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Configure the ArcGIS Pro Project Template


Configuring the ArcGIS Pro Project Template will streamline data edits and map creation and provide a solid foundation for the duration of an incident.

Note: It is very important to begin with a new zip of the Current_GeoOps_Folder_Structure when setting up a project. This will allow the Pro Project Template to establish the correct file pathways. Reusing the folder structure or the Pro Project Template is not recommended.
  1. In the \projects folder, open the 2025_ProProjectTemplate APRX file.
  2. A display issue affects the Home Folder name in some versions of Pro. In the Project Folders under Contents, rename the Home Folder after confirming the underlying connection is correct. 

    Rename Home Folder

  3. In the Project Databases folder under Contents, rename the Default GDB (other_incident_data GDB) with the incident name and Unique Fire ID. 

    Rename the GDB

    Note: A slow double-click on the database name in the Catalog View must be used to update the name. The Rename button will be grayed out. Be sure to rename the Default GDB prior to opening the provided Map View or a database lock will be created, and you will be unable to rename the Default GDB.

  4. Rename the Annotation and Progression GDBs. 

    Rename the annotation and progression GDBs

  5. Navigate to the Project Maps folder. Open the provided map view {MapType}_2025_{IncidentName}.

    1. Add the Incident Name to the map title, but leave {MapType}.
    2. Repair the path of the DynamicTextUpdate table to the existing table in the Default GDB (other_incident_data.gdb). 

      Repair the default GDB

    3. Set the coordinate system of the map to a local projected coordinate system. 

      Set the coordinate systems

    Note: By setting the coordinate system now, all incident projects will inherit this configuration. If you do not wish to use the same coordinate system for all incident projects, this can be set after each Save-As of the ProProjectTemplate APRX.
  6. Save the Project.

 

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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