The Mount Carlton Fire Tower was built in the early 1920s as part of a wider effort by the New Brunswick government to create a fire detection system for the province’s forests. The tower is located at the summit of Mount Carlton, which is the highest peak in New Brunswick at 817 meters (2,677 feet) above sea level. The tower itself is situated in a strategic location, providing a clear line of sight over the surrounding forested areas. Like other fire towers from that era, the Mount Carlton Fire Tower was a tall, wooden structure, often built with a small cabin at the top for the ranger. The cabin would contain the necessary equipment for fire spotting, including binoculars, maps, and a telephone to communicate with local firefighting crews.