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Directory Structure and File Naming

GeoOps Incident Directory Structure

At the heart of all GISS work is the NWCG Standards for Geospatial Operations (GeoOps), PMS 936, Incident Directory Structure.

The Current Incident Directory Structure download contains all the essential folders, templates, and tools. It should be the default starting point for every incident.

The incident folder should be placed at or as close to the drive root as possible. This reduces clicks necessary to access items within, as well as keeps the file path as short as possible.

Eg C:\2020_Incidents\2020_ExampleFire\

Current Incident Directory Structure (zip file)

Implementing the Incident Directory Structure can be as simple as extracting and saving the YYYY_[template] folder to your computer and rename it for the incident. A GISS can extract and begin populating the directory structure even prior to arriving at the incident. The current Event GDB and Layer files are already present in the template file structure under \tools.>

Configure the Pro Project Template

There are some additional steps required to prepare the Pro Project Template to work within the structure.

Prepare the Incident Directory Structure for use with ArcGIS Pro [Draft] [Move these steps to on-page] - BAD LINK, What does the note mean?

Complexes

When assigned to a Complex, only a single Incident Directory Structure should be used, not separate structures for each fire.

This is the name you would use for the IncidentName attribute.

The complex name and ID should be used in all file names.

Eg. 20180805_1430_Mendocino_Cpx_CAMEU_008674_gps_ranch_flin_llw84.shp sit_river_archE_port_20180819_2130_Mendocino_Cpx_CAMEU_008674_0820day.pdf Is this right?

File Naming

The GeoOps file naming and directory structure are designed to serve as metadata. The file and folder names include incident-specific identification information which facilitates archival and use by the hosting agency, GACCs, etc.

File names must be complete and stand on their own outside of the file structure. File names must be concise, use clear text, and avoid ambiguous terms.

The general format for file naming is: {date and time}_{incident information}_{other information}; however, this will vary depending on the file in question. It is strongly recommended that all GISS use the GeoOps File Namer for consistency and accuracy on all file names.

Job Aid

GeoOps File Namer (.xls spreadsheet)

Using and Customizing the GSTOP File-Namer

 

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for RADO and INCM

Date: July 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Logistics Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 Radio Operator Position Page

NWCG Incident Communications Center Manager Position Page

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 NEW Aquatic Invasive Species – Golden Mussels

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-004, notifying the wildland fire community about a newly discovered invasive species and actions to take if found. Golden mussels, a highly invasive species recently identified in California, pose a significant risk to native ecosystems, infrastructure, and fire equipment. These mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos and location details.

Read the complete ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for ICT5 and FFT1

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Command Subcommittee
Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) and Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page