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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 2025 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

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