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Repair Event Layer Files


For a refresher on layer files, please see the GIS Concepts Review document.

Repair Event Layers in the Edit Project

Use the Event layers in the edit map instead of the GISS Edit service directly. While the symbols are now the same, several other settings are saved in the layer files that are not available directly from the service, including caching, advanced labeling, and symbol display order. Critically, each layer is set to not cache any data locally in ArcGIS Pro to ensure the data displayed is always up to date.

  1. Repair the path of the Event Group - All Layers  in the Contents pane of the edit map to the newly created Offline Copy in the \incident_data\edit folder (e.g. GISSEdit_NIFS_2025_A74A6C…).
  2. Remove the GISS Edit Service (National Incident Feature Service 2025) group to avoid confusion. 

    Label point and databases main

  3. Save the Edit Project. Your Contents pane should resemble the following: 

    Re-edit the project contents pane

     

The Event Layer Files that are added to the provided map view of the Pro Project Template aprx can be found in the \tools folder in the GeoOps Incident Directory Structure.

Nearly every map is going to start with the Event Group All Layers YYYY.lyrx file, the primary two types being the Edit Project and Master Projects. The key difference between these two is the database to which the layer file path is repaired.

It is very important to keep these two separate because incident maps should never be created using the Offline Copy and data edits should never be made outside of the Edit Project.

Event Layer File Template Implementation Diagram

Flow chart showing the use of the template layer file used in both the Edit Project and Master Map Projects.

Keeping the Edit Project separate from Master Projects is a crucial component of the GISS Workflow and proper layer file management is essential to this.

A layer file stores symbology, labeling, and Feature Templates and can be used to quickly create projects. Layer files also store files paths and can easily add the wrong data to a project resulting in inaccurate products or wasted time editing the wrong database.

Following best practices will avoid any mishaps, but it is always important to be aware of what data you are working with and how all your databases, maps, projects, local copies, and layer files all fit together.

Event Layer Files in the \tools folder

  • Event Group All Layers 202X.lyrx – All NIFS layers with configured Event Point label classes that can be easily converted to annotation.
  • Event Group BAM Large Symbols 202X.lyrx – Oversized Point and Line symbols use in Briefing Area Map (BAM). Increase or decrease the size as necessary.
  • Event Group IR 202X.lyrx – Print symbology for the IR feature classes.
  • Event Group Repair Status 202X.lyrx – Group layer with Accountable Property, Event Point, and Event Line symbolized based on the RepairStatus field. This layer file should be used in conjunction with the Event Group All 2025 layer file to provide a Repair Status “halo” for features.
  • Event Group Simplified Web Symbols 202X.lyrx – Simplified symbology.
  • Multipage Label Lines 202X.lyrx – ‘Invisible’ Lines with assignment labels (e.g. Div, Branch) used in multipage map projects. Repair to the MultipageLabelLine feature class in the other_incident_data.gdb.
  • Structure Triage 202X.lyrx –Structure Triage symbology based on the guidelines in the Incident Response Pocket Guide page 14+15. Alternate Triage categories for California’s FIRESCOPE are included in the data but not provided as a layer file.

 

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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

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NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
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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:

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Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
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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.

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

Date: Aug 8, 2025
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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:

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

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