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Configure Feature Templates


Configuring the Feature Templates in the Edit Project is a crucial step towards ensuring all data is properly attributed. Many fields can be set to defaults that will populate automatically in most cases, saving time, and improving consistency.

The standardized attributes of the Event Schema serve as Feature-Level Metadata. Wildland fire is rapidly becoming an enterprise environment with distributed data and aggregated services. GIS data must be identifiable down to each feature in such a system so that users know crucial information such as currency and source.

Utilizing the Feature Templates is the best practice for automatically populating attribute with default values for several reasons:

  1. The Event Schema should not be modified, including database defaults.
  2. There may be multiple editors on an incident.
  3. Feature Templates will not transfer with the GDB when sharing or transitioning.

Esri Feature Template Documentation

Feature Templates should be configured in the Edit Project before making any edits.

  1. Configure Feature Templates
    1. Open the Manage Templates pane. This can be done from the Create Features pane or by clicking the dialog box launcher under the Features group on the Edit tab.​

      Select manage templates.
       
    2. Starting with Label Point, select all the features in the list and click Properties. ​
        

      LabelPoint properties

    3. Set the values for IncidentName and IRWINID and any other defaults you wish to apply to your edits.

      In the properties window select Attributes.
       
    4. Repeat steps b-c for all the other layers.

Note: See the GISS Workflow for more information on Obtaining IRWIN IDs for Incidents and Complexes.
 

  1. Once the Feature Templates for each of the Event feature classes are configured, save a layer file as a backup. A layer file will store both the symbology and more importantly, all the incident specific template settings just configured.
    1. Right-click the Event Group - All Layers in the Contents pane and select Save as a Layer File under Sharing.
      Save the file to the incident_data\edit​ folder following the GeoOps naming convention {year}_{incident name}_{unit ID+local incident ID}_{your name}.lyrx
        

      Save the layer file

      This layer file can be used to build a new Edit Project should you need to for any reason.

      Note: ​In order to utilize all the settings saved in the layer file, add it to the map through the Add Data button. If the data has moved or you wish to apply it to a different feature class, you can repair/change the data source.

 

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National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2025
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The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

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As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

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ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
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Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

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NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
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The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

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