To avoid potential disasters, a fire lookout typically monitors a fire-prone area of land from a tall watchtower. If she sees smoke or flames, she immediately pinpoints the source of the fire and alerts nearby firefighters. The weather and wind patterns are also recorded by the fire lookout, which aids firefighters in planning emergency response procedures. Year-round, lookouts can be found in a variety of locations, including national parks, forests, remote mountain ranges, and wildlife reserves. It is common for a crew of fire lookouts to work in shifts around the clock during times of high danger.
A fire lookout’s main goal is to prevent wildfires by spotting hazards and preparing for action. The fire lookout, who is stationed in a watchtower, can use binoculars and surveillance cameras to monitor a large area of land. She usually has access to the Internet as well as weather-monitoring equipment, allowing her to spot potentially dangerous situations. She can speak with offenders in person or notify forest rangers if she notices campers engaging in unsafe activities, such as leaving a campfire unattended. During fire seasons, the lookout recommends that a certain number of firefighters and firefighting equipment be available at base camps.
The fire lookout uses cell phones or two-way radios to quickly relay information to headquarters if smoke is detected. She informs firefighters of the exact location of a fire using landmarks, the sun’s angle to the horizon, and global positioning system software. The lookout tracks changes in wind and watches the movement of flames while emergency response crews make their way to the fire. She may request that planes fly over to drop extinguishing liquid or foam on a fire that has spread widely.
Until the fire is out, the fire lookout is an important member of the emergency response team. She keeps the public informed by providing weather updates, tracking the progress of fire crews, and speaking with the media. After a fire is put out, the fire lookout assesses the damage and keeps a close eye on the charred land for several days to make sure it doesn’t rekindle.
In most cases, becoming a fire lookout does not necessitate extensive education or training. To better prepare for the job, some professionals choose to pursue two- or four-year degrees in fire science, geology, or environmental science. By assisting experienced lookouts, new workers learn about the various types of monitoring equipment and emergency procedures. Many fire lookouts are also trained firefighters who can actively assist in the event of a large fire. Concerned citizens frequently volunteer to work as lookouts in areas of wilderness where government funding for fire prevention is limited or non-existent.