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PMS 910

PMS 910

PMS 910

NWCG Data Standards

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NWCG Data Standards, PMS 910

NWCG data standards provide specifications that enable the common usage of data across wildland fire information systems. The tables below display these standards by type: Data Element Standards and Geospatial Data Layer Standards. The data in these tables is imported from the TopBraid Enterprise Data Governance (EDG) system.

EDG is an agile data governance solution utilized by the Department of the Interior and its cooperators for enterprise-wide data governance, which includes the management of NWCG data standards and assets. More detailed information, such as rules, documentation, and term relationships, is available within EDG (please see How to Access EDG).

NWCG Website and EDG Integration Update (July 30, 2025): The NWCG Webmaster and the FAM-IM Development team are currently integrating additional metadata from EDG onto the NWCG Website. This metadata was previously available in PDF format.

USWDS Paragraphs

Note: If the NWCG Data Standards View is not displaying below please report it to NWCG Webmaster. 

Data Standard Steward Status Description
ABCD Miscellaneous Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee, IBC Incident Business Committee Approved

A FireCode used by the USDA Forest Service to track and compile cost information for emergency initial attack fire suppression expenditures. For A, B, C, & D size class fires on Forest Service lands.
ADS Permission State Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Grandfathered

Indicates the permission hierarchy that is currently being applied when a system utilizes the Update Incident operation.
Apparatus Number Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Grandfathered

The external alphanumeric value painted on the side of the equipment.
Capacity Data Standard IPSC Incident and Position Standards Committee Approved

The capacity in which the overhead resource is qualified to perform a position. May also be used to define how the resource performed on a specific incident. In both cases the capacity is defined as “trainee” or “qualified”.
Cost Data Standard IBC Incident Business Committee Grandfathered

A standard for the dollar amount associated with an incident.
Country Code Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Approved

This standard adopts the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard for two-letter country codes.
Country Subdivision Code Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Approved

This standard adopts the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard for country subdivision codes of up to three alpha-numeric characters. This standard replaces the NWCG State Code standard.
County Code Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Approved

This standard adopts the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) publications 6-4, Counties and Equivalent Entities of the United States, Its Possessions, and Associated Areas. This FIPS standard was approved on August 31, 1990, and is published by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Computer Systems Laboratory, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
FIPS PUB 6-4 implements the American National Standard ANSI X3.31-1988, Information Systems - Codes - Structure for the Identification of the Counties and County Equivalents of the United Sates and Its Outlying and Associated Areas for Information Interchange. ANSI X3.31 is published by the American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 1003. 
Created By System Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Approved

Username of system that created the record.
Created On Date-Time Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Approved

Date/time that the record was created.
Date Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Approved

This standard adopts Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS) 4.2, that adopts American National Standard ANSI X3.3 0-1997: Representation of Date for Information Interchange (revision of ANSIX3.30-1985 (RI991)). ANSI X3.30-1997 was approved on February 5, 1998, and is published by the American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, NewYork, NY 10036, telephone (212) 642-4900.
Date-Time Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Approved

The combination of date and time elements.
Detection Method Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Grandfathered

The method by which the fire was detected.
Employment Category Data Standard IOSC Incident Operations Subcommittee Approved

The type of employment appointment or agreement under which a person is hired. [validated: 5/6/2004]
Estimated Containment Date-Time Data Standard PSOG National Predictive Services Oversight Group Approved

Create a data standard to describe the data element for estimated date a wildfire will be contained.
Estimated Costs to Date Data Standard IBC Incident Business Committee Approved

Estimated total incident costs to date for the entire incident based on currently available information. Costs include estimates for all costs for the response including management and support activities.
Evaluation Comments Data Standard IOSC Incident Operations Subcommittee Approved

Text description of the evaluator’s comments.
Evaluation Data Standard IOSC Incident Operations Subcommittee Approved

A description of how the resource performed on an incident. The evaluation is focused on the specific capacity the resource was required to perform.
Evaluation Timestamp Data Standard IOSC Incident Operations Subcommittee Approved

The date/time the trainee experience was evaluated.
Event Kind & Category Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

This data standard specifies general, high-level codes and descriptions to be used in categorizing the types of incidents and planned events to which the interagency wildland fire community responds
Experience From Date Data Standard IOSC Incident Operations Subcommittee Approved

