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NWCG FireNet Utilization Standard Operating Procedure

Firenet SOP header graphic. Decorative.

Since 2018, FireNet has been recognized by NMAC as the official electronic messaging and file collaboration system in support of the interagency wildland fire mission and to comply with legal and policy mandates regarding security and privacy. NWCG's mission is to establish standards for interoperable wildland fire operations, and its committee structure represents all IMT functional areas.

The establishment of standard business practices in the use and management of FireNet across functional areas, IMTs, and Geographic Areas will strengthen the operating system, limit repetition and variations by IMTs, and create consistency for all users. Additionally, it will enable the inclusion of these standard practices, which includes forms, workflows, and user groups, in the FireNet incident environment. For example, the Planning Subcommittee’s electronic records management structure is automated into each FireNet incident, allowing IMTs to immediately begin use of this standard, regardless of their geographic location and team. Finally, it will allow the FireNet team to establish a standard environment for IMTs to run scenarios and prepare for fire season.

In a digital environment, standardization is necessary to minimize resource, license, and helpdesk support and to provide a consistent, repeatable process which will allow automation and streamline processes for firefighting resources and non-IMT members. Once these standard business practices are established and deployed in FireNet, the FireNet team can more easily support those IMT activities outside of direct incident support.

USWDS Paragraphs

NWCG Committees recognize the following positions as requiring named accounts in FireNet in order to fully complete the position duties. A named account generates a FireNet email address (first_last@firenet.gov), which is required to send and receive emails in shared inboxes. Those without named accounts can still interact in FireNet as Guests.

  • Dispatch Centers (including GACC/NICC) [National Coordination System Committee]
  • Air Bases:  Airtanker Bases / SEAT Bases / Helibases/ Smokejumpers [National Interagency Aviation Committee]
  • PIO [Public Information Officer Subcommittee]
  • PSC [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • ITSS [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • DMOB [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • RESL [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • SITL [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • GISS [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • SCKN [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • DOCL [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • LSC [Incident Logistics Subcommittee]
  • ORDM [Incident Logistics Subcommittee]
  • FSC [Incident Business Committee]
  • COST [Incident Business Committee]
  • TIME [Incident Business Committee]
  • PTRC [Incident Business Committee]
  • EQTR [Incident Business Committee]
  • COMP [Incident Business Committee]
  • PROC [Incident Business Committee]
  • ICPI [Incident Business Committee]
  • INBA [Incident Business Committee]
  • IC [Incident Command Subcommittee]
  • LOFR [Incident Command Subcommittee]
  • PETM [Communication, Education, and Prevention Committee]
  • PETL [Communication, Education, and Prevention Committee]
  • MEDL [Emergency Medical Committee]
  • OSC [Incident Operations Subcommittee]

NWCG Committees recognize the need for the following shared inboxes on all interagency incidents. Only named accounts can access the shared inboxes to send and receive emails on behalf of the incident.

  • Dispatch Centers (including GACC/NICC) [National Coordination System Committee]
  • Air Bases:  Airtanker Bases / SEAT Bases / Helibases/ Smokejumpers [National Interagency Aviation Committee]
  • Main (PIO) [Public Information Officer Subcommittee]
  • Planning [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • Demobilization [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • Resources [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • Situation [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • Documentation [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • Status Check-in [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • ITSS [Incident Planning Subcommittee]
  • Finance [Incident Business Committee]
  • Logistics [Incident Logistics Subcommittee]
  • Ordering [Incident Logistics Subcommittee]
  • Air Operations [National Interagency Aviation Committee]
  • Liaison [Incident Command Subcommittee]
  • Fire Prevention Education Teams [Communication, Education, and Prevention Committee]
  • Buying Team [Incident Business Committee]
  • Medical [Emergency Medical Committee]

NWCG Latest Announcements

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NEW! S-420, Intermediate Incident Management Available Now
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Date:  October 26, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Qualifications Management Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-420, Intermediate Incident Management (Instructor-led) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal! This performance-based course is designed to prepare individuals interested in serving on a Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT).

Prior to attending S-420, students must be qualified as a Type 3 Command and General Staff, Unit Leaders, or Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS). Students will also be required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-300, Intermediate Incident Command System (ICS) for Expanding Incidents and one of the following:

  • S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams
  • O-305, Type 3 All-Hazards Incident Management Team Introduction
  • H-337, Command and General Staff Functions for Local Incident Management Teams

References:

S-420, Intermediate Incident Management (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  October 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Spring 2027 positions listed below:

  • Finance/Administration Section Chief Complex (FSCC) 
  • Incident Commander Complex (ICCI)
  • Logistics Section Chief Complex (LSCC)
  • Operations Section Chief Complex (OSCC)
  • Planning Section Chief Complex (PSCC)
  • Safety Officer Complex (SOFC)
  • Base/Camp Manager (BCMG)
  • Infrared Interpreter (IRIN)
  • Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1)
  • Situation Unit Leader (SITL)
     

Projects begin mid-January 2027. Sign up by November 15, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details.

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

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Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for FOBS
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Date:  October 22, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Planning Management Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Field Observer (FOBS).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Field Observer Position Page

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Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for GISS
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Date:  October 22, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Integration Management Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Geographic Information System Specialist Position Page