In about 1910, the first lookouts were constructed in the Pacific Northwest. These structures were little more than trees with a few branches removed and a platform, of sorts, scabbed together in the treetop. A ladder nailed to the tree trunk provided access. Gradually, the quality and effectiveness of fire lookouts and fire detection improved. Plans for lookouts, and to some extent other administrative structures, were standardized in order to maximize efficiency in construction and maintenance.

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