Situation Unit Map

Product Description

The Situation Unit Map is a large-format map with an accurate, current, and detailed record of the incident information, displayed in or near the Situation Unit area. The Situation Unit Map should be limited to the extent of the incident rather than showing all the surrounding area. Its purpose is to show the current incident information and provide a place for marking map edits.

Target Audience

Incident Commander, Command and General Staff, agency representatives, Situation Unit Leader (SITL), Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Strategic Operational Planner.

Guidelines

Standard Incident Command System (ICS) symbology.
Feature symbology discernible from the back of the meeting area.
Usually “D” (22” x 34”) size or larger.
Usually 1:24,000 scale; 1:63,360 scale in Alaska.

Standard Elements

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

Data

Incident perimeter, ICS line and point features (e.g., Dozer Line, Incident Command Post, Helispots).
Division and Branch breaks and labels.
Transportation routes.
Safety hazards, if available.
Administrative boundaries (e.g., jurisdiction), political boundaries (city-county-state-national).
Ownership–land status.
Appropriate base background, such as topographic (with or without shaded relief) or orthoimagery.
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.

Modified / Reviewed: June 04, 2024

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NWCG Latest Announcements

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL)

Date: October 16, 2024
Contact: Incident Medical Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39 and NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for MEDL 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 Medical Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39

NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal is Now Available

Date: October 9, 2024
Contact: Wildland Fire Learning Portal

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP) is back online following a migration to a new learning management system (LMS) application. The WFLP team is actively addressing any issues that may arise as a result of the update, and appreciates your patience as the team works to enhance your experience. NWCG will share information from the WFLP as it is available.

Should you have any issues with accessing or using the WFLP, please use the link below to submit a ticket through the Help Center.

References:

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Wildland Fire Learning Portal Help Center

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases New Equipment Bulletins

Date: September 27, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released three new Equipment Bulletins:

ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers.
ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories.
ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance.

These bulletins remind field going personnel of important issues related to equipment for wildland firefighting efforts.