Lighthouses today are marked on maps with flash pattern and frequency to identify them. (i.e. 2 flashes every 15 seconds). A stationary burning object shouldn't be confused with an actual lighthouse. Not sure when this practice came into use though... Maybe incidents like this were the cause?
Fuller: Well, that's why you're too stupid to work alone. The boss signs the checks, and the boss said to stash him.
Arvin: Fuller, we shouldn't take checks.