Symbology

NWCG Committee Realignment Website Updates: Content will continue to be updated over the coming days as we work through final reviews and adjustments, and all publications and products are currently under revision.

Purpose

Standard symbols in mapping wildland fires facilitates fast and consistent interpretation of mapping products and helps prevent ambiguous map interpretation, which can become a safety issue during an incident. In the interest of encouraging safety, consistency, and readability, GeoOps describes the symbols that should be used when creating maps.

The following applies:

Symbols should be identifiable and clearly distinguishable from other Incident Command System (ICS) symbols, whether displayed in color or black and white.
Common map conventions (e.g., blue for hydrologic features) should be observed, if possible, to ensure clear communication.
National symbology standards should be used where appropriate. See references below.
Choice of symbol size is at the discretion of the Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS) and the Situation Unit Leader (SITL).
Latitude/Longitude information is displayed in degrees, decimal minutes, WGS 84 datum.
The Point Feature symbology specifications table should be referenced for label requirements.
The Label attribute is typically used to dynamically label all Point features, except for Division, Branch, and Zone Breaks. Dynamic labels can also be used for Line or Polygon features when needed (e.g., Management Action Points). All labels, if turned on, will label on the Label field in the attribute table by default.
Division, Branch, and Zone labels should be placed between assignment breaks, using the Label Point Feature Layer.
Secondary symbols are derived from the same data as the primary symbols and used in conjunction with them. For example, Repair Status is an attribute on Accountable Property, Event Point, and Event Line. The Repair Status Service is a view of the same data but symbolized on the Repair Status attributes. When displayed in conjunction with the primary layers, it visualizes the Feature Type and Repair Status to the end user.

References

Removal of Medivac symbol Memo and Interagency Aviation Accident Prevention Bulletin.
Use of Latitude and Longitude in wildland fire - USFS Information Bulletin 2010-02 Latitude Longitude.
ICS Symbology StoryMap.
ICS Symbols and Photos poster.
ICS Symbols and Photos poster addendum.
Ownership Map Colors.
NWCG GISS Workflow, PMS 936-1.
Current layer files are in the GeoOps Incident Directory Structure.

Responsibilities

The SITL ensures that standard map symbology is used for mapping wildland fire incidents. The GISS uses the standard GIS map symbology and, if applicable, standard map symbol colors but may adapt (e.g., enlarge, use halo) the symbology for map readability while maintaining the essential design of the standard symbols.

Last Modified / Reviewed: January 28, 2026

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NWCG Latest Announcements

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species – Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

Date: July 30, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics and Equipment Management Committee (LMC) issued Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels, reminding the wildland fire community that aquatic mussels continue to be a problem. Mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos (with a pen or your hand for size reference) and location details.”

Read the complete LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001, to learn more.

References:

NWCG Alerts

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date: July 24, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date: July 10, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints.
Consider installing a driveline loop.
Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.