I spend 3 months every summer living in a 14x14ft fire tower – I don’t pay rent or bills & the sunrise views are insane
A WOMAN has revealed how she lives in a tiny fire tower for three months of the year.
Michelle, from the US, took to social media to share a glimpse of her life as a fire watcher in the middle of a forest.
The young woman spends three months each summer looking out into the forest to alert officers of any fires.
While Michelle spends these three months practically alone for the entire time with her dog, she says she loves the job and tiny home.
Not only is she able to live there free of charge, she also doesn’t have to pay for bills as the tower is solar powered.
On top of this, she explained she gets paid for 40 hours of work every week at the rate of £13 an hour.
The fire tower measures 14ft x 14ft and serves as her living and working quarters.
She has a drop-down map and fire alert system in the middle of the room as well as a twin-sized bed, a tiny desk and a small kitchen.
It also has a wrap-around deck, which is perfect for when the sun does come out.
But she revealed that it was often snowing as she was at such a high altitude.
Despite battling the cold weather and being isolated, she said it was worth it for the view of the spectacular forest and mountains.
“I wake up before sunrise almost every single day and get this view,” she said as she showed the surroundings of the isolated fire tower.
“It’s one of my favorite things about being at the tower.”
While she does have set work times of 9am to 6pm, she still has to keep a look out for signs of fire 24/7 and doesn’t mind bad weather days.
“”Honestly, I cherish those days and I get to bunker down with the dog and enjoy the fire. Tiny living at its finest,” she added.
While she loves being there for the three months, Michelle admits it takes a lot of organising.
She has to haul her own drinking water to the fire tower as well as stock up on groceries and other essentials for the three month stay.
The rise of tiny homes
By Jonathan Rolande
Property expert Jonathan Rolande told Fabulous: The reason we are seeing more creative ways of finding a home: super-high property prices and rents. Younger people are remaining in the family home later in life to avoid paying high prices and to save for a deposit. With increasingly busy lives, staying within a larger family group makes sense, chores such as gardening and housework can be shared.
Garages are rarely used for their intended purpose as cars are far more reliable and less prone to rust and so are perfectly happy outside. On the other hand, the amount of property space per person has been shrinking – converting a garage can make great sense.
Things to consider. (the boring stuff)
Usually easier than building from scratch but still a lot to do to turn a garage in to a habitable space.
You’ll need to check if you need planning (more likely to be required if the garage is detached).
Building Regulations stipulate many things to make homes safe and secure. Consider
Walls, are they cavity?
Roof height
Windows
How will you get plumbing, electrics and drainage connected
Insulation – it will be cold!
Fire safety
Damp proofing
Also consider if, by converting, you are adding or deducting value from the main home. Garages can add value in busy urban areas where parking is limited.
She also packs up her wardrobe and any hobbies and interests she wants to do while out there.
The clip has since gone viral on her TikTok account @lookoutformichelle with over 2 million views and 112k views.
I am completely jealous.
TikTok user
One person wrote: “How do u get that job. That seems like heaven.”
Another commented: “This seems like the dream! How do you get a job like this? Do you have special qualifications or can anyone apply?”
“If I wasn’t married with kids I would totally do this,” penned a third.
Meanwhile a fourth said: “I am completely jealous.”
“Wow, looks a little like heaven,” claimed a fifth.
Someone else added: “Such a cool job.”
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