Standard incident terminology is paramount for emergency responders to minimize hazards associated with working together. This applied research project's problem statement is the hazards associated with the term chain, a measurement unit, on wildfires have not been identified. This research's purpose is to determine if the use chains causes confusion during wildfires and, if so, to communicate that finding to the interagency wildfire community.Descriptive method of research was used for the following research questions: (1) What is the epistemology of chains related to measurements; (2) What is the epistemology of chains in wildfire; (3) How do chains integrate into and comply with National Incident Management System (NIMS); and (4) What hazards are experienced when using chains in wildfire operations? Literature review revealed the evolution of the need, development, adoption and standardization of world measurement systems. Chains were developed out of necessity to standardize an acre's size in 17th century England--prior, land was determined by subjective, human value. Chain's practicality made it the principal survey measurement of 30 U.S. states, as well as national forests, and their associated timber sales and foresters. Foresters became the backbone of wildfire suppression beginning in the 20th century bringing chains with them.Chains migration into wildfire potentially can cause confusion and compromise safety due to many firefighters' unfamiliarity with the measurement. A survey and interviews of fire service officers, a professional surveyor and expert wildfire historians collected knowledge, use and hazards associated with chains in wildfire. This data was analyzed against each other and the NIMS. Results indicated approximately half use chains, a quarter trains to the standard, and only a small minority recommends continuing to use chains in wildfire. Wildfire leaders should initiate actions to remove chains from publications, software and training to reduce the hazards to firefighters associated with its use.