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Create and Share Web Maps

Data Preparation | Gather Incident Information | Implement the Incident Directory Structure | Populate Base Data | Configure the ArcGIS Pro Project Template | Create the Edit Project | Create an Offline Copy | Repair Event Layer Files | Configure Feature Templates | Create and Share Web Maps

Offline mobile data collection through the ArcGIS apps is quickly becoming the most common method for gathering incident data due to its convenience and provided common operating picture.

For the 2024 season, Field Maps is the recommended mobile app for use with official Incident Web Map Templates. Please encourage all field editors to download Field Maps on their mobile device.

Several predefined options exist to implement offline mobile data collection on wildfire incidents using ArcGIS apps. The appropriate workflow should be selected based on the needs of the team and scale of the incident. It is best to begin an incident from a web map template to provide the field user with a consistent offline mapping product.

All the web map templates can be found in the Incident Resources Group.


The incident web map templates have the following settings by default:

  • The Event Polygon layer editing is disabled
  • Features where FeatureStatus = ‘Archive’ are filtered to not display
  • Features where DeleteThis = ‘Yes’ are filtered to not display

Job Aids

The Basic Web Map Workflow

Quick and easy to implement, the Basic Workflow works best for smaller incidents or incidents with fewer field editors.

A single web map is shared for use in  Field Maps and all edits are reviewed and managed by the GISS.

Template Quick Links

Advanced Web Map Workflows

There are two workflows that go beyond the out-of-the-box Basic Workflow. The Approval Workflow and the Suppression Repair Workflow. The Approval Workflow, which consists of three web maps, gives an ‘approver’ (usually the Situation Unit Leader [SITL]) the ability to approve every new feature before it becomes visible in the Viewer web map (and/or printed maps).

The Suppression Repair Workflow can be used in conjunction with either the Basic or Approval Workflows. It is used to track and record suppression repair activities on an incident.

Approval Web Map Workflow

The ‘Approval’ part of the workflow gives the Situation Unit the ability to change the status of new features from the default “Proposed” to “In Review,” “Approved,” or “Archive.” The approver (SITL) will work with Operations to change features from “Proposed” to “Approved.” Team members that have access to the View Only Map cannot see any new features until they are “Approved” and a definition query in ArcGIS Pro can be used on incident maps to remove any non-approved features from display.

The SITL Approver App can be used by SITLs in the NIFC Org to manage the Approval Status of incident features without the need to create additional content. This app provides a quick and easy way for the SITL to monitor for incoming features from the field.
Navigate to the Incident Resources group to locate the latest SITL Approver App.

Template Quick Links

Suppression Repair Workflow

The Suppression Repair Workflow can be used in conjunction with either the Basic Workflow or the Approval Workflow to track the status of the suppression repair efforts on a fire. At any time during the life cycle of a feature, the Repair specific fields can be updated.

The Repair Status service is a Hosted View off the same data as the NIFS. The Accountable Property, Point and Line Repair Status layers will automatically update with any edits to the features in the NIFS. In the Suppression Repair web maps, any changes to a feature’s Repair Status field will result in a change in the feature’s halo color for easy identification.

Template Quick Links

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases New Equipment Bulletins

Date: September 27, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released three new Equipment Bulletins:

  • ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers.
  • ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories.
  • ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance.

These bulletins remind field going personnel of important issues related to equipment for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers

ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories

ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee is looking for your feedback on Staff Rides

Date: September 20, 2024
Contact: Ashleigh D'Antonio and George Risko, Leadership Committee

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee needs to hear from the field about where the greatest need lies regarding staff rides and their accessibility.

  • Do you have an event you would like to turn into a learning experience?
  • Do you have a staff ride built, but are struggling to implement the delivery?
  • Do you need help building capacity?
  • What other ideas do you have to support experiential leadership training?

Fill out this short survey below to help us help you.

References:

Staff Rides: Feedback

Staff Rides

Updated NWCG Single Resource Casual Hire Information, PMS 934

Date: September 19, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

The Incident Business Committee has updated the NWCG Single Resource Casual Hire Information, PMS 934. This update expands the provisions for hiring emergency personnel.

References:

NWCG Single Resource Casual Hire Information, PMS 934

IBC Memorandum 24-03

NWCG 2024 Spring/Summer Highlights

Date: September 13, 2024

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Forest Service Logo
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Bureau of Indian Affairs Logo
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Bureau of Land Management Logo
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National Park Service Logo
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Fish & Wildlife Service Logo
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State Foresters Logo
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U.S. Fire Administration
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Intertribal Timber Council Logo
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International Association of Fire Chiefs
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Department of Defense Logo

Welcome to our latest highlights from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, where we explore the latest updates, insights, and efforts that develop interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners.

The Performance Support Package, which for ABRO includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.
 

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NASA Logo

NASA JOINS NWCG!

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is officially an associate member of NWCG. As such, NASA is beginning to collaborate with wildland fire management agencies with the goal of increasing collaboration across agencies and leveraging NASA data, technology, and innovation for nation-wide efforts in wildland fire management. NASA has a rich history of research, development, and technology transfer in the areas of Earth science, space technologies, and aeronautics that support the NWCG mission.

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NWCG new website look.

WWW.NWCG.GOV HAS A NEW LOOK AND DESIGN

The NWCG web team dedicated the past two years to making a significant upgrade to the www.nwcg.gov site. This upgrade involved a comprehensive redesign of over 7,700 web pages.

The modernization of NWCG’s website involved migrating to Drupal 10, a cutting—edge content management system, and leveraging Amazon Web Service GovCloud for secure and efficient hosting. These upgrades help ensure that the NWCG website remains current in content management practices, offering enhanced customization, improved performance, and an overall superior user experience.

NWCG Leadership Committee

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WFLDP Professional Reading Program logo
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WFLDP PRP book covers

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program announced the Professional Reading Program’s 2024 list!

The years books include:

  • Young Men and Fire by Norman Maclean
  • The Wisdom of the Bullfrog by William H. McRaven
  • The Art of Clear Thinking by Hasard Lee
  • Emotional Agility by Susan David
  • Writing to Persuade by Trish Hall

Learn more at the NWCG Leadership Committee

INCIDENT PERFORMANCE AND TRAINING MODERNIZATION

In 2023, NWCG kicked off the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. A training system overhaul focused on developing a performance-based training system designed to shift training to on-the-job when appropriate.

Over the next five years, NWCG intends to analyze all positions within the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1. To date we are currently working on 30 incident positions, and planning for 20+ in calendar year 2025.

Subject Matter Experts from a variety of geographical areas and agencies recently completed the position analysis for 16 positions. From this analysis, Incident Positions Standards and a Next Generation Position Task Book will be developed for each position.

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Incident Performance and Training Modernization

NEXT GENERATION POSITION TASK BOOK

In April 2024, NWCG launched the new Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB) which is a key component of the IPTM effort. This revised evaluation tool is designed to work in conjunction with the newly developed Incident Position Standards.

Major Next Gen PTB changes:

  • Structured to improve constructive conversations between evaluators and trainees.
  • Reference new Incident Position Standards.
  • Include only tasks required to be evaluated for successful performance.
  • Trainees will be rated on their performance vs. initialing whether a task was completed.
  • Must include written feedback when trainee does not meet the standard.
  • Will be position specific (no combined PTBs).
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Screen shot of the Next Gen Position Task Book
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Banner image of the Wildland Fire Learning Portal website

NWCG’s training course catalog is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

To access the training course catalog, visit WFLP and either set up an account or login as a guest.