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NIFC File Share and QR Codes


NIFC File Share

The NIFC File Share is available at ftp.wildfire.gov and is an official site for interagency wildland fire incident data and documents. As a GISS, you may be expected to post PDF files of incident maps to the NIFC File Share. 

The NIFC File Share is intended for short-term interagency sharing, not as a file archive or records repository. There should not be anything here that is not stored in a safer location, or that must carry over from season to season. 

Access to the site varies according to the user role. As a GISS, you will need a FAMAuth profile to upload incident maps via the FAMShare application. Follow the instructions provided under the Getting Started section on the ftp.wildfire.gov homepage to obtain access. 

The NIFC File Share contains two areas relevant to the GISS: Incident Specific Maps and Incident Specific Data

  • Incident Specific Maps area does not require authentication and is intended for publicly available files such as maps.
  • Incident Specific Data area is not available to the public and requires authentication via FAMAuth. 

GISS should work with the Situation Unit Leader (SITL) to determine if an incident map contains sensitive information requiring authenticated access.

FireNet Sharing

FireNet SharePoint is an alternative for posting incident maps. Be sure to use the “anyone with the link” sharing option and provide the correct link (the public link will be different than the file URL).

Job Aids

Share SharePoint files or folders (microsoft.com)

QR Codes

Mobile applications that can read georeferenced PDF maps such as Field Maps and the Avenza Maps app are important tools for incident personnel because it lets them view GPS-enabled incident maps on their Android and iOS mobile devices even when WiFi or cellular data service is not available. Mobile maps are especially useful when visibility is poor, or when personnel are unfamiliar with local features and travel routes or are inexperienced navigating by reference to paper maps.

A QR Code (abbreviated from Quick Response code) is a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional barcode) that when scanned, will quickly access the URL of the map location. QR codes are an easy way to deploy mobile maps to Field Maps and the Avenza Maps app.

A multitude of free QR Code generators are available online.

A placeholder for a QR code exists on map layouts in the Pro Project Template. Overwrite the QR.png file in the \base_data\logos folder of the GeoOps Folder Structure with an incident-specific one, and the QR code on all map layouts in the Pro Project Template will be updated. Closing and reopening ArcGIS Pro may be required.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

NEW! D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder Course Available Now

Date:  May 15, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Dispatch Position and Curriculum Management Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder (Instructor-led) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the National Coordination System Committee, this course introduces the structure and function of expanded dispatch, the qualities of an effective dispatcher, and provides hands-on experience with the Interagency Resource Ordering Capability (IROC) system. 

The D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder course aligns with the competencies and duties outlined in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Expanded Dispatch Recorder, PMS 350-59, and is designed for individuals with no prior experience who may be called upon to support dispatch operations.

References:

D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder (Instructor-Led)

Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC), Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Expanded Dispatch Recorder, PMS 350-59

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Leadership Committee IAP Flyer Now Available

Date:  May 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee promotes and enables leadership development across the wildland fire service. The committee provides education, training opportunities, and support for leadership innovation and best practices throughout the community.

A new IAP flyer is now available on the committee website, offering an overview of the products, curriculum, and learning opportunities the Leadership Committee develops. This resource is ideal for posting in your office, sharing with new employees, or distributing through your incident management teams to engage new voices in the leadership journey and reinforce a culture of self‑reflection, development, and growth.

References:

Leadership Committee 2026 IAP Flyer

Incident Operations Subcommittee Updates the Next Generation Position Task Book for FFT1

Date:  May 7, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

The NWCG Incident Operations Subcommittee (IOSC) has updated the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1), PMS 311‑14. The FFT1 Position Task Book transitioned to the Next Generation (Next Gen PTB) format in June 2025 through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. Since then, IOSC has received feedback from the wildland fire community regarding coding for one of the tasks. Task #13 has been updated to include the option of evaluation in a simulation.

See IOSC Memorandum 26‑01: Transition Plan for Implementation of Updates to the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1), PMS 311‑14 for more information.

References:

IOSC Memorandum 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementation of Updates to the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page