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Unit Identifier Board

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Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The Unit Identifier Board (UIB) provides national leadership in the approval and use of Unit Identifiers in support of effective fire management decision-making. Primary objectives include

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Primary Objectives

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  • Manage NWCG data standards, business rules, and processes related to Unit Identifiers and associated information.
  • Publish current Unit Identifiers in the document NWCG Unit Identifiers, PMS 931.
  • Ensure standards and processes are implemented consistently by Geographic Area Coordination Centers, agencies, and applications.

From the markings on a wildland fire engine to every incident listed on the daily Incident Management Situation Report (IMSR), the Unit Identifier (UI) is an integral piece of information.

Unit Identifiers may be the most fundamental and essential informational elements for the interagency incident management community because they uniquely identify organizational units within that community. Unit Identifiers are created by the interagency incident management community. They are the standard way organizational units communicate who they are, the incidents they are hosting, and the resources they provide, in a way that is common among agencies and applications.

In the past, misunderstandings, assumptions, lack of standards, and inconsistent utilization of Unit Identifiers has led to mistakes and inefficiencies, such as lost time and increased costs. Users were often forced to conduct uncoordinated and divergent workarounds to achieve desired outcomes.

Geographic Area Unit Identifier Data Custodians

Alaska Interagency Coordinator Center (USAKACC)

Name Email Phone
Peter Butteri Peter_Butteri@fws.gov (907) 356-5874
Jennifer Humphrey jhumphre@blm.gov (907) 356-5690

Northern California Area Coordination Center (USCAONCC)

Name Email Phone
Chris Bunker laura.bunker@usda.gov (530) 226-2800
Laurie Forni laurie.forni@usda.gov (530) 226-2800

Southern California Area Coordination Center (USCAOSCC)

Name Email Phone
Manuel Salas manuel.salas@usda.gov (951) 276-6725

Eastern Area Coordination Center (USWIEACC)

Name Email Phone
Jennifer Parrish jennifer.parrish@usda.gov (414) 391-6090

Great Basin Coordination Center (USUTGBC)

Name Email Phone
Gina Dingman gdingman@blm.gov (801) 531-5320

Northern Rockies Coordination Center (USMTNRC)

Name Email Phone
Jay McCallister jmcallis@blm.gov (406) 329-4880

Northwest Area Coordination Center (USORNWC)

Name Email Phone
Gina Papke gina.papke@usda.gov (503) 277-3391

Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center (USCORMC)

Name Email Phone
Rob Juhola robert.juhola@bia.gov (303) 445-4304
Travis Hartsburg travis.hartsburg@usda.gov (303) 320-3000

Southern Area Coordination Center (USGASAC)

Name Email Phone
Nancy Ellsworth Dana.Ellsworth@usda.gov (678) 320-3000

Southwest Area Coordination Center (USNMSWC)

Name Email Phone
Kenan Jaycox kenan.jaycox@usda.gov (505) 842-3473
Juan Ortiz juan.ortiz@usda.gov (505) 842-3472

Unit Identifier Presentation

Chair: Gina Papke, Chair; Kara Stringer, Co-Chair

NWCG Coordinator: Dave Schultz

Parent Committee: Data Management Committee

Meeting Schedule: TBD

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200