Fire lookouts monitor fire-prone areas from tall towers, identifying hazards and contacting emergency services. They also record weather information and take preventative measures. Lookouts do not require extensive education or training, and many are trained firefighters. Volunteers often work as lookouts in areas with low government funding.
A fire lookout typically monitors an area of fire-prone land from a tall watchtower to prevent potential disasters. If she notices smoke or flames, she immediately identifies the location of the fire and contacts the fire department stationed nearby. The fire watch also records information about weather and wind patterns to help firefighters plan emergency response procedures. Lookouts generally operate year-round in a variety of locations, including national parks, forests, remote mountain ranges and wildlife preserves. During periods of peak danger, it is common for a team of fire watchers to work around the clock in shifts.
The primary purpose of a fire watch is to prevent fires by identifying hazards and preparing for action. Stationed on a watchtower, the lookout can observe a large area of land with the aid of binoculars and surveillance cameras. She usually has access to the Internet and weather monitoring equipment so she can recognize potentially dangerous conditions. If she notices that campers engage in unsafe activities, such as leaving a fire burning unattended, she can speak to the aggressors personally or notify rangers. The lookout also takes preventative measures, recommending that a certain number of firefighters and equipment be available at base camps during fire seasons.
If there is smoke, the fire watch quickly transmits the information to headquarters using cell phones or two-way radios. It uses landmarks, the angle of the sun relative to the horizon, and global positioning system software to inform firefighters of the exact location of a fire. As emergency response teams reach the fire, the lookout tracks changes in the wind and observes the movement of the flames. For a fire that has raged wildly, she may request that planes fly in to drop extinguishing liquids or foam.
The fire watch remains an important member of the emergency response team until the fire is out. She provides weather updates, records fire crews’ progress, and speaks to the media to keep the public informed. After a fire is extinguished, the fire watchman examines the damage and carefully watches the charred earth for several days to ensure it does not reignite.
Individuals do not need extensive education or training to become fire watchmen in most situations. Some professionals decide to study two or four years in fire science, geology or environmental science to better prepare for the job. New employees learn about different types of monitoring equipment and emergency procedures by helping experienced lookouts. Many lookouts are also trained firefighters and can actively assist in the event of a widespread fire. In wilderness areas, where government funding for fire prevention is low or unavailable, concerned people often volunteer to work as lookouts.
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