Calif. fire lookout, 73, dies in McKinney Fire

For nearly 50 years, Shoopman lived in Klamath River (pop. 200), a town that was nearly entirely wiped out by flames. Homes, including those in a trailer park, a community hall and a few other businesses were destroyed. “That fire came down on the community with 60 to 70 mph winds coming down on it,” said Tom Stokesberry, the US Forest Service’s northern operations fire public affairs specialist.

“We share this sorrow with each and every one of you and we know that individually, and as the supportive community that we are, we will find many ways to honor Kathy’s life and service and keep her spirit in all of our lives,” the Forest Service said in a Facebook post honoring Shoopman.

Stokesberry said it’s his understanding that Shoopman was trying to evacuate when she died, but the circumstances of her death are still under investigation.

“When the fire made its initial push, she was caught in her home,” Stokesberry said.

Lookouts work shifts in towers that are situated on tall peaks and rise above forestland that’s at risk for wildfires. Their job is to identify fires when they first start and are small and easy to put out.

“She was one of the best,” Stokesberry said. “She is a legend in the lookout community. Ella she was not only able to identify the fires, but she could locate them with pinpoint accuracy.

The McKinney Fire, now the largest in the state this year, ignited near the California-Oregon border on July 29, quickly exploding into a raging monster that killed four people, including Shoopman. It destroyed more than 100 homes as it tore through 60,379 acres; it is 40% contained as of Monday.