The date and time when the Experience began.
Experience To Date Data Standard IOSC Incident Operations Subcommittee Approved

The date and time when the Experience ended.
Final Fire Acre Quantity Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definition for the measure of acres within the final perimeter of a fire. [validated: 7/11/2008]
Fire Containment Date-Time Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This standard provides a standard format and definition for the date and time a wildfire was declared contained.
Fire Control Date-Time Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This standard provides a standard format and definition for the date and time a wildfire was declared under control. [validated: 6/16/2008]
Fire Discovery Date-Time Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definition for the date and time a fire was discovered or confirmed to exist. [validated: 4/10/2008]
Fire Initial Action Date-Time Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definition for the date and time that initial action was taken by the first resources to arrive at a fire. [validated: 4/10/2008]
Fire Out Date-Time Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definition for the date and time when a fire is declared "out". [validated: 6/16/2008]
Fire Report Approver Name Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definition for the name of the person that approved the fire report. [validated: 4/10/2008]
Fire Report Provider Name Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definition for the name of the person that provided the data for the fire report. [validated: 4/10/2008]
Fire Reporting Agency Unit Identifier Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard adopts the NWCG Unit Identifier data standard to identify the agency preparing a fire report. [validated: 4/10/2008]
Fire Resource Kind, Category & Type Data Standard NIAC National Interagency Aviation Committee, ETC Equipment Technology Committee, IPSC Incident and Position Standards Committee, NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

This data standard provides standard formats and definitions for a three-tier classification (kind and type) of operational resources available to respond to a fire. [validated: 8/15/2008]
Fire Resource Status Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

Indicates if the resource record being submitted or updated is an initial response resource or daily resource record.
Fire Size Class Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard code and definition for classifying a fire into one of several ranges of fire size based on the number of acres within the final fire perimeter. [validated: 12/17/2012]
FireCode Data Standard IBC Incident Business Committee Approved

This data standard specifies the standard format and rules for FireCode, a code used within the interagency wildland fire community to track and compile cost information for emergency fire suppression expenditures. [validated: 5/18/2005]
First Name Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Approved

The first name of the resource as it appears on a government issued ID. Applies only to overhead resources.
Fitness Level Data Standard IPSC Incident and Position Standards Committee Approved

A code that indicates the fitness level of a human resource.
Forest Service Assisted Indicator Data Standard IBC Incident Business Committee Approved

Indicates if the Forest Service provided assistance on an incident outside their jurisdiction.
Forest Service Job Code Data Standard IBC Incident Business Committee Approved

A code used to indicate the Forest Service job accounting code for the incident. This is specific to the Forest Service, and is usually displayed as two-character prefix on the FireCode.
Forest Service Override Code Data Standard IBC Incident Business Committee Approved

A code used to indicate the Forest Service override code for the incident. This is specific to the Forest Service, and is usually displayed as a four-character suffix on FireCode.
Frequency Use Designator Data Standard RSUSC Wildland Fire Radio Standards and Use Committee Approved

This data standard provides a standard list of designators for the kind of communications that will occur on an assigned radio frequency. [validated: 3/8/2004]
Fulfillment Comment Data Standard IOSC Incident Operations Subcommittee Approved

Communication about the request and fulfilling that request.
Fulfillment Status Data Standard IOSC Incident Operations Subcommittee Approved

Indicates the state of the request.
General Status Data Standard IPSC Incident and Position Standards Committee Approved

Indicates whether the resource is available or unavailable to fill a capability request.
Geographic Area (GA) Code & Name Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

This data standard provides a code and name for each of the wildland fire geographic areas. [validated: 2/16/2006]
Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC) Code & Name Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

This data standard provides a code and name for each of the wildland fire geographic area coordination centers. [validated: 5/21/2015]
Geographic Coordinating Area (GCA) Code & Name Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

This data standard provides a code and name for each of the wildland fire geographic coordinating areas. [validated: 5/21/2015]
GUID Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Grandfathered

A standard describing a globally unique identifier for unique identification.
Home Dispatch Unit Data Standard IOSC Incident Operations Subcommittee Approved

The NWCG Unit Identifier of the center primarily responsible for dispatching the resource.
Horizontal Datum Code Data Standard GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a code and name for each of the point coordinate reference systems used within the interagency wildland fire community. [validated: 12/17/2012]
ICS 209 Remarks Data Standard PSOG National Predictive Services Oversight Group Approved

