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Operations Map

Note: The Situation Map has been deprecated as a map standard. The Operations map should be used as an acceptable substitute for task book purposes.

Product Description

The Operations Map effectively displays geographic and incident features for use by operations personnel (Operations Section Chief, Operations Branch Directors, Division/Group Supervisors) either in the Incident Command Post or out in the field.

Target Audience

Operations Section, Logistics Section, Planning Section, Safety Officer.

Guidelines

  • Standard Incident Command System (ICS) symbology.
  • Printed in color to enable clear depiction of incident and map features.
  • Size varies but usually anywhere from tabloid (11” x 17”) to “Arch E” (36” x 48”) size.
  • Scale varies based on request, area covered, and map size.
  • May be one map for the entire incident or multiple maps for various areas of interest, such as organizational divisions.

Standard Elements

All map products produced should include the STANDL-SGD cartographic elements.

Data

  • Wildfire Daily Fire Perimeter (Polygon) with Contained and Uncontained Perimeter Lines.
  • Event Lines (including, but not limited to: Planned and Completed lines, Access Routes, Escape Routes).
  • Event Points (including, but not limited to: Camps, Dip Sites, Draft Sites, Drop Points, Hazards, Helispots, Helibase, Incident Command Post, and Safety Zones).
  • Assignment (Division, Branch, Zone) breaks and labels.
  • Land Ownership / Jurisdiction.
  • Special Management Areas (including, but not limited to: Wilderness, Wilderness Study Areas, Inventoried Roadless Areas).
  • Structures.
  • Utilities (including, but not limited to: Powerlines, Substations, Pipelines).
  • Topographic or Orthoimagery Base.
  • Other Situation Unit Leader (SITL)-requested data.

Examples

These are examples from actual incidents and may include non-standard elements.

Also note that examples use the standard symbols at the time of their creation and may not reflect the current GeoOps symbology. Map elements, incident features, and composition remain consistent across these visual changes.

  1. 2022 Tenmile Fire
  2. 2021 Greenwood Fire
  3. 2021 Caldor Fire (West Zone Overview)
  4. 2022 Mosquito Fire (Overview)
  5. 2022 Kootenai River Complex (Overview)
  6. 2017 Snake Ridge Fire
  7. 2017 Pinal Fire
  8. 2017 Burro Fire
  9. 2017 Southern LNU Complex (Atlas)
  10. 2015 Valley Fire (West Ops Map)
  11. 2015 Valley Fire (East Ops Map)

 

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NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
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Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

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2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources

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Date: Aug 26, 2025
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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:

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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.

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References:

IPTM Story Map

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Date: Aug 15, 2025
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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).

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S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

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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.

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S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal