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NWCG FireNet Utilization Standard Operating Procedure

Firenet SOP header graphic. Decorative.

Since 2018, FireNet has been recognized by NMAC as the official electronic messaging and file collaboration system in support of the interagency wildland fire mission and to comply with legal and policy mandates regarding security and privacy. NWCG's mission is to establish standards for interoperable wildland fire operations, and its committee structure represents all IMT functional areas.

The establishment of standard business practices in the use and management of FireNet across functional areas, IMTs, and Geographic Areas will strengthen the operating system, limit repetition and variations by IMTs, and create consistency for all users. Additionally, it will enable the inclusion of these standard practices, which includes forms, workflows, and user groups, in the FireNet incident environment. For example, the Planning Subcommittee’s electronic records management structure is automated into each FireNet incident, allowing IMTs to immediately begin use of this standard, regardless of their geographic location and team. Finally, it will allow the FireNet team to establish a standard environment for IMTs to run scenarios and prepare for fire season.

In a digital environment, standardization is necessary to minimize resource, license, and helpdesk support and to provide a consistent, repeatable process which will allow automation and streamline processes for firefighting resources and non-IMT members. Once these standard business practices are established and deployed in FireNet, the FireNet team can more easily support those IMT activities outside of direct incident support.

USWDS Paragraphs

NWCG Committees recognize the following positions as requiring named accounts in FireNet in order to fully complete the position duties. A named account generates a FireNet email address (first_last@firenet.gov), which is required to send and receive emails in shared inboxes. Those without named accounts can still interact in FireNet as Guests.

  • Dispatch Centers (including GACC/NICC) [National Coordination System Committee]
  • Air Bases:  Airtanker Bases / SEAT Bases / Helibases/ Smokejumpers [National Interagency Aviation Committee]
  • PIO [Public Information Officer Subcommittee]
  • PSC [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • ITSS [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • DMOB [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • RESL [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • SITL [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • GISS [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • SCKN [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • DOCL [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • LSC [Incident Logistics Subcommittee]
  • ORDM [Incident Logistics Subcommittee]
  • FSC [Incident Business Committee]
  • COST [Incident Business Committee]
  • TIME [Incident Business Committee]
  • PTRC [Incident Business Committee]
  • EQTR [Incident Business Committee]
  • COMP [Incident Business Committee]
  • PROC [Incident Business Committee]
  • ICPI [Incident Business Committee]
  • INBA [Incident Business Committee]
  • IC [Incident Command Subcommittee]
  • LOFR [Incident Command Subcommittee]
  • PETM [Communication, Education, and Prevention Committee]
  • PETL [Communication, Education, and Prevention Committee]
  • MEDL [Emergency Medical Committee]
  • OSC [Incident Operations Subcommittee]

NWCG Committees recognize the need for the following shared inboxes on all interagency incidents. Only named accounts can access the shared inboxes to send and receive emails on behalf of the incident.

  • Dispatch Centers (including GACC/NICC) [National Coordination System Committee]
  • Air Bases:  Airtanker Bases / SEAT Bases / Helibases/ Smokejumpers [National Interagency Aviation Committee]
  • Main (PIO) [Public Information Officer Subcommittee]
  • Planning [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • Demobilization [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • Resources [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • Situation [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • Documentation [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • Status Check-in [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • ITSS [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • Finance [Incident Business Committee]
  • Logistics [Incident Logistics Subcommittee]
  • Ordering [Incident Logistics Subcommittee]
  • Air Operations [National Interagency Aviation Committee]
  • Liaison [Incident Command Subcommittee]
  • Fire Prevention Education Teams [Communication, Education, and Prevention Committee]
  • Buying Team [Incident Business Committee]
  • Medical [Emergency Medical Committee]

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page