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Firefighter Math: 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

NWCG Latest Announcements

2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 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 that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

RMC Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNetX Launch

Date:  June 25, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) is pleased to announce the launch of SafeNetX, the modernized safety reporting system now available to the wildland fire community. Effective June 15, 2026, SafeNetX enables reporting of unsafe, unhealthy, near-miss, and high-risk operations across wildland fire, all-hazard incidents, training, and related work environments.

SafeNetX is the result of a multi-agency modernization effort led by RMC, which began evaluating improvements to the legacy SAFENET system in 2021. To learn more, read the full RMC memorandum in the links provided.

References:

SafeNetX

RMC Safety Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNet X Launch

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee