Ha! I made this when I was a teenager in my bedroom.
I remember using frozen grape juice concentrate and regular baking yeast with the sugar. I used a giant glass apple cider jug with a balloon on top.
When the balloon stopped expanding it was done.
FWIW, The Forest Fire Service had an airfield SE of that location. You can see on the aerial. Maybe there is a connection. Not aware of any fire tower ever being at that location though.