A fire lookout's job is, well, to look out for fires. Lookouts don't have a lot of fancy tools - binoculars, a compass, maps, a two-way radio, and an "alidade," which is a combination of a map and compass on a special mount. But the job they do is important. A sharp-eyed lookout can spot a fire when it's just a puff of smoke.

The first Tripod Peak Lookout tower was built in 1921. It was removed in 1977 and replaced with the tower you see now. Inside is a small living area with room for a bed, a little cooking gear, and not much else! Hey, did you expect a hot tub and big screen TV?

Fire lookout towers were first built in the early 1900s. The very first fire lookout tower in Idaho was build in 1902. In those days, families often occupied the lookouts, living in a small cabin at its base. Lookouts weren't all towers. Some were small tents; others were complete log houses.

Very cool fact: Before dependable telephone lines, lookouts sometimes "talked" with each other through a code flashed by mirrors. The mirrors were called heliographs.

Very hot fact: When lightning is headed toward a lookout tower, the person inside sits or stands on a wood stool with glass legs. Wood and glass are poor conductors of electricity. So the lookout won't have a shocking experience if lightning zaps the tower.

When lightning strikes a tower, things can get a little hairy. One lookout said his hair stands on end just before the tower gets zapped. Then, there's a blinding glare, like a huge camera flash. And a clap of thunder that sounds like the sky just split open. Still think you want to be a fire lookout?