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Strategic Operations 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 Strategic Operations Map effectively displays an Incident Management Team’s (IMT) long-term strategy in managing an incident, and the data that informs the strategy. It consists of one or more large-format maps with an accurate, current, and detailed record of incident information across the entire planning area.

Target Audience

Incident Commander, all IMT staff, Agency Representatives, Resource Advisors, all Operations and Line personnel, Aerial resources, National Multi-Agency Coordination Group (NMAC).

Guidelines

  • Standard Incident Command System (ICS) symbology discernible from the back of a meeting area.
  • Printed in color to enable clear depiction of incident and map features.
  • Size varies but usually Arch D (22” x 34”) size or larger.
  • Scale varies based on planning area and map size.
  • May be one map for the entire incident or multiple maps.
  • Distribution is limited to the target audience; not posted to ftp.wildfire.gov.
  • Include disclaimer “Not for Public Distribution”.
  • Georeferenced.

Standard Elements

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

Data

Disclaimer: NWCG Data Standards do not currently exist for all data recommended for inclusion on a Strategic Operations Map. Not all datasets listed may be needed for every incident.

DataSourceRecommendations
Wildfire Daily Fire Perimeter (Polygon) and Contained/Uncontained linesNational Incident Feature ServiceUse standard dataset and symbology.
Event Lines such as Proposed, Planned and Completed LinesNational Incident Feature ServiceUse standard dataset and symbology.
Event Points features such as Camp, Drop Point, Helispot, Lookout, Mobile Retardant Base, Mobile Weather Unit, Repeater, Restricted Water Source, Safety Hazards, Staging Area, Water Sources, Values at RiskNational Incident Feature ServiceUse standard dataset and symbology.
Division and branch breaks and labelsNational Incident Feature ServiceUse standard dataset and symbology.
Values at RiskNo single source dataset currently exists. Values may be represented in other agency, local, state, and national datasets. Point data may be added to National Incident Feature Service / Event Point layer.Use existing datasets authoritative to jurisdictional agency(s) where possible. Symbolize based on cartographic need of the map.
Management Action Points 
NWCG definition is specific to Prescribed Fire		National Incident Feature ServiceInclude associated language (Condition, Action, Resources) in Comments field and on map layout.
Strategic Lines 
Proposed, planned, under construction and/or completed line that outline the overall strategy for achieving an incident’s defined goals. The tactical steps for implementation and/or exact locations of line placement may or may not fully be identified.		National Incident Feature Service

Use the Strategic Line Type attribute field of the Event Line layer to indicate if the line is considered one of the following:

  • Primary Strategic Line – the current plan being implemented to meet incident objectives.
  • Secondary Strategic Line – an alternate or contingency line that, based on current conditions, will be implemented or is already being constructed.
  • Proposed Strategic Line – an alternate or contingency line that has been identified but is not currently being implemented. This may be because it still needs to be scouted or current conditions on the incident do not require the construction of this line.
  • Once a selection is made on the Strategic Line Type attribute field, the Strategic Operations service will display a halo under the Event Line with the color scheme above.
Evacuation Planning AreasLocal Jurisdictional Agency(s)Use existing datasets authoritative to jurisdictional agency(s) where possible. If GISS is tasked with creating data on-incident, symbolize based on the local jurisdiction's direction.
Fire HistoryWFIGSUse standard dataset. Supplement with existing datasets authoritative to jurisdictional agency(s) where there are data gaps. Symbolize based on cartographic need of the map.
Fuels Treatment HistoryWFMRDAUse standard dataset. Supplement with existing datasets authoritative to jurisdictional agency(s) where there are data gaps. Symbolize based on cartographic need of the map.
Planning Area
See WFDSS glossary for definition		WFDSSUse WFDSS output. Symbolize based on WFDSS palette (R: 194, G: 23, B: 199).
Short-Term Fire Behavior (STFB) model/Minimum Travel Time (MTT)
Near-Term Fire Behavior (NTFB) model/FARSITE
Fire Spread Probability (FSPro) model
See WFDSS glossary for definitions		Generated by analysts.Symbolize according to analyst direction.
Limited Action Line
Portion of the fire perimeter that is inactive and/or poses little to no threat of impacts to identified values, therefore limited to no action is being proposed or implemented.		Determined by Operations. Store data in the Limited Action Line feature class in the Other Incident Data geodatabase in the GeoOps incident directory.
  • Copy the portion of the Perimeter Line to the Limited Action Line feature class
  • Repair path of the Limited Action Line lyrx to the Limited Action Line feature class
  • The Limited Action Line symbol will display offset from the perimeter automatically
Special Interest Management Areas
Areas in which there are management or use restrictions in place.		No single source dataset currently exists.Use existing datasets authoritative to jurisdictional agency(s) where possible. For example, EDW/EDW_SpecialInterestManagementArea_01 (MapServer) (usda.gov).
Administrative boundaries, political boundaries (city (subdivisions)-county, state, national)Local Jurisdictional Agency(s), PADUS, CENSUS 
Ownership–land statusWildland Fire Data Management Program (DMP) Use standard dataset and symbology.
Appropriate base map, such as topography or orthoimageryVaries 
Other SITL-requested dataVaries 

Examples

These are examples from actual incidents and may include elements that differ from this guide. 

  1. 2024 Retreat
  2. 2023 Black Feather
  3. 2023 Smith River Complex South
  4. 2023 River Road East

Last Modified / Reviewed:

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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