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Event Geodatabase

Purpose

The Event Geodatabase (Event GDB) is the NWCG standard for use on all incidents and contains point, line, and polygon representations for typical fire features. The Event GDB was approved by the NWCG's Geospatial Subcommittee in the spring of 2017 along with the NWCG Wildland Fire Event Point, Event Line, and Event Polygon Geospatial Data Layer Standards. The Event GDB is used in all phases of a wildfire incident including initial attack, extended fire management activities, and rehabilitation and repair.

A standardized incident geodatabase schema is critical to the interoperability and efficiency of personnel and tools on a wildland fire incident. A consistent schema permits the development of tools and workflows to speed data management and mapping. A standard schema also allows incident data to be aggregated at the Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC)​ and national level to provide a picture of the wildland fire situation.

The Event GDB is referenced several ways based on application (Offline Copy, Master Incident GDB, etc.). It is important to understand that because "Event" is a schema standard, the data in each of these is interchangeable. Different names designate the different implementation phases of the Event GDB in various workflows. The Event GDB is primarily implemented in the wildland fire enterprise through the National Incident Feature Service (NIFS).

Specifications

The Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS)​ will adhere to the following:

  • GISS and any other incident personnel working with incident spatial information must use the NWCG Approved Wildland Fire Event GDB standard for data storage and exchange.
  • The Event schema should not be modified.
  • Required data elements in the Wildland Fire Event GDB must be fully populated during the incident. The Event attributes serve as feature-level metadata for each record.
  • The Event GDB will be stored in the correct location in the Incident Directory Structure and follow File Naming conventions for GDB name.
  • The Event GDB will be backed up to provide a snapshot of the incident data daily or more frequently based on incident activity.
  • The required data elements FeatureAccess, FeatureStatus, and IsVisible are used by external systems to control the sharing of the incident data. Unless considered sensitive, the fire polygon will have FeatureAccess = Public, FeaturesStatus = Approved, and IsVisible = Yes (these are the default values for Event Polygon).

Required Fields

Click on image to enlarge.

Required system fields

References

Responsibilities

The GISS is responsible for following the Event GDB standard and the specifications described in this section of GeoOps. The GISS will load the Event GDB into the NIFS after any edits to the local geodatabase. The GISS will work with the Situation Unit Leader (SITL) to ensure all data in the Event GDB accurately represents the incident.

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NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page