Create a data standard that describes additional information pertinent to the incident management. (ICS Block 47)
ICS 209 Report Date-Time Data Standard PSOG National Predictive Services Oversight Group Approved

Create a data standard that describes the date and time of the latest approved ICS-209 report.
ICS 209 Report For Time Period From Data Standard PSOG National Predictive Services Oversight Group Approved

Create a data standard that describes the date and time of the beginning of the time period for the current ICS209 submission. (ICS Block 11)
ICS 209 Report For Time Period To Data Standard PSOG National Predictive Services Oversight Group Approved

Create a data standard that describes the date and time of the end of the time period for the current ICS209 submission. (ICS Block 11)
ICS 209 Report Status Data Standard PSOG National Predictive Services Oversight Group Approved

Create a data standard that describes the version of the 209 report (initial, update, or final). There should never be more than one initial report, but there can be numerous updates, and even multiple finals (as determined by business rules).
Incident Commander Name Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

The first (optional) and last name of the Incident Commander(s) currently assigned to the incident.
Incident Dispatch Center ID Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

A unique identifier for the dispatch center with responsibility at the incident point of origin.
Incident Management Organization Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

The Incident Management Organization for the incident.
Incident Name Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

The name assigned to an incident.
Incident Personnel Fatality Quantity Data Standard RMC Risk Management Committee Approved

This data standard provides a standard definition and format for the total number of deaths of personnel assigned to an incident. [validated: 12/17/2012]
Incident Personnel Injury & Illness Quantity Data Standard RMC Risk Management Committee Approved

This data standard provides a standard definition and format for the total number of reportable occupational injuries and illnesses that occurred in conjunction with an incident. [validated: 12/17/2012]
Incident Short Description Data Standard PSOG National Predictive Services Oversight Group, NICADS National Interagency Computer Aided Dispatch Approved

Create a data standard that describes the general descriptive location of the incident such as the number of miles from an identifiable town. (ICS Block 25)
Incident Size Data Standard IPSC Incident and Position Standards Committee Approved

How large the incident is, measured in acres. This number can change over the life of the incident.
Incident Type Endorsement Data Standard IPSC Incident and Position Standards Committee Approved

Indicates the types of incidents for which this resource is qualified to perform in this position. Wildland Fire, Prescribed Fire, All "other" Hazards (WF, AH, RX).
Initial Fire Strategy Designator Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definition of the fire strategy initially used on a wildland fire. [validated: 8/15/2008]
Initial Fire Strategy Met Indicator Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format for indicating whether the objectives of the initial fire strategy used on a fire were attained. [validated: 6/16/2008]
Initial Latitude and Longitude Data Standard GSC Geospatial Subcommittee, NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

The location coordinates pair for the latitude and longitude values corresponding to the initial reported point of origin specified in decimal degrees.
Initial Response Resource Quantity Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definition for reporting the total number of fire resources (by kind, category, and type) used during initial response. [validated: 6/16/2008]
Is Location Tracking Enabled Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

A status flag indicating whether a resource's location (geometry object/shape) is being updated by a real-time GPS tracking such as AVL (Automated Vehicle Locator).
Is National Resource Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

A status flag indicating whether a resource is a National Resource for use in Initial Response. National Resources are those which have national utilization, high demand, limited availability, and unique status reporting requirements identified by NICC. See the National Mobilization Guide, Chapter 10 for specific details on what constitutes a National Resource.
Is Primary Capability Data Standard NIAC National Interagency Aviation Committee, ETC Equipment Technology Committee Approved

Indicates that the capability is the primary capability for the equipment or aircraft.
Is Quarantined Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

Indicates whether a resource is potentially in conflict with another resource of the same kind, based on the overhead conflict detection rules.
Is Valid Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

A status flag indicating whether a resource is valid for use in Initial Response. Invalid resources should be removed from the data stream.
Landowner Kind & Category Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a two-tier classification (kind and category) of landownership. [validated: 8/25/2016]
Last Name Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Approved

The last name of the resource as it appears on a government issued ID. Applies only to overhead resources.
Latitude Data Standard GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

This data standard specifies a standard format for latitude. [validated: 12/15/2006]
License Plate Number Data Standard ETC Equipment Technology Committee Approved

