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Public Information 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 Public Information Map keeps the public informed of the incident’s location. It is used in public meetings and for bulletin boards and displays. Many different types of public information maps may be requested to fit specific needs of the public for information.

Target Audience

Public Information Officer, public.

Guidelines

  • Standard Incident Command System (ICS) symbology.
  • Size varies but usually anywhere from letter (8.5” x 11”) to “Arch E” (36” x 48”) size.
  • Scale varies based on request, area covered, and map size.
  • Map extent covers the general incident area and impacted communities. May include a vicinity map to display the location of the fire in relation to population centers.
  • Distribution through the web should be considered.

Standard Elements

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

Data

  • Wildfire Daily Fire Perimeter (Polygon).
  • May include Contained and Uncontained Perimeter Lines.
  • Event Points (limited to Closures (Road Blocks)). Operational data should not be included on the map for firefighter safety.
  • Closure Areas, Closed Roads and Trails.
  • Impacted Communities and/or well-known reference locations such as Recreation Sites.
  • Administrative and Jurisdictional Boundaries.
  • Political Boundaries (City, County, State, National).
  • Simple basemap.
  • Other Situation Unit Leader (SITL)-requested data.

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.

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200