When smoke is observed, lookouts must be able to differentiate whether it is from some safe source or from a wildfire. Other atmospheric occurrences such as dust, fog and clouds may sometimes resemble smoke and the lookouts are trained to make this distinction. If the smoke is from a wildfire, the lookout uses a firefinder instrument to locate the fire on a map of the area. A lookout must be able to use his or her knowledge of the local topography and geography and relate it to the map. The location of the fire is then relayed to the forest dispatcher, usually by radio, along with other pertinent information, such as estimated size of the fire, vegetation type, wind direction and speed, color and character of the smoke, and any other information that may be relevant.
Lookouts also collect and record weather data for use in weather forecasting.
They serve as radio relay for other public services such as law enforcement and emergency medical services. Lookout towers are open to the public as long as the lookout is not involved in an on-going wildland fire emergency situation. The Prescott National Forest currently maintains and staffs six lookout towers.