthusiastically and wholeheartedly co-operating with my office in protecting grass and timber lands from fire. Several months ago I approached officials of the company relative to securing co-operation in protecting lives and property. This assistance was assured me.'
'Immediately company officials ordered the construction of an alidade, or instrument for locating fires, and its installation on Wheeler Ridge. When the instrument was completed it was mounted on one of the company's tanks and a lookout station established.
'Not only is the company maintaining this station without cost to the county or state but is co-operating in every way possible. When men are needed to fight fire Standard Oil employes are rushed to the front and kept on the job as long as needed. It is co-operation such as this that increases the efficiency of my department and means added protection for property in the county.' " (Bakersfield Californian)
Mr. Wood said today: 'Officials of the Standard Oil Company in Kern county are enthusiastically and wholeheartedly co-operating with my office in protecting grass and timber lands from fire. Several months ago I approached officials of the company relative to securing co-operation in protecting lives and property. This assistance was assured me.'
'Immediately company officials ordered the construction of an alidade, or instrument for locating fires, and its installation on Wheeler Ridge. When the instrument was completed it was mounted on one of the company's tanks and a lookout station established.
'Not only is the company maintaining this station without cost to the county or state but is co-operating in every way possible. When men are needed to fight fire Standard Oil employes are rushed to the front and kept on the job as long as needed. It is co-operation such as this that increases the efficiency of my department and means added protection for property in the county.' " (Bakersfield Californian)