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Event Geodatabase

Purpose

The Event Geodatabase (Event GDB) is the NWCG standard for use on all incidents and contains point, line, and polygon representations for typical fire features. The Event GDB was approved by the NWCG's Geospatial Subcommittee in the spring of 2017 along with the NWCG Wildland Fire Event Point, Event Line, and Event Polygon Geospatial Data Layer Standards. The Event GDB is used in all phases of a wildfire incident including initial attack, extended fire management activities, and rehabilitation and repair.

A standardized incident geodatabase schema is critical to the interoperability and efficiency of personnel and tools on a wildland fire incident. A consistent schema permits the development of tools and workflows to speed data management and mapping. A standard schema also allows incident data to be aggregated at the Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC)​ and national level to provide a picture of the wildland fire situation.

The Event GDB is referenced several ways based on application (Offline Copy, Master Incident GDB, etc.). It is important to understand that because "Event" is a schema standard, the data in each of these is interchangeable. Different names designate the different implementation phases of the Event GDB in various workflows. The Event GDB is primarily implemented in the wildland fire enterprise through the National Incident Feature Service (NIFS).

Specifications

The Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS)​ will adhere to the following:

  • GISS and any other incident personnel working with incident spatial information must use the NWCG Approved Wildland Fire Event GDB standard for data storage and exchange.
  • The Event schema should not be modified.
  • Required data elements in the Wildland Fire Event GDB must be fully populated during the incident. The Event attributes serve as feature-level metadata for each record.
  • The Event GDB will be stored in the correct location in the Incident Directory Structure and follow File Naming conventions for GDB name.
  • The Event GDB will be backed up to provide a snapshot of the incident data daily or more frequently based on incident activity.
  • The required data elements FeatureAccess, FeatureStatus, and IsVisible are used by external systems to control the sharing of the incident data. Unless considered sensitive, the fire polygon will have FeatureAccess = Public, FeaturesStatus = Approved, and IsVisible = Yes (these are the default values for Event Polygon).

Required Fields

Click on image to enlarge.

Required system fields

References

Responsibilities

The GISS is responsible for following the Event GDB standard and the specifications described in this section of GeoOps. The GISS will load the Event GDB into the NIFS after any edits to the local geodatabase. The GISS will work with the Situation Unit Leader (SITL) to ensure all data in the Event GDB accurately represents the incident.

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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

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

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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

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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.

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NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

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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