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Table 2.3 Metric System and Equivalents

The following metric system equivalents and approximate conversion factors help meet the requirements of Public Law 100-418. This law requires each Federal agency to use the metric system of measurement by Fiscal Year 1992 in procurements, grants, and other business related activities.

 

Linear Measure Liquid Measure
1 centimeter = 10 millimeters = 0.39 inch 1 centiliter = 10 milliliters = 0.34 fl. ounce
1 decimeter = 10 centimeters = 3.94 inches 1 deciliter = 10 centiliters = 3.38 fl. ounces
1 meter = 10 decimeters = 39.37 inches 1 liter = 10 deciliters = 33.82 fl. ounces
1 decameter = 10 meters = 32.8 feet 1 decaliter = 10 liters = 2.64 gallons
1 hectometer = 10 decameters = 328.08 feet 1 hectoliter = 10 decaliters = 26.42 gallons
1 kilometer = 10 hectometers = 3,280.8 feet kiloliter = 10 hectoliters = 264.18 gallons


 

Weights Area Measure
1 centigram = 10 milligrams = 0.15 grain 1 sq. centimeter = 100 sq. millimeters = 0.155 sq. inch
1 decigram = 10 centigrams = 1.54 grains 1 sq. decimeter = 100 sq. centimeters = 15.5 sq.inches
1 gram = 10 decigrams = 0.035 ounce 1 sq. meter (centare) = 100 sq. decimeters = 10.76 sq. feet
1 decagram = 10 grams = 0.35 ounce 1 sq. decameter (are) = 100 sq. meters = 1,076.4 sq. feet
1 hectogram = 10 decagrams = 3.52 ounces 1 sq. hectometer (hectare) = 100 sq. decameters = 2.47 acres
1 kilogram = 10 hectograms = 2.2 pounds 1 sq. kilometer = 100 sq. hectometers = 0.386 sq. mile
1 quintal = 100 kilograms = 220.46 pounds  
1 metric ton = 10 quintals = 1.1 short tons  

 

Cubic Measure

1 cu. centimeter = 1000 cu. millimeters = 0.06 cu. inches
1 cu. decimeter = 1000 cu. centimeters = 61.02 cu. inches
1 cu. meter = 1000 cu. decimeters = 35.31 cu. feet

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NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

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ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 Risk Management Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Safety Bulletin: 25-001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing

Equipment Technology Committee

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