After Firewatch, who else thought that would be quite a nice career? Just being a fire lookout for a summer (without the drama, of course)?
The game is now eight years old, but is still a timeless classic for those who have played it: Firewatch. In it, you take on the role of Henry, who takes a break from his normal everyday life for personal (and rather sad) reasons and spends a few months as a fire lookout in a national park in Wyoming.
The game is characterized by its lovingly designed style and by the subtly told story and the various ways to experience it – so it's worth playing through several runs to see the story of Henry and Delilah, his colleague in the watchtower a few miles away, unfold in more ways than one.
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But is that even a real thing? Being a fire lookout, spending a few months in a national park and making sure nothing burns down? Yes it is – and this is what the job looks like.
What Does A Fire Lookout Do?
Although technology has made it easier to keep an eye on potential sources of fire, there are still traditional fire lookouts in particularly high-risk areas. Their tasks are quite varied and extremely important for areas where there is a higher risk of fire.
A fire lookout continuously monitors specific areas, usually from an elevated position such as a fire watch tower or a hut. Their main task is to scan the surrounding area for signs of smoke or fire and report suspicious activity. In addition to monitoring, they also document weather conditions. This information is crucial for the early detection of forest fires and the planning of prevention and control measures.
You can become a fire lookout all year round or only take on a seasonal position. Many fire lookouts are only active during high-risk periods for forest fires, for example in summer or during dry periods. In areas where there is a constant risk, they work all year round. They often live in huts or fire watch towers, just like in Firewatch.
So Firewatch is a pretty accurate game as far as the job is concerned – and as we all know, Henry actually does his job quite well. Some things were just beyond his control...
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How To Become A Fire Lookout & What Are The Necessary Skills?
There are various ways to becoming a fire lookout, depending on the employer's requirements and local regulations. In some cases, formal education or a degree in a relevant field such as environmental science or forestry can be an advantage. Often, however, specific educational requirements are not necessary, but experience and certain skills are critical. These include:
- Experience in forest or environmental protection: Many fire lookouts have previously worked in related fields, such as park ranger, forest worker or conservationist.
- Completion of training courses: Some employers offer training that covers how to use fire detection equipment, firefighting techniques and emergency protocols.
- Obtaining certifications: There are specific certifications that validate the knowledge and skills of fire lookouts, such as the Wildland Firefighter Certification.
- Applying to appropriate organizations: Fire lookouts are often hired by government agencies, national parks, forest service organizations or private companies. It is important to find out about vacancies and apply accordingly.
- Going through a selection process: Depending on the employer, you may go through a selection process that may include interviews, physical tests and background checks.
That's Why Gamers Are Good Fire Lookouts
The skills you have acquired through years of gaming can also help you as a fire lookout. For example, gamers are often skilled at noticing small details or changes in their surroundings. This skill is also useful for spotting potential fire hazards or suspicious behavior in the forest.
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Playing video games also develops fast reaction times and the ability to react quickly to changing situations. If a fire breaks out, it is important to act quickly to prevent it from spreading. There is also strategic thinking: gamers are often skilled at analyzing complex problems and making strategic decisions. This can be helpful when planning firefighting strategies and managing resources.
And a thing that grinding in games taught us: perseverance and patience. Keeping long-term goals in mind and sticking with them is also important when monitoring large forest areas throughout the season.