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Lookouts (LCES)

 

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.

5. Post lookouts when there is possible danger. A firefighter works by a water pump in a creek. Two firefighters spray water onto flames. And another firefighter talks into a radio while observing all firefighters.

5. Post lookouts when there is possible danger.
 

Read about all 10 Standard Firefighting Orders.

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.

 

Category
Operational Engagement
References
10 Standard Firefighting Orders, PMS 110
10 and 18 Poster, PMS 110-18
18 Watch Out Situations, PMS 118
"LCES and Other Thoughts" by Paul Gleason


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NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters

Date: January 15, 2025
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters. Non-specification fire shelters claiming to meet Forest Service (FS) fire shelter specification 5100-606 were first found in February of 2023. As of September 2024, non-specification shelters are again being advertised and sold on the open market.

This Safety Warning outlines details and recommended procedures to purchase FS specification shelters made with materials and components that meet performance criteria and toxicity testing requirements outlined in FS Specification 5100-606. 

For additional information on identifying non-specification shelters, please view ETC Safety Warning 23-01.

References:

ETC Safety Warning 25-001: Non-specification fire shelters

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee

ETC Safety Warning 23-01

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Awards

Date: January 14, 2025
Contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee has awarded the 2023 Paul Gleason “Lead By Example” awards to individuals in the categories of Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Sam Bowen, Superintendent of the Mark Twain Veteran Crew with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Greg Titus, Zone Fire Management Officer for the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • Renae Crippen, Manager of the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Eric Carlson, Instructor with OMNA International.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Interview with Paul Gleason

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505