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Webmaster 6MFS Google Earth Pros and Cons

Option 1: Google Earth Hosting of Map Files and hyperlink from NWCG 6MFS page:

Problem: Google Earth does not provide an embed API, which means I cannot embed the map directly.  However I can host on my NWCG Google Account.  

Pros
1. host the KMZ file on my NWCG Webmaster Google account and reference it from our website (same way we do YouTube videos).   
2. Because the file is hosted on a google server, this approach will allow the user to interact with the Google Earth Web App for a full interactive experience. 

3. The google space we have free of charge is 15GB. To give you an idea of how many files the size of the file you sent me we can fit in 15GB storage:

  • Babo Fire is approximately 4KB.   Approximately 3,932,160 files of 4 KB can fit in 15 GB of storage.  I can't imagine you will be hosting more files than that amount, do you? 

Cons: 

  • If we ever exceed the 15GB storage limit, we will need to upgrade the NWCG Webmaster Google account to Google One. 


    Note to Sarah/Katie: While 6MFS may stay within the 15GB limit, using this account for other committees could push us over. To obtain more than 15GB of storage on Google Drive, we would need to subscribe to Google One, which offers various plans with increasing storage capacities:

    • 100 GB plan: $1.99 per month or $19.99 annually

    • 200 GB plan: $2.99 per month or $29.99 annually

    • 2 TB plan: $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually

  • We cannot embed the map directly; users will need to click a hyperlink to access it. The hyperlink could be represented by a photo of the map.

    Example: A photo of the Google Map hyperlinked to the GE map hosted in the Google 
    Earth Web Application, which is viewable to the public:

Image
boba fire 2018 screenshot of google earth map
Boba Fire (2018)

 

 


 

 

Option 2: Google Maps vs. Google Earth Embedding 

Google Earth does not support embedding, but Google Maps does. To achieve a similar effect, I would need to import the .kmz file into Google Maps.

 

Pros: 

  1. This approach allows us to embed the map directly on the website, enabling visitors to interact with it from the 6MFS page without leaving our site.
  2. We have 15GB of available free space on Google Drive that we can use similar to Google Earth solution Option 1.

Cons:

  1. While the map is interactive and the text overlay you added is visible, it retains the standard Google Maps look and feel. Not terrible, it works.

  2. Additionally, like YouTube, the embedded map will display Google My Maps branding in the window, which cannot be removed. Not terrible, we learned to live with the YouTube branding on our site.


    Example: Embedded Google Map on a 6MFS web page:


Option 3: Example of a file uploaded to our website server for user download:


The less desirable option is to upload the file to our website and provide a hyperlink on the 6MFS page, allowing visitors to download the file and import it into Google Maps or Google Earth themselves.

Pros:

  1. We can store the file on our server, where we have unlimited storage capacity.

Cons:

  1. Web visitors will need to perform all the steps to view the file, so we must provide clear instructions on how to download it and import it into their personal Google account, as well as how to view it in either Google Earth or Google Maps

     

Example of a file uploaded to our website server for user download:

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

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-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

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

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
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.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources

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