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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

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

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

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

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

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.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page

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