NFIRS CD/on-site Orientation (Training)

Overview Module Storyboards

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.0

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu	Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	Overview Tutorial Menu
Task List	This section of the Toolkit presents an overview of NFIRS. To learn more about NFIRS, click on a topic below or click on the Next button to view all topics in sequential order. What Is NFIRS 5.0 and Why Was It Developed? What Are the Benefits of NFIRS 5.0? What Are State Fire Officials Saying About NFIRS 5.0? How Has NFIRS Been Improved? How Are Data Processed in NFIRS 5.0? What Does an Incident Look Like in NFIRS 5.0? Where Can I Go for Help With NFIRS 5.0?
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

Design this as a menu screen with links to the following pages:

What Is NFIRS 5.0 and Why Was It Developed? – Screen 1.1

What Are the Benefits of NFIRS 5.0? – Screen 1.5

What Are State Fire Officials Saying About NFIRS 5.0? – Screen 1.7

How Has NFIRS Been Improved? – Screen 1.10

How Are Data Processed in NFIRS 5.0? – Screen 1.13

What Does an Incident Look Like in NFIRS 5.0? – Screen 1.21

Where Can I Go for Help With NFIRS 5.0? – Screen 1.25

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.1

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu	Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	What Is NFIRS 5.0 and Why Was It Developed? (Screen 1 of 4)
Task List	The National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) has been used by fire departments to report and maintain computerized records of fires and other fire department incidents in a uniform manner since the late 1970’s. NFIRS 5.0 is a modified and improved version of that system. You and your fire department will benefit from NFIRS data collection because you can use collected data to: Justify budget expenditures. Track personnel and equipment use. Respond to media inquiries. Identify the need for community education programs.				Graphic: Image with text reading “NFIRS 5.0” and the NFIRS seal/logo – same as USFA logo.
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.2

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu	Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	What Is NFIRS 5.0 and Why Was It Developed? (Screen 2 of 4)
Task List	This U.S. Fire Administration video presents a brief overview of NFIRS 5.0. It is approximately 6 minutes long. You may want to use this video as part of your presentation about NFIRS to fire departments or organizations unfamiliar with the system. Read the transcript below or click the view video button on the right.
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools	Scrolling Transcript of NFIRS Overview Marketing Video.							 Play Video
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Audio:

Create transcript of existing nfirs5.mpg video file.

Video:

File nfirs5.mpg – NFIRS Overview marketing video, 6 minutes

This file is located on the NFIRS 5.0 Resources CD: /NFIRS 5.0 Marketing Video/nfirs5.mpg

Programming Notes:

See audio and video notes.

Video will play in the same area as the TV icon.

Display the transcript text in a scrollable area to the left of the video.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.3

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	What Is NFIRS 5.0 and Why Was It Developed? (Screen 3 of 4)
Task List	The need to collect fire incident data was identified in 1973 with the publication of America Burning by the President’s Commission on Fire Prevention and Control. This publication: Provided the first indepth discussion of the fire problem in the United States. Led to the establishment of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) to promote fire awareness and safety programs. The USFA developed the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS)						Graphic: Photo of document America Burning.
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
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Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

America Burning a hypertext link to http://www.usfa.fema.gov/about/ab25th.htm.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.4

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	What Is NFIRS 5.0 and Why Was It Developed? (Screen 4 of 4)
Task List	The USFA provides funding and oversight for NFIRS and also: Makes NFIRS data available to other agencies. Provides a central location for NFIRS data collection. Provides feedback to the States in the form of reports including the annual Fire in the United States, a comprehensive reference on the nature and scope of the fire problem in the U.S.						Graphic: Photo of document Fire in the United States
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.5

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	What Are the Benefits of NFIRS 5.0? (Screen 1 of 2)
Task List	The most fundamental benefit of NFIRS 5.0 is that it helps fire departments understand the nature of the fire problem at the national, State, and local level. State and local fire departments benefit from the use of data collected by NFIRS in a variety of ways. To learn more about NFIRS benefits, roll your mouse on a topic below. Identify Departmental Weaknesses Target Problems or Trends Create Public Education Programs Deal With the Media Justify Funding Needs Health and Safety
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

All of the text boxes on this screen are rollover objects. Display the information shown below when the mouse is rolled over the rollover object:

Identify Departmental Needs

NFIRS data can be used to build a picture of department or county needs such as adequate deployment of resources.

Target Issues or Trends

NFIRS data might be used to target issues or trends like a high failure rate of smoke detectors or an upward trend in the number of kitchen fires.

Create Public Education Programs

Once a problem or fire incident trend has been identified, State and local departments can create public education programs to deal with the problem.

Deal With the Media

Data collected through NFIRS can be used by State and local fire departments to answer questions from the media.

Justify Funding Needs

NFIRS data can also be used to demonstrate a need for funding for more equipment, personnel, or facilities. Upward trend data captured in NFIRS can be used to justify the need.

