Parts of a Wildfire Diagram Worksheet
Printable WorksheetParts of a Wildfire Diagram
Wildland Fire Management Merit Badge — Requirement 5(c), reused in Requirement 7(a)
Set the Scene
Location you are drawing
Date drawn
Dominant fuel type
Wind direction and speed
Slope direction and steepness
Time of day
Draw Your Fire
Sketch the terrain first — ridges, drainages, roads, water, and any structures. Then draw the fire perimeter on top of it. Add a north arrow and a wind arrow. Label every part from the checklist below.
Draw your wildfire diagram here
Label Checklist
North arrow
Wind direction arrow
Slope / terrain indicated
Point of origin
Head
Rear (heel)
Right flank
Left flank
Perimeter
At least one finger
At least one pocket
At least one island
Spot fire(s)
The black (burned area)
The green (unburned)
Natural barriers
Manmade barriers / roads
Values at risk
Describe the Behavior
Circle or note where the fire is smoldering, creeping, running, torching, crowning, or spotting — and explain why in one sentence each.
| Part of the fire | Behavior observed | Why (weather / topography / fuel) |
|---|---|---|
| Head | ||
| Right flank | ||
| Left flank | ||
| Rear | ||
Requirement 7(a) — Tactics Plan
Bring this same diagram back for Requirement 7(a). Use tokens to represent resources, then record what you placed where and why.
| Tactic | Where you used it | Conditions that made it the right choice |
|---|---|---|
| Direct attack | ||
| Indirect attack | ||
| Minimum impact tactics | ||
| Hand crews | ||
| Machinery (engines, dozers) | ||
| Aircraft | ||
| Mop-up | ||
| Repair and restoration |
Safety Check (Requirement 6b)
Mark these on your diagram before you place a single crew.
Lookout position(s)
Communication plan noted
Escape route(s) — at least two
Safety zone(s)
Anchor point for each line
Watch Out Situations present
Which Watch Out Situations apply to your scenario, and how would you address each one?
Counselor Review
Merit Badge Counselor Signature
Date