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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:

NWCG Latest Announcements

WFSTAR 2025 Core Component Module Package and 2024 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date: March 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Joe Schindel at mschindel@blm.gov
 

The 2025 Core Component Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2024 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2025 Core Component Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2025 Core Component Module Package

2024 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053

Date: March 12, 2025
Contact: Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Committee

The NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053 provides mitigation practitioners at all experience levels with recommendations on the most effective and efficient ways to accomplish mitigation work in communities at risk to wildfire damage or destruction. The content in this guide was written in coordination with the NWCG Standards for Mitigation in the Wildland Urban Interface, PMS 052.

References:

NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053 

Updated, NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Date: March 11, 2025
Contact: Fire Use Subcommittee
Wildland Fire Module Unit

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430 standardizes procedures and expectations for Wildland Fire Modules (WFMs). These standards are to be used by staff, supervisors, specialists, and technicians for planning, administering, and conducting WFM operations. These standards will also be used as a measure of WFM qualifications, capabilities, and expected performance, for both Type 1 and Type 2 WFMs.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

NEW! NWCG Standards for Airtanker Operations, PMS 514

Date: March 7, 2025
Contact: National Interagency Aviation Committee

The NWCG Standards for Airtanker Operations, PMS 514 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating airtankers on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508, and any applicable agency plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Airtanker Operations, PMS 514