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1.9 Fractions

FRACTIONS: BITS AND PIECES

Fractions are used often, for instance when adding leftover pails of foam or mixing gas and oil for chain saw fuel. Fractions allow the use of parts of a number or combinations of parts and whole numbers, such as  half, two and a half, or two eights. The remainder found in long division can be changed to a fraction. Like whole numbers, fractions can be added, subtracted, divided, and multiplied. Fractions can also be represented as decimals (see Section 1.6).

A fraction consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).

The numerator represents the number of parts available.

The denominator represents the number of parts in a whole.

Example 1 - What fraction of the box in the figure below is shaded? What fraction is not shaded?

fraction example

The box is divided into five parts. Two of those five parts are shaded. The shaded fraction represents two fifths. In this case, two fifths of the figure is shaded.
Three of the five parts are not shaded. The unshaded fraction represents three fifths. In this case, three fifths of the figure is not shaded.

WHOLE NUMBERS AS FRACTIONS

Fractions can also describe whole numbers or a whole number with a remainder expressed as a fraction. For example, a whole number can be written as: 

four over two, eight over four, or thirty-two over sixteen

 

The whole number 1 can be written as:

one over one, three over three, seven over seven, etc.

Fractions larger than 1 have a larger number in the numerator or top part of the fraction.

four thirds, eight fifths, and three seconds are all larger than 1.

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2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
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6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

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2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
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Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
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The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
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Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552