‘Two More Chains’: What Comes to Mind When You Hear These Three Words?
We asked wildland firefighters from across the country that very question. Here’s what we heard back:
“Liar!”
“Two more miles.”
“Wasn’t it two more chains 12 chains ago?”
“Long way to go.”
“We won’t be catching it anytime soon.”
“Keep on keepin’ on.”
“What knucklehead asked: ‘how far to go’?”
“It’s like the answer to the kids in the back seat when they
ask: ‘Are we there yet?’”
A hotshot crew assistant superintendent told us that these three words suggest: “It’s all a big lie! In essence, to me it means that we
are almost done—or there. But I never believe it. And neither does my crew when I tell them! I do use it as a saying for ‘almost done’
whether on a fire or not.”
On a practical note, measuring distances by “chains” out on the landscape is very effective and efficient. Ten square chains equal one
acre, which is helpful in determining the size of wildfires. And, because of this equation, areas expressed in square chains can be easily
converted to acres by dividing by 10. On a historical note, beginning in the 1700s, the 66-foot-long Gunter’s Chain—an actual chain—
became the standard for measuring distance and had a primary role in mapping out America.
On a sociological note, over the years, during wildland fire suppression actions, firefighters have learned to take the phrase “you’ve got
two more chains to go” with a healthy degree of pessimism. Chances are
good, as it turns out, that there’s really a lot more ground to cover. All part of
the firefighter equation.
Consequently, down through the crackle and roar of fire seasons, “Two More
Chains” has become a bonding, tongue-in-cheek phrase, a universal
expression that helps tighten wildland firefighters’ espirit de corps—their
common spirit of comradeship. Sharing this “insider” double entendre (a
phrase that can be interpreted in two ways), “Two More Chains” underscores
the wildland firefighters’ crucial ability to roll with the punches. Let’s face it, if
you are a wildland firefighter, resiliency is key.
Definition of a ” Chain”
1 unit of measure in land survey, equal to 66
feet. Commonly used to report fire perimeters
and other fireline distances. This unit is
popular in fire management because of its
convenience in calculating acreage (10 square
chains equal one acre; 80 chains
equal one mile).
From NWCG’s Glossary
of Wildland Fire Terminology