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Implement the Incident Directory Structure

GeoOps Incident Directory Structure

At the heart of all Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS) work is the NWCG Standards for Geospatial Operations (GeoOps), PMS 936, Incident Directory Structure.

The Current Incident Directory Structure downloaded zip file contains all the essential folders, templates, and tools. It should be the default starting point for every incident.

The Incident Directory Structure should be placed at or as close to the root of the working drive as possible. This reduces clicks necessary to access items within, as well as keeps the file path as short as possible.

E.g., C:\2025_Incidents\2025_ExampleFire\

Current Incident Directory Structure (zip file)

Implementing the Incident Directory Structure can be as simple as extracting and saving the YYYY_Template folder to your computer and rename it for the incident. A GISS can extract and begin populating the directory structure even before arriving at the incident.

Implement the Incident Directory Structure

A GISS can extract and begin populating the incident directory structure even before arriving at the incident.

  1. Download the Current GeoOps Folder Structure.
  2. Extract the zipped folder as close to the root of your working drive as possible.

  3. Rename the 2025_Template folder to the incident name. If the incident name contains more than one word, use CamelCase (i.e., 2025_CedarCreek). 

    Rename the template folder to the incident name.

  4. Enter Incident Information in the GeoOps File Namer excel spreadsheet in the \tools folder. 

    Data Preparation spreadsheet.

File Naming

The GeoOps file naming and directory structure are designed to serve as metadata. The file and folder names include incident-specific identification information which facilitates archival and use by the hosting agency, Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACCs), etc.

File names must be complete and stand on their own outside of the file structure. File names must be concise, use clear text, and avoid ambiguous terms.

The general format for file naming is: {date and time}_{incident information}_{other information}; however, this will vary depending on the file in question. It is strongly recommended all GISS use the GeoOps File Namer for consistency and accuracy on all file names.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 Risk Management Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Safety Bulletin: 25-001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing

Equipment Technology Committee

Risk Management Committee