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Firefighter Math: 6.6 Vectors

A vector has a magnitude (often representing distance or speed) and direction. When a clinometer (see Section 4.5) is used to estimate the slope percent and the slope length is measured with a metal tape, the result is a vector. The slope length represent the magnitude and the slope percent can be converted into a slope angle that represents direction. Vectors can provide information about the distance and direction of fire spread, or the speed and direction of fire spread or wind. 

Example 1 - Linda is standing at point A. John is standing at point B. John reads the clinometer and finds a slope percent of 25 percent. They measure the slope length and get 18 feet. Draw the vector from point A and then again from point B.

Step 1. Following the steps in Section 4.5, convert the 25 percent to an angle with a calculator using inverse tan (tan-1).

tan A = 0.25, angle A = 14°

Step 2. Draw the vectors. 

image of vectors drawn with length and angle

WIND VECTORS

Wind is the horizontal movement of air relative to the surface of Earth. Recall from Section 6.2 that the wind direction is named by the direction from which the wind is blowing. If the wind is northerly, then the wind is coming from the north. When the wind is blowing into your face, the wind would be named from the direction you are facing. For example, Mandy is facing south and the wind is blowing into her face. The wind is said to be a southerly wind.

 

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2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
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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
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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
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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

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

Date:  June 12, 2026
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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

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