"I live on 14ft fire lookout in 1.6-million-acre forest - shops are 25 miles away"

  • 2 months ago
Meet the woman who lives in a 14ft fire lookout in the middle of a 1.6 million acre forest - 35 miles miles away from neighbours and shops.

Courtney McIntosh, 34, moved into 14ft by 14ft fire lookout in the wilderness in Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico, in April 2024.

She lives alone with her dog, Captain Pepperoni, and works from 8am until 6pm on the lookout for any smoke and fires which could destroy the forest - to alert the fire service to extinguish them.

The tiny abode comes with electricity, a stove, a mini fridge but has no running water - instead Courtney fills up water in the ranger station hour and 15 minutes away.

Courtney has to travel two hours car ride to reach the nearest shop - hiking past black bears - to get groceries including dry goods, fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen goods.

Courtney's boyfriend, Michael, 36, has visited the lookout once and Courtney will often take one day off a week and will use the day to do chores like getting mail, laundry, and groceries.

Recommended