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PMS 910

NWCG Data Standards, PMS 910

NWCG data standards (data element and geospatial data layer) provide specifications that enable the common usage of data across wildland fire information systems.  For more information login to EDG Explorer.

NWCG Data Standards

EDG Explorer is a database platform used for managing NWCG Data Standards.  The following Data Standards and Geospatial Data Layer tables offer a quick view of the standards. 

More detailed information such as rules, documentation, and term relationships may be viewed in EDG Explorer.   Expand Data Standards or Geospatial Data Layer Standards  below to see data standards term descriptions and status. 

USWDS Paragraphs

Note: If the NWCG Data Standards View is not displaying below please report it to NWCG Webmaster

Title Steward Status Description
Point of Origin Latitude Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard adopts the NWCG Latitude data standard for identifying the latitude location of the point of origin of a fire. [validated: 7/21/2008]

Point of Origin Longitude Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard adopts the NWCG Longitude data standard for identifying the longitude location of the point of origin of a fire. [validated: 7/21/2008]

Point of Origin Responsible Agency Unit Identifier Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard adopts the NWCG Unit Identifier data standard to identify the agency with primary fire protection responsibility at the point of origin of a fire. [validated: 6/16/2008]

Point of Origin Slope Data Standard GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definition for reporting the typical slope in the immediate vicinity of the point of origin of a fire. [validated: 12/17/2012]

Point of Origin State Code Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard adopts the NWCG State Code data standard to identify the state or equivalent entity at the point of origin of a fire. [validated: 6/16/2008]

Point of Origin State Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

The State alpha code identifying the state or equivalent entity at point of origin.

Position Code & Position Title Data Standard IOSC Incident Operations Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a code (mnemonic) and title for each position used in incident management response. [validated: 2/15/2005; updated: 12/17/2018]

Prescribed Fire Escape Indicator Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definition for indicating whether a wildfire resulted from an escaped prescribed fire. [validated: 4/10/2008]

Primary Email Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Approved

Individual’s primary email.

Primary Phone Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Approved

Individual’s primary phone.

Primary Weather Station Identifier Data Standard FWS Fire Weather Subcommittee Approved

This data standard adopts the NWCG NFDRS Weather Station Standards six-digit identifiers for identifying the NFDRS weather station best representing weather and climate conditions for an incident site at the time of initial response. [validated: 4/10/2008]

Projected Incident Activity Data Standard FENC Fire Environment Committee Approved

Create a data standard that describes an estimate of the direction in which the incident is expected to spread, migrate or expand in the next 12, 49, and 72 hour time frames.

Radio Frequency RSUSC Wildland Fire Radio Standards and Use Committee

A standard describing radio frequencies used in wildland fire.

Residences Destroyed Quantity Data Standard PSOG National Predictive Services Oversight Group Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definition for reporting the total number of residences destroyed, or damaged to an extent requiring rebuilding, as a result of a fire. [validated: 6/16/2008]

Residences Threatened Quantity Data Standard PSOG National Predictive Services Oversight Group Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definition for reporting the total number of residences threatened by the fire. [validated: 7/21/2008]

Resource Quantity Current as of Date Time Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

The date and time that reflects the period for which the resource counts are current.

Resource System of Record Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

The IRWIN username of the system that currently is the System of Record for the resource and the capabilities for that resource.

Secondary Phone Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Approved

Individual’s secondary phone.

Selection Area Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

Indicates the dispatch center inside/outside the current dispatch center for which resources are being requested.

Serial Number Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

A set of numbers that is put on equipment by the manufacturer so that each has a different number and can be recognized.

Significant Events Data Standard PSOG National Predictive Services Oversight Group Approved

Create a data standard that describes the observed fire behavior or significant incident events for the current reporting period. (ICS Block 28)

Special Land Designator Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definitions for identifying officially designated special land types within a fire perimeter. [validated: 6/16/2008]

State and Landowner Final Fire Acre Quantity Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definition for the measure of acres of land belonging to a specified owner within a fire perimeter within a state. [validated: 6/16/2008]

State Code Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Superceded

This data standard has been superseded by the Country Subdivision Code standard.

Tail Number Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

The numerical identification of an aircraft, also known as the registration number for an aircraft, as displayed on the aircraft's tail section.

Time Point Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Approved

This data standard adopts the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard for representing time of day. [validated: 4/15/2008]

Unique Fire Identifier Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and rules for a unique identifier assigned to each wildland fire. [validated: 6/16/2008]

Unique Fire Report Identifier Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and rules for a code that uniquely identifies a particular fire report. [validated: 6/16/2008; next validation: 12/31/2013]

Unit Identifier Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

This data standard specifies the standard format and rules for Unit Identifier, a code used within the wildland fire community to uniquely identify a particular government organizational unit. [validated: 12/18/2012]

VIN Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) assigned to a piece of equipment.

Weather Concerns Data Standard FENC Fire Environment Committee Approved

A field collected in the ICS 209 containing a brief summary of how the current weather is affecting the incident and how the anticipated weather will affect the incident.

Wildfire Cause Data Standard CEPC Communication, Education, and Prevention Committee Approved

The data standard for identifying something that started a wildfire.

Wildland Urban Interface Indicator Data Standard WUIMC Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Committee, FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definition for indicating if the presence of Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) influenced the cost, strategy, or management of a wildfire. [validated: 12/1/2009]

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Note: If the NWCG Geospatial Data Layer View is not displaying below please report it to NWCG Webmaster

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Comment on a proposed data standard

When a new or revised data standard is ready for review and comment, it will have a status of Proposed. Submit your feedback to the Data Standards and Terminology Board.

Request for a new or revised standard

Requests for the development of a new data standard, or for changes to a current standard, may be submitted on a Request form

Download the User Guide and other reference materials

The User Guide for Development and Maintenance of NWCG Data Standards, PMS 938, explains the processes for developing and maintaining both NWCG data element and geospatial data layer standards.

Last Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

ETC Bulletin 25-001: Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits - 2025 Field Season

Date: April 16, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

Due to spout failures and the associated risk of burn injuries, manufacturers have retrofitted the Hot/Cold Beverage Kits using a heat-shrinking band to secure the black spout at the insertion site. The updated kits feature a fluorescent label on each full kit assembly for easy identification. Catering units are encouraged to confirm the clear heat-shrinking bands are intact around each spout before filling.

ETC Bulletin 24-001 regarding Hot/Cold Beverage Kits has been archived and replaced by ETC Bulletin 25-001 for the 2025 season.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-25-001 Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and Next Generation Position Task Book for Basic Faller Are Now Available

Date: April 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-19 are now available.

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212 includes position standards designed to be used in conjunction with the Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB). The Next Gen PTB for Basic Faller (FAL3) includes an evaluation guide with suggested rating elements to consider when assessing trainees.

References:

NWCG Standards For Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-119

NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3)

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions

Date: April 9, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
RMC Member Eric Fransted

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) serves as the position steward for all Safety Officer incident positions and continues to improve position standards, training, and naming conventions. The implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) required changes to position titles. RMC collaborated with the NWCG Incident Position Standards Committee (IPSC) to propose and implement these updates. 

References:

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions 

NWCG Position Catalog

Updated, NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, PMS 412

Date: April 8, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Wildland Fire Investigation Subcommittee

PMS 412 provides guidance for wildland fire investigations. This guide outlines recommended procedures, practices, techniques, and methods to promote a systematic approach. The last update to this publication was in 2016.

References:

NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination PMS 412