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6.9 Resection

Resection is a method of finding one's own location on a map by sighting two known landmarks.
The procedure is as follows:

  1. Find at least two landmarks on the map that can be also identified on the ground. With a compass measure an azimuth to each of the landmarks on the ground.
  2. Adjust for declination.
  3. Convert to back azimuths.
  4. Using the two known landmarks on the map, draw the lines of the back azimuths until the lines cross.
  5. The location is where the two lines cross.

 

Example 1 - Mario is in the woods and is unsure of his current location. He sees two peaks in the distance and locates them on his map. He takes the azimuth reading of the first peak and gets 327°
. He takes a reading for the second peak and gets an azimuth reading of 83°. The declination for the area is 17°W. Find Mario's location on the map below.

Step 1. Convert the magnetic azimuths to true azimuths (see Section 6.5). 
327° - 17° = 310° 
83° - 17° = 66°

Step 2. Convert to back azimuths.
310° - 180°= 130°
66° + 180°= 246°

Step 3. From the two known landmarks on the map, draw the lines of the back azimuths until the lines intersect.

Azimuths of lines

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National Wildland Firefighter Day

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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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6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

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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