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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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Next Generation Position Task Book and Updated Incident Position Description Now Available for Operations Section Chief Complex

Date: February 27, 2025
Contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Operations Section Chief Complex (OSCC) has a Next Generation NWCG Position Task Book for Operations Section Chief Complex (OSCC), PMS 311-108 and an updated Incident Position Description.

These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

References:

NWCG Operations Section Chief Complex Position Page 

NWCG Operations Section Chief Complex Incident Position Description 

NWCG Position Task Book for Operations Section Chief Complex (OSCC), PMS 311-108 

2025 NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, Now Available

Date: February 27, 2025
Contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the 2025 NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, is now available. Visit NWCG's website to learn about the major updates and changes in the 2025 version of the IRPG. The NWCG Guia de Respuesta de Incidente de Bolsillo (GRI), PMS 461-ES is available electronically and will be available from Great Basin Cache by early summer 2025.

All hard copy materials, including the IRPG, are ordered through the Great Basin Cache (GBK). Information on the ordering process can be found in the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) Catalog.

References:

2025 IRPG Information 

NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461 

NWCG Guia de Respuesta de Incidente de Bolsillo (GRI), PMS 461-ES 

NWCG NFES Catalog - Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2 

2025 Professional Reading Program

Date: February 18, 2025
Contact: Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program is announcing the 2025 Professional Reading list! The goal of the annual reading list is to promote the reading and discussion of the books throughout the year.

The five books chosen for this year are: Surf When You Can by Brett Crozier, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl, Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke, Simply Managing by Henry Mintzberg, and Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Metcalf.

References:

Professional Reading Program

Task Group Volunteers Needed to Update the Property Loss or Damage Report, OF 289

Date: February 5, 2025
Contact: Julie Bennett, Incident Business Committee Chair

The Incident Business Committee (IBC) is requesting volunteers for a new task group to revise the 1981 version of the Property Loss or Damage Report, OF 289 and create an incident replacement job aid. The volunteers may be recruited from within or outside the Geographic Area Incident Business Committees.

References:

IBC Memorandum 25-02

IBC Correspondence