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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)

NameEmailPhone
Jennifer Humphreyjhumphre@blm.gov(907) 356-5690
Jennifer Hrobakjhrobak@blm.gov907-356-5866

Northern California Area Coordination Center (USCAONCC)

NameEmailPhone
Laurie Fornilaurie.forni@usda.gov(530) 226-2800
Juel Moorejuel.moore@usda.gov530-226-2800

Southern California Area Coordination Center (USCAOSCC)

NameEmailPhone
Manuel Salasmanuel.salas@usda.gov(951) 276-6725

Eastern Area Coordination Center (USWIEACC)

NameEmailPhone
Jennifer Parrishjennifer.parrish@usda.gov(414) 391-6090

Great Basin Coordination Center (USUTGBC)

NameEmailPhone
Shauna McIntosh Harrisshauna.mcintoshharris@usda.gov801-531-5320

Northern Rockies Coordinator Center (USMTNRC)

NameEmailPhone
Dani Johnsondani.johnson@usda.gov 

Northwest Area Coordination Center (USORNWC)

NameEmailPhone
Brandon Poebpoe@blm.gov503-808-2724

Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center (USCORMC)

NameEmailPhone
Rob Juholarobert.juhola@bia.gov(303) 445-4304
Travis Hartsburgtravis.hartsburg@usda.gov(303) 320-3000

Southern Area Coordination Center (USGASAC)

NameEmailPhone
Nancy EllsworthDana.Ellsworth@usda.gov(678) 320-3000

Southwest Area Coordination Center (USNMSWC)

NameEmailPhone
Kenan Jaycoxkenan.jaycox@usda.gov(505) 842-3473
Juan Ortizjuan.ortiz@usda.gov(505) 842-3472

Unit Identifier Presentation

Chair: Stringer, Kara

Vice Chair: Hamman, Amanda

NWCG Coordinator: Lamb, Erica

Parent Committee: Data Management Committee

Meeting Schedule:

TBD

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
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References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Committee

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Celebrates 50 Years!

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Executive Secretary

NWCG is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to the wildland fire community. Beginning in 1976 with an interagency agreement between the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, NWCG has grown to include additional member agencies and is recognized as the standard-setting leader in wildland fire operations.

To honor where we’ve been and highlight where we are going, the NWCG team has created a video showcasing our history and accomplishments. The video is now available on the NWCG website.

References:

NWCG 50 Year Anniversary Video