Nobscot Fire Gongs

Back before cell phones, Nobscot managed wildfires through a network of fire gongs.  

They were made from railroad rails - formed into a large circle approximately 4’ in diameter 

They hung from a wooden frame or a large tree limb on a chain.  

Hanging alongside the gong was a long-handled sledgehammer that was used to ring the gong.  

The gongs were strategically placed around the reservation with a large metal red tool bin next to them holding a fire rake, shovel, Indian pump and fire broom.

Each Fire Station was numbered.  

If there was a fire in the area, you’d ring the gong the number of the station.  That would tell campers across the reservation where the fire was. 

We were told as campers to leave the reservation and meet at the Ranger’s area.  

One of the requirements for the Nobscot Guide Course was to know the numbers and location of each fire station. 

The older Nobscot maps circa 1950-60’s had the stations shown on the map.