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Update the Master Incident GDB

Overview of Implementing the Master Incident GDB

The Master Incident GDB is the File GDB used for all incident map creation stored in the \incident_data folder. It is simply a copy of the Offline Copy created after edits are complete.  The Master Incident GDB does not exist as a blank GDB like the annotation and progression GDBs. It must be created for the first time, and then replaced each time edits are made to the Offline Copy that will need to be reflected in printed maps. The Master Incident GDB contains “Event” in the standard file name as it is the implementation of the Event schema.

NOTE: Never edit the Master Incident GDB. All data edits should be completed in the Offline Copy in the Edit Project.

The Offline Copy will be a Mobile Geodatabase. This format should be converted to File Geodatabase for full functionality.

GISS Workflow Diagram: Update the Master Incident GDB

Update the Master Incident GDB – Done After Every Edit Cycle

  1. Back up Offline Copy
    1. Determine the path and name of the Offline Copy.
    2. Convert the Offline Copy (mobile GDB) to a backup GDB (file GDB).  Save into the daily backup folder under incident_data\backups and name following GeoOps.
  2. Create or Replace Master Incident GDB​
    1. If the Master Incident GDB already exists, delete from \incident_data.
    2. Copy the backup to the \incident_data folder and rename it following GeoOps to become the new Master Incident GDB.
Image
GIS Workflow, explained below

Figure 1. GISS Workflow Diagram: Update the Master Incident GDB
(click image to enlarge)

 

Job Aids

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters

Date: January 15, 2025
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters. Non-specification fire shelters claiming to meet Forest Service (FS) fire shelter specification 5100-606 were first found in February of 2023. As of September 2024, non-specification shelters are again being advertised and sold on the open market.

This Safety Warning outlines details and recommended procedures to purchase FS specification shelters made with materials and components that meet performance criteria and toxicity testing requirements outlined in FS Specification 5100-606. 

For additional information on identifying non-specification shelters, please view ETC Safety Warning 23-01.

References:

ETC Safety Warning 25-001: Non-specification fire shelters

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee

ETC Safety Warning 23-01

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Awards

Date: January 14, 2025
Contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee has awarded the 2023 Paul Gleason “Lead By Example” awards to individuals in the categories of Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Sam Bowen, Superintendent of the Mark Twain Veteran Crew with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Greg Titus, Zone Fire Management Officer for the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • Renae Crippen, Manager of the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Eric Carlson, Instructor with OMNA International.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Interview with Paul Gleason

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505