The vehicle’s license plate number for purposes of identifying equipment.
Local Fire Report Identifier Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard specifies the standard format and rules for a number or code that uniquely identifies an incident report for a particular reporting unit and a particular calendar year. [validated: 6/16/2008]
Local Incident Identifier Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard specifies the standard format and rules for a number or code that uniquely identifies an incident for a particular local fire management organization within a particular calendar year. [validated: 6/16/2008]
Location Timestamp Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

The date/time for the resource’s last known position
Longitude Data Standard GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

This data standard specifies a standard format for longitude. [validated: 12/15/2006]
Management Complexity Level Designator Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard code and definition for identifying the highest management level utilized to manage a wildland fire event. [validated: 8/15/2008]
Manager Contact Info Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

Contact information for the manager of the resource. For use in duplicate resolution and also transferring resources from one SOR (system of record) to another. Based on the Resource SOR, this information would be the person who is responsible for certifying that this resource meets the requirements for the Type, Kind and Category.
Middle Name Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Approved

The middle name of the resource as it appears on a government issued ID. Applies only to overhead resources.
Modified By System Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Approved

Username of system that modified the record.
Modified On Date-Time Data Standard DMC Data Management Committee Approved

Date/time that the record was last modified.
Multi-Jurisdictional Indicator Data Standard IBC Incident Business Committee Approved

Indicates if the incident covers multiple jurisdictions.
National Fire Danger Adjective Class Rating Data Standard FDSC Fire Danger Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard code and definition for describing the potential initiation, spread, and difficulty of control of wildfires in an area. [validated: 7/6/2009]
National Fire Danger Rating System Fuel Model Data Standard FDSC Fire Danger Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard code and definition for identifying the NFDRS Fuel Model representing the predominant fuel bed across a fire area. [validated: 7/6/2009]
Operational Name Data Standard NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

The CURRENT common operational reference to a Resource, the name of the resource and/or call sign. This value will be updated for equipment, crews, modules and teams based on how the resource is currently being utilized through a filled request.
Operational Status Data Standard IOSC Incident Operations Subcommittee, NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

Describes the status of the resource as they are utilized by an incident.
Other Structures Destroyed Quantity Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definition for reporting the total number of structures, other than residences, destroyed as a result of a fire. [validated: 6/16/2008]
Other Structures Threatened Quantity Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definition for reporting the total number of structures, other than residences, threatened by a fire. [validated: 6/16/2008]
Owner Vendor Data Standard IBC Incident Business Committee Approved

The name of the vendor that is providing a contract resource for an incident.
Point of Origin Accuracy Descriptor Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard format and definition for describing the methods used to determine the certainty and precision of the fire location at the point of origin. [validated: 8/15/2008]
Point of Origin Aspect Code Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard code and definition for describing the direction toward which the predominate slope faces at the point of origin of a fire. [validated: 12/17/2012]
Point of Origin County Code Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard adopts the NWCG County Code data standard for identifying the county or equivalent entity at the point of origin of a fire. [validated: 6/16/2008]
Point of Origin Datum Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard adopts the proposed NWCG Horizontal Datum data standard for identifying the datum associated with the coordinates of the point of origin of a fire. [validated: 6/16/2008]
Point of Origin Fire Intensity Level Data Standard FBSC Fire Behavior Subcommittee Approved

This data standard provides a standard code and definition for expressing the fire intensity during the initial response. [validated: 7/6/2009]
Point of Origin Landowner Kind & Category Data Standard FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This data standard adopts the NWCG Land Owner Kind & Category data standard for identifying the owner at the point of origin at the time of an incident. [validated: 8/15/2008]
Displaying 1 - 100 of 133

Note: If the NWCG Geospatial Data Layer View is not displaying below please report it to NWCG Webmaster. 

