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Create and Share Web Maps

Offline mobile data collection through the ArcGIS apps is quickly becoming the most common method for gathering incident data due to its convenience and provided common operating picture.

For the 2025 season, Field Maps is the recommended mobile app for use with official Incident Web Map Templates. Please encourage all field editors to download Field Maps on their mobile device.

Several predefined options exist to implement offline mobile data collection on wildfire incidents using ArcGIS apps. The appropriate workflow should be selected based on the needs of the team and scale of the incident. It is best to begin an incident from a web map template to provide the field user with a consistent offline mapping product.

All the web map templates can be found in the Incident Resources Group.


The incident web map templates have the following settings by default:

  • The Event Polygon layer editing is disabled
  • Features where FeatureStatus = ‘Archive’ are filtered to not display
  • Features where DeleteThis = ‘Yes’ are filtered to not display

Job Aids

The Basic Web Map Workflow

Quick and easy to implement, the Basic Workflow works best for smaller incidents or incidents with fewer field editors.

A single web map is shared for use in  Field Maps and all edits are reviewed and managed by the GISS.

Template Quick Links

Advanced Web Map Workflows

There are two workflows that go beyond the out-of-the-box Basic Workflow. The Approval Workflow and the Suppression Repair Workflow. The Approval Workflow, which consists of three web maps, gives an ‘approver’ (usually the Situation Unit Leader [SITL]) the ability to approve every new feature before it becomes visible in the Viewer web map (and/or printed maps).

The Suppression Repair Workflow can be used in conjunction with either the Basic or Approval Workflows. It is used to track and record suppression repair activities on an incident.

Approval Web Map Workflow

The ‘Approval’ part of the workflow gives the Situation Unit the ability to change the status of new features from the default “Proposed” to “In Review,” “Approved,” or “Archive.” The approver (SITL) will work with Operations to change features from “Proposed” to “Approved.” Team members that have access to the View Only Map cannot see any new features until they are “Approved” and a definition query in ArcGIS Pro can be used on incident maps to remove any non-approved features from display.

The SITL Approver App can be used by SITLs in the NIFC Org to manage the Approval Status of incident features without the need to create additional content. This app provides a quick and easy way for the SITL to monitor for incoming features from the field.
Navigate to the Incident Resources group to locate the latest SITL Approver App.

Template Quick Links

Suppression Repair Workflow

The Suppression Repair Workflow can be used in conjunction with either the Basic Workflow or the Approval Workflow to track the status of the suppression repair efforts on a fire. At any time during the life cycle of a feature, the Repair specific fields can be updated.

The Repair Status service is a Hosted View off the same data as the NIFS. The Accountable Property, Point and Line Repair Status layers will automatically update with any edits to the features in the NIFS. In the Suppression Repair web maps, any changes to a feature’s Repair Status field will result in a change in the feature’s halo color for easy identification.

Template Quick Links

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Fire Center

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG provides leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated interagency wildland fire operations nationwide.

References:

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal