Lookouts (LCES)


5. Post lookouts when there is possible danger.
Lookouts provide time-sensitive information to firefighters. This Standard Firefighting Order demonstrates firefighters installing a pump and hose lay with a designated lookout to keep watch for and communicate possible hazards.
Lookouts are often best situated to notice the cumulative changes of fire behavior.
Standard Firefighting Order #5 is: Post lookouts when there is possible danger.
- Discuss why lookouts should be posted at all times.
What are you looking for when you are selecting a lookout location?
- Choose a good vantage point, preferably with a good overview of the entire area where firefighters are located, including escape routes and safety zones.
- Never rely exclusively on aircraft as your lookout.
What are the desired qualities, capabilities, knowledge, and responsibilities of a lookout?
- Experienced firefighter.
- Solid knowledge of fire behavior and the ability to recognize and monitor other environmental hazards.
- Knowledge of crew locations, escape and safety locations, and trigger points.
- Good communicator.
- Knowledge of weather patterns, and signs of incoming weather changes.
- Advises the crew of fire behavior changes, and tracks weather trends and relays the information.
- Monitors and accounts for all individuals within the assigned area at all times, and notifies others if breaks are needed.
What is the necessary equipment for a lookout?
- Personal protective equipment (PPE), radio with extra batteries, compass, binoculars, belt weather kit, an Incident Action Plan (IAP), map, food, water, and watch.
- 10 & 18 Poster, PMS 110-18
- 10 Standard Firefighting Orders, PMS 110
- 18 Watch Out Situations, PMS 118
- Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (Red Book)
- NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461
- NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations, PMS 510
- RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR)
- Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center
Have an idea or feedback?
Share it with the NWCG 6MFS Subcommittee.