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4.4 Degrees and Protractor

Degrees are the unit of measure used for angles, just as feet are used to measure distance. The symbol for degrees is "°". There are 360° in a full circle, and 90° in a right angle. A protractor is used for measuring angles. As shown below, a protractor is a half or full circle measuring device, marked in degrees along the outer edge, with a straight line running from 0° to 180°. There is a small hole in the center of the protractor. To use a protractor: 

  1. Place the hole of the protractor over the point of the angle where the lines meet.
  2. Make sure one side of the angle is on the zero line.
  3. Read the degrees off the protractor where the line of the other side is or mark a point along the edge at the appropriate angle measurement.

Protactor
 

 

Example 1 - Part A. Measure angles 1, 2, and 3 using a protractor to follow the steps above. 

Angles
 

You should find that the angles measure as follows: 

angle measurements

Part B. What is the sum of angles 1 and 2? How does that number compare to angle 3?

The sum of angles 1 and 2 is 180 degrees. Angle 3 also equals 180 degrees. Angle 3 is a straight line, so it follows that the sum of angles 1 and 2, 180°, is also a straight line.

Part C. Add angles 1, 2, and 3. The sum of angles 1, 2, and 3 equals 360 degrees.

There are 360 degrees in a circle and angles 1, 2, and 3 together complete the circle.

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The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

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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.

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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. 

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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).

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