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Lookouts (LCES)

 

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.

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.

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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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.

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NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

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NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

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