Conference Themes and Subthemes
New directions for fire lookouts, theories of space and place or dwelling, architectural design in off-grid and natural settings, or forest management policy and technology that has augmented or replaced fire lookouts.
This year’s theme, “The Past and Future of Fire Lookouts,” focuses on exploring both the history and the evolving role of fire lookout towers and content adjacent to fire lookout towers. Our aim is to bring together diverse perspectives to shape the future of fire lookout towers, which remain integral to fire management policies in Idaho and across the American West. Presentations should be submitted under one of three themes:
Fire and forest management
We are interested in any presentations that examine forest management practices specifically in the American West. This can include research that examines fire policy and response, GIS tools for fire mapping and planning, or forestry practices related to wildfire management.
Lookout as structure
This may include the architecture of the lookout, or the architectural typologizing of the lookout building’s components. This theme may also include any research on various technological parts of the lookout structure such as the Osborne Fire Finder, the lightning equipment, bathing systems, and more. Any research that either examines the history of the lookout structure or envisions new use cases or theoretical structures is welcome to submit under this theme.
Lookout as person
The lookout is both a structure and a person (also referred to as a “fire watcher”). Papers that examine the lookout person may investigate the human relationship to space and place in the context of lookouts, the role of humans in the history of forest management and fire suppression, or the shifting role of the fire lookout or fire watcher. We also welcome research that examines the mythology of the human fire lookout.
Lookout as lifestyle
The fire lookout has given rise to a robust community of passionate enthusiasts. Many have created websites, historical projects, podcasts, YouTube chanels, and more about their relationship to fire lookouts. We encouarage those in the fire lookout community to submit abstracts for presentation.
Click here to submit an abstract or register as an attendee.