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Firefighter Math: Table 2.2 Approximate Metric System Conversion Factors

To Change To Multiply by To Change To Multiply by
feet chains 0.0152 chains feet 66.0
feet meters 0.305 meters feet 3.280
yards meters 0.914 meters yards 1.094
miles kilometers 1.609 kilometers miles 0.621
square feet square meters 0.093 square meters square feet 10.764
square yards square meters 0.836 square meters square yards 1.196
square miles sq. kilometers 2.590 sq. kilometers square miles 0.386
acres sq. hectometers 0.405 sq. hectometers acres 2.471
cubic feet cubic meters 0.028 cubic meters cubic feet 35.315
cubic yards cubic meters 0.765 cubic meters cubic yards 1.308
fluid ounces milliliters 29,573.0 milliliters fluid ounces 0.034
pints liters 0.473 liters pints 2.114
quarts liters 0.946 liters quarts 1.057
gallons liters 3.785 liters gallons 0.264
ounces grams 28.349 grams ounces 0.035
pounds kilograms 0.454 kilograms pounds 2.205
short tons metric tons 0.907 metric tons short tons 1.102
pound-feet Newton-meters 1.365 ounce-inches Newton-meters 0.007062
pound-inch Newton-meters 0.11375      

Examples Using This Conversion Table:

To change feet to chains: Multiply feet by 0.0152
To change 124 feet to chains: Multiply feet by 0.0152
124 feet x 0.0152 = 1.88 chains = 1.9 chains

Temperature Conversion of Units:

°F =°Fahrenheit to °C =°Celsius        °C =°Celsius to°F =° Fahrenheit
°F = (°C x 9/5) + 32        °C = 5/9 x (F - 32)

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Date:  March 6, 2026
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Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

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Date:  March 6, 2026
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NWCG is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to the wildland fire community. Beginning in 1976 with an interagency agreement between the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, NWCG has grown to include additional member agencies and is recognized as the standard-setting leader in wildland fire operations.

To honor where we’ve been and highlight where we are going, the NWCG team has created a video showcasing our history and accomplishments. The video is now available on the NWCG website.

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NWCG 50 Year Anniversary Video

NEW! S-131, Firefighter Type 1 Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
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Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this course is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of situational awareness and decision making, building on the knowledge and concepts introduced in previous required courses. Using a threaded fictitious fire, each unit focuses on a performance-based activity in which students practice applying their decision-making and problem-solving skills.

The S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is required for individuals seeking qualifications to be a Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1) or an Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).

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2026 Professional Reading List

Date: March 4, 2026
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The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP) is announcing the 2026 Professional Reading List.  The goal of the annual reading list is to promote the reading and discussion of the selected books throughout the year. 

The six books chosen for this year are: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie; Leadership Strategy and Tactics by Jocko Willink; Meditations by Marcus Aurelious; Quiet by Susan Cain; The Little Book of Stoic Quotes by Phil Van Treuren; and The Confident Mind by Nate Zinsser.

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Professional Reading Program

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program