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Working with Incident Data

A GISS can receive and be required to work with all manner of geospatial data on an incident. They should be prepared to access, convert, and often 'clean-up' any format from GPX to XLS.

A GISS must also be prepared to instruct personnel on the use of the many data collection apps.

ArcGIS Mobile Apps (Field Maps & Survey123)

Field Maps is the recommended mobile app for use with official Incident Web Map Templates. Collector is no longer supported by Esri or the Wildfire Response Support Team. Please encourage all field editors to download Field Maps.

ArcGIS mobile apps use REST services to store data. For wildfire incidents, these services are most often the National Incident Feature Service (NIFS). This makes the ArcGIS apps the most efficient means to collect data as it must only be reviewed, not exported, processed or converted, and imported as well.

On incidents, the offline functionality is often used with these apps due to slow or intermittent internet or cellular connectivity. This means a copy of the data is made on the device and then edited, with the changes being synced back to the service when the user is able.

Occasionally, an app will be unable to sync back to the service. When this occurs, the data stored on the device can be manually retrieved by a GISS.

KML/KMZ Files

KML can be added directly to ArcGIS Pro but capabilities are limited. For any operation other than quick visualization, it is still best to convert the KML to a file geodatabase using KML to Layer.

Avenza Data Collection

If possible, ensure users have an Avenza Pro license. This allows them to export any data as a Shapefile, skipping the need to convert from another format.

Please use the following links or contacts for obtaining Avenza licensing information:

GPS Data

Job Aids

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

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

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Great Basin Cache Upgrading to New Inventory System

Date: May 7, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Great Basin Cache
Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

The Great Basin Cache (GBK) is transitioning to a new inventory system to better serve the wildland fire community. During this upgrade, GBK will be unable to process standard orders from Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment and Part 2: Publications between May 8-20, 2025, with exceptions made for emergency fire orders. Orders will be accepted through close of business May 7.

To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs. 

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2