Populate Base Data

Data Preparation
Gather Incident Information
Implement the Incident Directory Structure
Populate Base Data
Configure the ArcGIS Pro Project Template
Create the Edit Project
Create an Offline Copy
Repair Event Layer Files
Configure Feature Templates
Create and Share Web Maps

Quality base data is vital to incident mapping. A GISS should gather and maintain a comprehensive data set for their local area of operation and/or home unit. Base data should be filed in the \base_data subfolders of the GeoOps Incident Directory.

Because GISS can be assigned anywhere in the country they are needed, it is impossible to always have the required base data ahead of time. Be prepared to contact local offices (city, county, state, and federal) to request their most current data. A GISS will also work with other personnel or teams (Infrared Interpreter (IRINs), Fire Behavior Analysts (FBANs), Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams, and Area Command teams) to obtain, evaluate, or provide data sets as needed.

National Data Resources

NIFC ArcGIS Online Data Layers – National Incident Base Data group – Forest Service Basemap vector tile layer has nationwide coverage and can be taken offline.
PanunTools – custom toolbox designed by GISS Matt Panunto
- Data Download Toolset
  - Base Data Acquisition – Download USGS and USFS topo vector datasets, NAIP, Surface Management Agency, Digital Elevation Models and derivatives.
  - Feature Layer Download – Download a series of layers from the USFS National Basemap—including but not limited to—Administrative Boundaries, Transportation, Hydrography, Recreation Sites, and Topographic Features.
FAA sectionals – GeoTIFF or PDF download
FAA Aeronautical Chart User Guide
Downloadable USFS Tiled Base Maps (TPKs) of FSTopo Maps
FSTopo Map Service
FSTopo as Georeferenced TIF or GeoPDF Download Utility
USDA Forest Service Geodata Clearinghouse
USDA NRCS Geospatial Data Gateway (GDG)
Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US)
National Map (USGS)

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Last Modified / Reviewed: May 14, 2025

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Great Basin Cache Upgrading to New Inventory System

Date: May 7, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Great Basin Cache
Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

The Great Basin Cache (GBK) is transitioning to a new inventory system to better serve the wildland fire community. During this upgrade, GBK will be unable to process standard orders from Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment and Part 2: Publications between May 8-20, 2025, with exceptions made for emergency fire orders. Orders will be accepted through close of business May 7.

To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs.

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Populate Base Data

National Data Resources

NWCG Latest Announcements

References:

References:

References:

References:

NWCG

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Data Preparation

Edit Incident Data

Update Master Incident GDB

Create Incident Maps and Digital Products

Backup and Sharing

Populate Base Data

National Data Resources

NWCG Latest Announcements

References:

References:

References:

References:

NWCG National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG

National Wildfire Coordinating Group