Skip to main content

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.

Job Aids

 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book Available for Helicopter Crewmember

Date: April 28, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22, are now available.

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators.

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:

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22

Updated NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

Date: April 23, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee

The NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515 standardizes processes and procedures for the interagency use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including pilot inspections and approvals. This updated publication provides the aviation community with standards to ensure UAS are used safely, effectively, and efficiently in support of fire management goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

NWCG National Interagency Aviation Committee

ETC Bulletin 25-001: Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits - 2025 Field Season

Date: April 16, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

Due to spout failures and the associated risk of burn injuries, manufacturers have retrofitted the Hot/Cold Beverage Kits using a heat-shrinking band to secure the black spout at the insertion site. The updated kits feature a fluorescent label on each full kit assembly for easy identification. Catering units are encouraged to confirm the clear heat-shrinking bands are intact around each spout before filling.

ETC Bulletin 24-001 regarding Hot/Cold Beverage Kits has been archived and replaced by ETC Bulletin 25-001 for the 2025 season.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-25-001 Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and Next Generation Position Task Book for Basic Faller Are Now Available

Date: April 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-19 are now available.

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212 includes position standards designed to be used in conjunction with the Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB). The Next Gen PTB for Basic Faller (FAL3) includes an evaluation guide with suggested rating elements to consider when assessing trainees.

References:

NWCG Standards For Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-119

NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3)