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Other Maps

Fire personnel frequently request special maps. Some maps are requested more often than others, but as an incident continues beyond the initial ramp up, less typical maps are sought after. The Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS) will need to rely on the Situation Unit Leader (SITL) to provide guidance and priorities.

Additional maps that a GISS may be asked to produce include, but are not limited to, the maps listed below.

Areas of Special Concern (ASC)

The Areas of Special Concern (ASC) Map is used in operational planning to identify sensitive areas, such as endangered species‘ habitats or locations, cultural resources, and other areas at risk.

Example - Areas of Special Concern - Chetco Bar Fire - Vegetation and Natural Areas highlighted

Facilities

The Facilities Map shows the layout of the incident facilities at the Incident Command Post (ICP) or Incident Base/Camp and is included in the Incident Action Plan.

Example - Facilities Map - Sunrise fire

Fuels

The Fuels Map shows the fuels in the area of the fire perimeter. It may be used by Fire Behavior Analysts (FBAN) to help predict fire behavior, to develop suppression strategies, and to develop rehabilitation strategies.

IR

The Infrared Information Map is a large-format topographic or aerial imagery map showing the interpretation of remotely sensed infrared imagery of the entire incident.

Example - IR Map - Sunrise Fire

Ownership

The Ownership–Land Status Map shows the ownership or land status for the areas impacted by the incident. It graphically depicts the land ownership or fire protection responsibility in the area of the incident.

Example - Ownership Example - Alice Creek Fire

PIO

The Public Information Map keeps the public informed of the incident’s location. It is used in public meetings and for bulletin boards and displays. Many different types of public information maps may be requested to fit specific needs of the public for information.

Examples -

Repair

The Repair Map is used to assist in suppression repair efforts in the area of the incident, e.g., by the home unit or possibly rehabilitation managed by a Burned Area Emergency Response​ (BAER) team. This product is used in operational planning and public meetings..

Examples - 

Structure Protection

The Structure Protection Map tracks structures and resources that could be impacted by the incident. This product is used in operational planning and public meetings.

Example - Structure Protection Map - Umpqua North Complex

Vegetation

The Vegetation Map shows the vegetation in the area of the fire perimeter. It may be used by FBAN to help predict fire behavior and to develop suppression strategies. It may also be used to develop rehabilitation strategies.

More Examples

 

 

Modified / Reviewed:

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51 and NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for EQTR, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Equipment Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51

NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53 and NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for PTRC, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Personnel Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53

NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53

NWCG Risk Management Committee Releases Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

Date: November 7, 2024
Contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has released Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires. As wildland fire respirators are available through several established vendors, wildland fire personnel need to understand regulations and limitations of respirator use in the workplace.

Safety Bulletin 24-001 outlines the following topics regarding respirator use for wildland fires:

  • Requirements for Respirator Use
  • Voluntary Respirator Use
  • Current Respirator Options
  • Unknown Risks of Respirator Use

This bulletin also provides mitigation recommendations to help reduce smoke exposure for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

NWCG Smoke Management Guide for Prescribed Fire, PMS 420-3

VIDEO: Protecting Wildfire Personnel from Smoke - How Incident Management Teams Address Smokes Risks

VIDEO: Smoke, Knowing the Risks