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Configure the ArcGIS Pro Project Template


Configuring the ArcGIS Pro Project Template will streamline data edits and map creation and provide a solid foundation for the duration of an incident.

Note: It is very important to begin with a new zip of the Current_GeoOps_Folder_Structure when setting up a project. This will allow the Pro Project Template to establish the correct file pathways. Reusing the folder structure or the Pro Project Template is not recommended.
  1. In the \projects folder, open the 2025_ProProjectTemplate APRX file.
  2. A display issue affects the Home Folder name in some versions of Pro. In the Project Folders under Contents, rename the Home Folder after confirming the underlying connection is correct. 

    Rename Home Folder

  3. In the Project Databases folder under Contents, rename the Default GDB (other_incident_data GDB) with the incident name and Unique Fire ID. 

    Rename the GDB

    Note: A slow double-click on the database name in the Catalog View must be used to update the name. The Rename button will be grayed out. Be sure to rename the Default GDB prior to opening the provided Map View or a database lock will be created, and you will be unable to rename the Default GDB.

  4. Rename the Annotation and Progression GDBs. 

    Rename the annotation and progression GDBs

  5. Navigate to the Project Maps folder. Open the provided map view {MapType}_2025_{IncidentName}.

    1. Add the Incident Name to the map title, but leave {MapType}.
    2. Repair the path of the DynamicTextUpdate table to the existing table in the Default GDB (other_incident_data.gdb). 

      Repair the default GDB

    3. Set the coordinate system of the map to a local projected coordinate system. 

      Set the coordinate systems

    Note: By setting the coordinate system now, all incident projects will inherit this configuration. If you do not wish to use the same coordinate system for all incident projects, this can be set after each Save-As of the ProProjectTemplate APRX.
  6. Save the Project.

 

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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