The sixth lookout to be registered in Canada and the first from British Columbia is Buchanan Lookout. The site, overlooking Kootenay Lake near Kalso, is 100 miles north of the Washington/Idaho border. The first lookout was constructed in 1920. In l965 it was replaced by the present 14’ x 14’ cab with catwalk atop a 18’ concrete block tower. Although no longer used for fire detection, the lookout has been restored with exhibits and a working fire finder. It is open to the public in the summer months. It was named after an American, George O. Buchanan, a lumberman who moved to the area in 1889 and worked for improved fire control. He is quoted as saying: “Our civilization is built on wood; it surrounds us from the cradle to the grave.”