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Briefing Map

Note: The Situation Map has been deprecated as a map standard. The Operations map should be used as an acceptable substitute for task book purposes.

Product Description

The Briefing Map is displayed in the briefing area and used during operational briefings. It is a simplified, large-format map of the incident area that is used to discuss work assignments and other operational details. The briefing map can be printed or displayed digitally using a projector. Sometimes this map is referred to as a Briefing Area Map (BAM).

Target Audience

Incident personnel attending the operational briefing.

Guidelines

  • Standard Incident Command System (ICS) symbology. Symbols should be enlarged as necessary for visibility.
  • Simple fonts and symbols for non-ICS features such as roads at exaggerated sizes, large enough to be read from the back of the briefing area.
  • Simplified base map to enable clear communication.
  • Extent and map content is based on operations occurring on the fire, the Situation Unit Leader (SITL) will provide guidance.
  • Printed or projected as large as possible to serve a large crowd and to be visible from a distance.

Standard Elements

All map products produced should include the STANDL-SGD cartographic elements.

Data

  • Wildfire Daily Fire Perimeter (Polygon) with Contained and Uncontained Perimeter Lines.
  • Event Points (including, but not limited to: Camps, Drop Points, Helispots, Helibase, and Incident Command Post).
  • Event Lines (including, but not limited to: Planned and Completed Lines).
  • Assignment (Division, Branch, Zone) breaks and labels.
  • Major transportation routes to and from the incident.
  • Other Situation Unit Leader (SITL)-requested data (including, but not limited to: Administrative Boundaries, Land Ownership / Jurisdiction, Special Management Areas, Utilities).

Examples

These are examples from actual incidents and may include non-standard elements.

Also note that examples use the standard symbols at the time of their creation and may not reflect the current GeoOps symbology. Map elements, incident features, and composition remain consistent across these visual changes.

  1. 2021 Caldor Fire
  2. 2022 Hermits Peak Fire
  3. 2022 Fish Fire
  4. 2010 Wrangler Fire
  5. 2016 Beaver Creek Fire
  6. 2017 Boundary Fire

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

New! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 16, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the new Ransom Road Fire Module to RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR).

This module features a firsthand account from Rob Lee, official reports, and animated maps of the Ransom Road Fire which occurred on June 8, 1981, in Florida's Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The module is available now in NWCG's RT-130, WFSTAR Catalog.

References:

WFSTAR Catalog

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

Leadership Committee 

Coming Soon! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 9, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

On June 8, 1981, the Ransom Road Fire swept across Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, marking a defining moment in wildland fire management. This event led directly to the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's professional fire program.

Later this month, NWCG will release a compelling video that brings the Ransom Road Fire to life through firsthand accounts, official reports, and animated maps. Rob Lee, second on site during the deployment, shares his powerful recollections of that day. 

This video will be going live later this month in NWCG's RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Catalogue.

References:

WFSTAR Catalogue 

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign: "Leadership Levels" Now Available

Date: October 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the Leadership Committee’s 2025–2026 Leadership Campaign, themed “Leadership Levels.” This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

The campaign is structured into four quarters and may be completed at any time between October 1, 2025 -December 31, 2026. Leadership levels will be released quarterly.

Quarter One materials are now available on the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program website and focus on Leadership Level 1, Follower (Self-Leadership).

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee