Smoke jumpers are also on call for initial attack. We use them when local resources are stretched they can get in there and hold the fire until other personnel are freed up, he said. Schuckert had the answer to that question. We have four fire lookouts that are staffed during the summer. From these vantage points we can spot smokes from fires when they are small.
Dispatch then alerts the nearest firefighting crew of the new blaze so they can take action.
In addition, these frontline fire personnel take note of cloud formations and lightning strikes, noting their location for future reference. Janet Bloemeke, who has operated the Longtom Lookout for over 15 fire seasons, knows how important this is. The whole idea of early detection is to be able to take action on wildfires while they are small. Once they get going, they can be very difficult to bring under control. Fire experts also utilize spotter aircraft that fly over the Forest looking for new starts.