Data Standard Title Steward Status Description
Aviation Activity Point NIAC National Interagency Aviation Committee, GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

This layer captures activities that may present a hazard to pilots during aviation operations.
Aviation Activity Polygon NIAC National Interagency Aviation Committee, GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

This layer captures activities that may present a hazard to pilots during aviation operations.
Aviation Obstruction Line NIAC National Interagency Aviation Committee, GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

This layer captures physical features that may present a hazard to pilots during aviation operations. Generally speaking these are permanent features.
Aviation Obstruction Point NIAC National Interagency Aviation Committee, GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

This layer captures physical features that may present a hazard to pilots during aviation operations. Generally speaking these are permanent features.
Aviation Obstruction Polygon NIAC National Interagency Aviation Committee, GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

This layer captures physical features that may present a hazard to pilots during aviation operations. Generally speaking these are permanent features.
Fire Danger Rating Areas GSC Geospatial Subcommittee, FDSC Fire Danger Subcommittee In Development
Fire Restrictions Polygon CEPC Communication, Education, and Prevention Committee, GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

This geospatial layer depicts areas where measures have been taken by jurisdictional agencies to impose bans and standards of use on certain human activities that could lead to the cause of wildland fire. These rules are called fire restrictions.
Fuels Treatments Polygon CEPC Communication, Education, and Prevention Committee, GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

The Fuels Treatments (polygon) data layer represents the area(s) of unique fuels treatments during a single timeframe. Each treatment may be made up of multiple polgons.
Geographic Area Coordination Center Boundaries Polygon GSC Geospatial Subcommittee, NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

Geographic boundary polygons depicting the administrative area of the Geographic Area Coordination Centers
Helispots NIAC National Interagency Aviation Committee, GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

The helispot data standard deals with the spatial location and minimum critical attribute information for planning and operational use. The purpose is to store information about established helispots for land management agencies. The standard is not meant to store temporary helispot locations created during incident response, but the data will be available for reference during incident response. Data will persist in the National Incident Feature Service.
Initial Attack Frequency Zone Polygon GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

Polygons depicting areas in which FAA/DOI/USDA annually assign initial attack frequencies for incident needs.
Jurisdictional Unit Polygon GSC Geospatial Subcommittee, FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

This geospatial layer depicts areas of wildland fire jurisdiction to the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Unit level. Jurisdictional Unit is defined by NWCG as "The governmental entity having overall land and resource management responsibility for a specific geographical area as provided by law."
National Dispatch Center Office Point GSC Geospatial Subcommittee

Geographic points depicting the locations of Dispatch Centers within Tier 1, 2, and 3 Dispatch Areas across the nation. Tier 1 refers to the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) which administers the entire country. Tier 2 are the Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACCs). Tier 3 are the Local Dispatch Centers. Depending on availability of addresses, points may represent actual Dispatch Center offices or only the general city in which the center exists. If no address is listed in the DispAddress field, the location is specific to the city only and not to an address.
National Geographic Area Coordination Center Boundary Polygon GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

Geographic boundary polygons depicting administrative areas of Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACCs). GACCs are the largest subdivision within the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) tiered dispatch system. GACCs provide logistical coordination of emergency management resources within their boundaries and with other GACCs. GACC Boundaries are further subdivided into Local Dispatch Areas.
Potential Operational Delineations Line GSC Geospatial Subcommittee, IFPC Interagency Fire Planning Committee Approved

This geospatial layer depicts linear potential control features that may form wildland fire potential operational delineation polygon boundaries.
Potential Operational Delineations Polygon GSC Geospatial Subcommittee, IFPC Interagency Fire Planning Committee Approved

This geospatial layer depicts areas of wildland fire potential operational delineations defined by potential control features.
Pre-Incident Structure Evaluation GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

This layer includes information on the structure access, structure construction and defensible space with related attributes for documenting the property's characteristics.
Predictive Services Area Boundaries Polygon PSOG National Predictive Services Oversight Group, GSC Geospatial Subcommittee, FRSC Fire Reporting Subcommittee Approved

Geographic boundary polygons depicting the extent of the Predictive Services Area Boundary
Resource Base Location GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

Points depicting locations at which a given resource base exists, originates, or is dispatched from (home location) as defined in the specific layer description. Standard may be adapted for use with many types of resource base locations.
Resource Tracking Points NIAC National Interagency Aviation Committee, GSC Geospatial Subcommittee, ETC Equipment Technology Committee, NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

This geospatial layer displays the real-time location of wildland fire resources.
Water Source GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

The Engine Water Sources data standard includes definition of a point feature class for storing information in support of fire-related operations. This layer provides information about the locations, capacity, type, etc. of water sources that may be used for firefighting purposes.
Wildland Fire Dispatch Area Boundaries Polygon GSC Geospatial Subcommittee, NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved

