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Briefing Map

Product Description

The Briefing Map is displayed in the briefing area and used during operational briefings. It is a simplified, large-format map of the incident area that is used to discuss work assignments and other details. The briefing map can be printed or displayed digitally using a projector. Sometimes this map is referred to as a Briefing Area Map (BAM).

Target Audience

Incident personnel attending the operational briefing.

Guidelines

  • Standard Incident Command System (ICS) symbology.  Symbols should be enlarged as necessary for visibility.
  • Simple fonts and symbols for non-ICS features such as roads at exaggerated sizes, large enough to be read from the back of the briefing area.
  • Simplified base map to enable clear communication.
  • Extent is based on Operations occurring on the fire, the Situation Unit Leader (SITL) will provide guidance. 
  • Printed or projected as large as possible to serve a large crowd and to be visible from a distance.

Standard Elements

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

Data

  • Incident perimeter, ICS line and point features (e.g., Completed Line, Drop Points, Camps, Incident Command Post). 
  • Division and Branch breaks and labels.
  • Major transportation routes to and from the incident.
  • Other SITL-requested data.

Examples

These are examples from actual incidents and may include non-standard elements.

Also note that examples use the standard symbols at the time of their creation and may not reflect the current GeoOps symbology. Map elements, incident features, and composition remain consistent across these visual changes.

  1. 2021 Caldor Fire
  2. 2022 Hermits Peak Fire
  3. 2022 Fish Fire
  4. 2010 Wrangler Fire
  5. 2016 Beaver Creek Fire
  6. 2017 Boundary Fire

 

Modified / Reviewed:

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

New Job Aids Available: Packing Lists for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel and Support Staff, J-101 and J-102

Date: December 3, 2024
Contact: NWCG TRAINING

Two new job aids are now available: Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101 and Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Personnel, J-102, should serve as a baseline for items needed on a wildland fire assignment. These lists will help personnel prepare for a 14 to 21-day assignment on the fireline or in a support role.

References:

Job Aid Catalog

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Staff, J-102

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Date: November 14, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

This Safety Warning is intended to highlight the details and recommended procedures for the installation of a Stihl chainsaw toolless fuel cap, as well as how to identify and correct a misaligned, damaged, or broken fuel cap to help prevent fuel spillage.

References:

NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Advertencia de equipos 24-001: Prevención de derrames de la tapa de combustible sin herramientas de la motosierra Stihl

NWCG Alerts