Fire lookout

Fire lookout is a specific type of observation point used in wildfire prevention and control. It is a small building, usually located on the summit of a mountain or other high vantage point, to monitor the surrounding area for signs of wildfire.

History

The concept of the fire lookout has its roots in ancient times, with early civilizations using high points and towers as lookout points for various purposes, including the detection of enemy movements and the spotting of fires. The modern fire lookout, as we know it today, began to take shape in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States and Canada, where vast expanses of forest were vulnerable to wildfires.

Design and Construction

A typical fire lookout is a small cabin or hut, often no more than a single room in size, perched atop a tall tower to maximize the range of visibility. The building is usually equipped with large windows on all sides to provide a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. Inside, the main piece of equipment is the Osborne Fire Finder, a specialized type of alidade used for sighting and triangulating the location of a fire.

Role and Function

The primary role of a fire lookout is to spot and report wildfires as early as possible. This is achieved by a combination of visual observation and the use of equipment such as binoculars and the Osborne Fire Finder. Once a fire is spotted, the lookout uses the fire finder to determine the exact location of the fire and then communicates this information to the relevant fire control center.

Decline and Preservation

With the advent of more advanced fire detection technologies, such as satellite imagery and aerial surveillance, the use of fire lookouts has declined significantly since the mid-20th century. However, many fire lookouts are preserved as historic sites and some are still in active use, particularly in remote areas where modern technologies are less effective.

See Also

• Wildfire suppression
• Fire tower
• Osborne Fire Finder