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Configure Feature Templates

Configuring the Feature Templates in the Edit Project is a crucial step towards ensuring all data is properly attributed. Many fields can be set to defaults that will populate automatically in most cases, saving time, and improving consistency.

The standardized attributes of the Event Schema serve as Feature-Level Metadata. Wildland fire is rapidly becoming an enterprise environment with distributed data and aggregated services. GIS data must be identifiable down to each feature in such a system so that users know crucial information such as currency and source.

Utilizing the Feature Templates is best practice for automatically populating attribute with default values for several reasons:

  1. The Event Schema should not be modified, including database defaults.
  2. There may be multiple editors on an incident.
  3. Feature Templates will not transfer with the GDB when sharing or transitioning.

Esri Feature Template Documentation

Feature Templates should be configured in the Edit Project before making any edits.

  1. Configure Feature Templates
    1. Open the Manage Templates pane. This can be done from the Create Features pane or by clicking the dialog box launcher under the Features group on the Edit tab.

      Configure the feature templates screen
       
    2. Starting with Label Point, select all the features in the list and click Properties. 

      Label point properties screen
       
    3. Set the values for IncidentName and IRWINID and any other defaults you wish to apply to your edits.

      Values for IncidentNames and IRWINID screen
       
    4. Repeat steps b-c for all the other layers.

Note: See the GISS Workflow for more information on Obtaining IRWIN IDs for Incidents and Complexes. 

  1. Once the Feature Templates for each of the Event feature classes are configured, save a layer file as a backup. A layer file will store both the symbology and more importantly, all the incident specific template settings just configured.

    1. Right-click the Event Group - All Layers in the Contents pane and select Save as a Layer File under Sharing.
      Save the file to the incident_data\edit​ folder following the GeoOps naming convention {year}_{incident name}_{unit ID+local incident ID}_{your name}.lyrx

      Save the layer file screen

      This layer file can be used to build a new Edit Project should you need to for any reason.

      Note: ​In order to utilize all the settings saved in the layer file, add it to the map through the Add Data button. If the data has moved or you wish to apply it to a different feature class, you can repair/change the data source.

 

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Date: February 13, 2026
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Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the Quarter Two materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available! This annual initiative invites all leadership and wildland fire management students to engage with essential skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

This quarter focuses on Leadership Level 2: New Leader (Conveying Intent). Conveying intent is a crucial leadership competency in the high-risk, dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. Months 4 - 6 will concentrate on how successfully conveying intent enhances situational awareness, promotes shared understanding, and empowers firefighters to exercise initiative and adapt to changing conditions.

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2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

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Opportunity to Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date: February 10, 2026
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NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

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Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

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NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

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NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

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The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1