Geographic boundary polygons depicting the administrative area of the Wildland fire Dispatch Areas
Wildland Fire Dispatch Office Location Point GSC Geospatial Subcommittee, NCSC National Coordination System Committee Approved
Wildland Fire Event Line GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

The Wildland Fire Event Line data standard will define the minimum attributes necessary for collection, storage and dissemination of incident based data on wildland fires (wildfires and prescribed fires). The standard is not intended for long term data storage, rather a standard to assist in the creation of incident based data management tools, minimum standards for data exchange, and to assist users in meeting NWCG Standards for Geospatial Operations, PMS 936, guidance on incidents.
Wildland Fire Event Line (Dev) GSC Geospatial Subcommittee In Development

The Wildland Fire Event Line data standard will define the minimum attributes necessary for collection, storage and dissemination of incident based data on wildland fires (wildfires and prescribed fires). The standard is not intended for long term data storage, rather a standard to assist in the creation of incident based data management tools, minimum standards for data exchange, and to assist users in meeting NWCG Standards for Geospatial Operations, PMS 936, guidance on incidents.
Wildland Fire Event Point GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

The Wildland Fire Event Point data standard will define the minimum attributes necessary for collection, storage and dissemination of incident based data on wildland fires (wildfires and prescribed fires). The standard is not intended for long term data storage, rather a standard to assist in the creation of incident based data management tools, minimum standards for data exchange, and to assist users in meeting NWCG Standards for Geospatial Operations, PMS 936, guidance on incidents.
Wildland Fire Event Point (Dev) GSC Geospatial Subcommittee In Development

The Wildland Fire Event Point data standard will define the minimum attributes necessary for collection, storage and dissemination of incident based data on wildland fires (wildfires and prescribed fires). The standard is not intended for long term data storage, rather a standard to assist in the creation of incident based data management tools, minimum standards for data exchange, and to assist users in meeting NWCG Standards for Geospatial Operations, PMS 936, guidance on incidents.
Wildland Fire Event Polygon GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

The Wildland Fire Event Polygon data standard will define the minimum attributes necessary for collection, storage and dissemination of incident based data on wildland fires (wildfires and prescribed fires). The standard is not intended for long term data storage, rather a standard to assist in the creation of incident based data management tools, minimum standards for data exchange, and to assist users in meeting NWCG Standards for Geospatial Operations, PMS 936, guidance on incidents.
Wildland Fire Event Polygon (Dev) GSC Geospatial Subcommittee In Development

The Wildland Fire Event Polygon data standard will define the minimum attributes necessary for collection, storage and dissemination of incident based data on wildland fires (wildfires and prescribed fires). The standard is not intended for long term data storage, rather a standard to assist in the creation of incident based data management tools, minimum standards for data exchange, and to assist users in meeting NWCG Standards for Geospatial Operations, PMS 936, guidance on incidents.
Wildland Fire Locations Point GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

Wildland Fire Location Points represent the final spatial locations of the fire occurrences. Fire occurrences represent the ignition points (preferred), the polygon centroids, or more generalized locations (least desirable) when the ignition points are not known or not available.
Wildland Fire Perimeters Polygon GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

Wildland Fire Perimeter Polygons geospatial data layer standard provides the standard template for exchange/transfer of wildland fire perimeter polygons, representing the daily and final perimeters for wildfires and prescribed fires. Replaces the Fire History (polygons) geospatial data layer standard (archived) and incorporates the Daily Fire Perimeter geospatial data layer standard
Wildland Urban Interface Polygon WUIMC Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Committee, GSC Geospatial Subcommittee Approved

The wildland urban interface (WUI) geospatial data standard defines minimum attribution for interagency collaboration and data sharing.
Displaying 1 - 32 of 32

Comment on a proposed data standard

When a new or revised data standard is ready for review and comment, it will have a status of Proposed. Submit your feedback to the Data Standards and Terminology Board.

Request for a new or revised standard

Requests for the development of a new data standard, or for changes to a current standard, may be submitted on a Request form. 

Download the User Guide and other reference materials

The User Guide for Development and Maintenance of NWCG Data Standards, PMS 938, explains the processes for developing and maintaining both NWCG data element and geospatial data layer standards.

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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