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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

2025 Professional Reading Program

Date: February 18, 2025
Contact: Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program is announcing the 2025 Professional Reading list! The goal of the annual reading list is to promote the reading and discussion of the books throughout the year.

The five books chosen for this year are: Surf When You Can by Brett Crozier, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl, Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke, Simply Managing by Henry Mintzberg, and Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Metcalf.

References:

Professional Reading Program

Task Group Volunteers Needed to Update the Property Loss or Damage Report, OF 289

Date: February 5, 2025
Contact: Julie Bennett, Incident Business Committee Chair

The Incident Business Committee (IBC) is requesting volunteers for a new task group to revise the 1981 version of the Property Loss or Damage Report, OF 289 and create an incident replacement job aid. The volunteers may be recruited from within or outside the Geographic Area Incident Business Committees.

References:

IBC Memorandum 25-02

IBC Correspondence

2025 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: February 4, 2025
Contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The NWCG Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1. 

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) are also included.  

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

NWCG Memo: 2025-01 January 2025 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1

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