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6.8 Intersection

Intersection is a method of locating a point on a map by intersecting lines from two known landmarks on the ground. Intersection is one method fire lookouts use in determining the location of a fire. The procedure is as follows:

  1. From the first position, point 1, take a compass reading of the object or fire.
  2. Adjust for declination.
  3. With a compass or protractor, plot this azimuth on the map.
  4. Draw a line from point 1 beyond the point of the object or fire.
  5. Move down the road to a second position, or radio to the second person's location and get that azimuth reading. Repeat steps 2 through 4.
  6. A third and maybe a fourth reading will help further describe the location.
  7. The object or fire is located where the individual lines cross.

Example 1 - Tom is at a lookout tower at point A. He spots a fire and takes a compass reading. The magnetic azimuth is 277°. He radios to John at tower B, who tells him his magnetic azimuth on the fire is 337°. The declination for the area is 16°E. Plot the lines to find the location of the fire. 

Step 1. Convert the magnetic azimuths to true azimuths by adjusting for declination (see Section 6.5).
277° + 16° = 293°
337°+ 16°= 353°

Step 2. Draw the lines of the azimuth from each point well past the fire.

2 lines crossing

Step 3. Read where the two lines intersect to get the location of the fire.

NWCG Latest Announcements

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