The Firefinder Simulator is a tool where fire lookouts can practice using the Osborne firefinder.
The tool simulates the panoramic view from a lookout tower using photographs. An image of smoke from a fire is overlayed onto the photographs. The goal for the student is to identify the smoke in the landscape, determine its location using the firefinder and map, and complete a smoke report form. To achieve this they will practice the problem solving skills needed for real life lookout duty.
The simulator features include:
- Panoramic photographs from an actual fire lookout tower.
- Binoculars function to see a close up view of the smoke.
- A firefinder sight and bearing ring used to determine the azimuth.
- A map (similar to the one on the actual firefinder) from which one can determine the distance to the smoke and the legal description of its location.
- A smoke report form modeled after an actual smoke report. When completed by the student, the simulation will evaluate it and provide feedback.
- Multiple scenarios are available that offer different levels of challenge.