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Working with Incident Data

A GISS can receive and be required to work with all manner of geospatial data on an incident. They should be prepared to access, convert, and often 'clean-up' any format from GPX to XLS.

A GISS must also be prepared to instruct personnel on the use of the many data collection apps.

ArcGIS Mobile Apps (Field Maps & Survey123)

Field Maps is the recommended mobile app for use with official Incident Web Map Templates. Collector is no longer supported by Esri or the Wildfire Response Support Team. Please encourage all field editors to download Field Maps.

ArcGIS mobile apps use REST services to store data. For wildfire incidents, these services are most often the National Incident Feature Service (NIFS). This makes the ArcGIS apps the most efficient means to collect data as it must only be reviewed, not exported, processed or converted, and imported as well.

On incidents, the offline functionality is often used with these apps due to slow or intermittent internet or cellular connectivity. This means a copy of the data is made on the device and then edited, with the changes being synced back to the service when the user is able.

Occasionally, an app will be unable to sync back to the service. When this occurs, the data stored on the device can be manually retrieved by a GISS.

KML/KMZ Files

KML can be added directly to ArcGIS Pro but capabilities are limited. For any operation other than quick visualization, it is still best to convert the KML to a file geodatabase using KML to Layer.

Avenza Data Collection

If possible, ensure users have an Avenza Pro license. This allows them to export any data as a Shapefile, skipping the need to convert from another format.

Please use the following links or contacts for obtaining Avenza licensing information:

GPS Data

Job Aids

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

Equipment Bulletin 25-002: Chaps, Chain Saw, M-2020, Nonconformities Affecting Use, Appearance, and Serviceability

Date: June 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 to address a manufacturing nonconformity affecting Forest Service specification, 6170-4K Chain Saw Chaps. The issue applies to chaps manufactured in 2024 and 2025 and distributed through FedMall. These chaps may have incorrectly bound edges that expose inner protective layers.

Independent purchasers should inspect all chain saw chaps received from FedMall beginning in 2024, prior to use. Review the full Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 for inspection criteria and recommended actions.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-002

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee