Skip to main content

1.0 Back to the Basics - Introduction

INTRODUCTION

The material in this chapter describes the use of numbers in basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, order of operation, exponents, rounding, significant digits, and decimal places. Fractions and ratios are also examined. A text description accompanies a graphic illustration and sample problem to explain each concept. Exercise problems give you a chance to practice your skills.

Firefighter Math

This online course provides knowledge of basic math concepts and tools necessary for making math calculations in the field. Topics include calculating tank volumes and flow rates, determining pump pressure and friction loss, understanding maps and location coordinates, and estimating slope. Additionally, the course presents information on calculating flame length, flame height, midflame windspeed, and other variables related to wildland firefighting efforts. This course is designed for wildland firefighters.

Instructions: 

  • Nevada Division of Forestry Air Operations
    Geographic Area:
    Great Basin
    Source:
    Nevada Division of Forestry Air Operations
    FM Radio Programmable:
    Yes
    Make & Model:

    Bell UH-1H

    Notes:

    None

    Ordering Procedure:

    Contact Nevada Division of Emergency Management Duty Officer - (775) 687-0498, DEM will contact NDF Duty Officer.

    Recovery Device or Method:
    Map Location:
    Minden, NV
    Map Location Number:
    12
  • Two Bear Air SAR
    Geographic Area:
    Northern Rockies
    Source:
    Two Bear Air SAR
    FM Radio Programmable:
    Yes
    Make & Model:

    Bell 429 hoist capable

    Notes:

    Northern Rockies & Great Basin. They have no problem hoisting at night with goggles. Situation Dependent.

    Ordering Procedure:

    Request through Flathead County Dispatch. The Flathead County Sheriff's Department makes ultimate decision. 406-260-4319.

    Recovery Device or Method:
    Map Location:
    Whitefish, MT
    Map Location Number:
    5
  • Coast Guard (Northern California)
    Geographic Area:
    Northern California
    Source:
    Coast Guard
    FM Radio Programmable:
    Yes
    Make & Model:

    MH65D (AS365), 3 Aircraft assigned, 1 staffed 24/7

    Notes:
    Perform @7000'/90 F varies. Emergency missions accepted/declined without delay, but will require follow-up with CALOES mission tasking number.
    Ordering Procedure:

    Sector Humboldt Bay Command Center, 707-839-6113

    Recovery Device or Method:
    Map Location:
    McKinleyville, CA - Humboldt Bay
    Map Location Number:
    14
  • Central Montana Helitack
    Geographic Area:
    Northern Rockies
    Source:
    Central Montana Helitack
    FM Radio Programmable:
    Yes
    Make & Model:

    A-star AS-350 B3

    Notes:

    This is a national fire resource helicopter. Available for long term assignment for national/regional incidents. Check availability, may already be assigned to incident.

    Ordering Procedure:

    Contact: Helena Interagency Dispatch Center (Day) 406 449-5475, (Night) 406 444-4242

    Recovery Device or Method:
    Map Location:
    Helena, MT
    Map Location Number:
    4
  • Flathead County Sheriff (Air One)
    Geographic Area:
    Northern Rockies
    Source:
    Flathead County Sheriff (Air One)
    FM Radio Programmable:
    Yes
    Make & Model:

    Bell 429

    Notes:

    To be ordered for specific emergencies only. Not to be ordered for standby. Does have AFF.

    Ordering Procedure:

    Have local dispatch place order with Flathead County Sheriff Dispatch 406-260-4319.

    Recovery Device or Method:
    Map Location:
    Kalispell, MT
    Map Location Number:
    3
  • Active Military - Airforce (Malstrom Air Force Base)
    Geographic Area:
    Northern Rockies
    Source:
    Active Military - Airforce (Malstrom Air Force Base)
    FM Radio Programmable:
    No
    Make & Model:

    Bell 205 (UH-1H)

    Notes:

    Perform @ 7000'/90 F is marginal. Available only within state of MT.

    Ordering Procedure:

    GACC or 911 dispatch centers should coordinate requests for military, Coast Guard, and National Guard resources through the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) at phone #: 800-851-3051.
    Direct contact: Malstrom Air Force Base, phone: 406-731-3801.

    Recovery Device or Method:
    Map Location:
    Great Falls, MT
    Map Location Number:
    2
  • National Park Service (Mesa Verde)
    Geographic Area:
    Rocky Mountain
    Source:
    National Park Service
    FM Radio Programmable:
    Yes
    Make & Model:

    Bell 407 VIP

    Notes:

    This is a national fire resource helicopter stationed at Mesa Verde National park. Available for long term assignment for national/regional incidents. Check availability, may already be assigned to incident.

    Ordering Procedure:

    Contact the aircraft desk at Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center (DRC) 970-385-1324.

    Recovery Device or Method:
    Map Location:
    Mesa Verde, CO
    Map Location Number:
    5
  • Colorado Air Guard
    Geographic Area:
    Rocky Mountain
    Source:
    Colorado Air Guard
    FM Radio Programmable:
    Yes
    Make & Model:

    Blackhawk (UH-60A)

    Notes:

    A heli-basket is available if requested.

    Ordering Procedure:

    GACC or 911 dispatch centers should coordinate requests for military, Coast Guard, and National Guard resources through the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) at phone #: 800-851-3051.

    Recovery Device or Method:
    Map Location:
    Aurora, CO
    Map Location Number:
    4
Subscribe to

NWCG Latest Announcements