Health and Safety

NFIRS data collected nationwide can be used to identify consumer product health and safety defects. The Consumer Product Commission can then mandate a product recall.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.6

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	What Are the Benefits of NFIRS 5.0? (Screen 2 of 2)
Task List	Many State Fire Marshals use NFIRS data when preparing their annual reports. Local fire departments use NFIRS data: To compare local department activity and effectiveness with the State average. To obtain statistics and analyze trends. To conduct comparisons with departments in other regions and States.						Graphic: Split photo of firefighters working on a computer in the firehouse and a state capitol building.
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.7

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu	Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	What Are State Fire Officials Saying About NFIRS 5.0? (Screen 1 of 3)
Task List	On the following three screens you will hear what state fire officials are saying about NFIRS 5.0. Their stories show how access to fire incident data, or the lack of such data, impacts fire departments. First is Mr. Dale Thompson of Los Angeles, CA. Read the transcript below or click the view video button on the right.							Dale Thompson Los Angeles, CA
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools	Scrolling Transcript of Dale Thompson video will go here.							 Play Video
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Audio:

Develop a transcript of the portions of existing EENET video files described under Video notes.

Video:

Create video clip using the following portions of video from the EENET video tape:

EENET video #1, 39:30 – 40:51 – Portion of video showing Dale Thomson, Los Angeles City, California, discussing loss of apparatus due to not having data to support need for equipment.

Graphics:

Develop 1 or 2 graphic images showing the credits information from the EENET video – end of tape 2. Incorporate these graphics into the video file at the end.

Programming Notes:

See audio, video, and graphics notes.

Video will play in the same area as Dale Thompson’s picture.

Display the transcript text in a scrollable area to the left of the video.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.8

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu	Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	What Are State Fire Officials Saying About NFIRS 5.0? (Screen 2 of 3)
Task List	Next hear what Ms. Sondra Vonn Senn of Columbia, SC has to say. Read the transcript below or click the view video button on the right.							Sondra Vann Senn Columbia, SC
FAQs
Manuals	Scrolling Transcript of Sondra Vonn Senn video will go here.
Samples
Tools								 Play Video
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Audio:

Develop a transcript of the portions of existing EENET video files described under Video notes.

Video:

Create video clip using the following portions of video from the EENET video tape:

EENET video #1, 1:27:25 – 1:29:35 – Portion of video showing Sondra Vann Senn, South Carolina, discussing the use of data for public education, smoke alarm programs, and identifcation of new fire death patterns.

Graphics:

Develop 1 or 2 graphic images showing the credits information from the EENET video – end of tape 2. Incorporate these graphics into the video file at the end.

Programming Notes:

See audio, video, and graphics notes.

Video will play in the same area as Dale Thompson’s picture.

Display the transcript text in a scrollable area to the left of the video.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.9

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu	Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	What Are State Fire Officials Saying About NFIRS 5.0? (Screen 2 of 3)
Task List	And now listen to what Mr. Charles Scott of Nashville, TN has to say. Read the transcript below or click the view video button on the right.							Charles Scott Nashville, TN
FAQs
Manuals	Scrolling Transcript of Charles Scott video will go here.
Samples
Tools								 Play Video
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Audio:

Develop a transcript of the portions of existing EENET video files described under Video notes.

Video:

Create video clip using the following portions of video from the EENET video tape:

EENET video #1, 1:10:39 – 1:11:30 – Portion of video showing Charles Scott, Nashville, Tennessee, discussing how data helped to catch an arsonist.

Graphics:

Develop 1 or 2 graphic images showing the credits information from the EENET video – end of tape 2. Incorporate these graphics into the video file at the end.

Programming Notes:

See audio, video, and graphics notes.

Video will play in the same area as Dale Thompson’s picture.

Display the transcript text in a scrollable area to the left of the video.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.10

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu	Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	How Has NFIRS Been Improved? (Screen 1 of 3)
Task List	The most recent NFIRS release, NFIRS 5.0, makes the system more comprehensive and easier to use. To learn more about NFIRS 5.0 improvements, roll your mouse on the topics below. Enhanced Capabilities Windows Interface All Incident Reporting Plus-one Codes				Graphic: Collage of a burning building, a forest fire, an ambulance, and some people in chemical warfare suits.
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

All of the text boxes on this screen are rollover objects. Display the information shown below when the mouse is rolled over the rollover object:

Enhanced Capabilities

NFIRS 5.0 includes major enhancements that expand the collection of data beyond fires to include the full range of department activities including five new optional modules: Emergency Medical Services, Arson, Wildland, Department Apparatus, and Personnel.

Windows Interface

NFIRS 5.0 is used in a Microsoft Windows operating environment that takes advantage of current computer technology. This change has made NFIRS 5.0 easier to use.

All Incident Reporting

The enhancements included in NFIRS 5.0 allow local fire departments to quickly and easily record all types of incidents … not just fires.

Plus-one Codes

Some code numbers may be expanded to permit recording of locally specific data not included in the standard codes. This feature makes data collection more flexible.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.11

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	How Has NFIRS Been Improved? (Screen 2 of 3)
Task List	NFIRS 5.0 uses the Internet to exchange and share the data stored in the consolidated national database. Members of the fire community with Internet access can: Input their reports directly into the NFIRS national database using the Internet. With permission, access data input by other counties or departments in the State. Visit the www.nfirs.fema.gov website at any time to verify that users are using the latest version of the Federal Client Tool, including updates and enhancements.						Graphic: Collage of two or three people working at a computer (one of which has a small screen capture of NFIRS), with a central image of a mainframe or something representing the Internet.
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.12

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu	Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	How Has NFIRS Been Improved? (Screen 3 of 3)
Task List	The USFA established NFIRS 5.0 software certification standards and procedures for third party software vendors to ensure uniform data nationwide. Third-party software packages: Provide additional fire administration capabilities for local fire departments. Collect fire incident data as part of an integrated package. Must meet NFIRS standards in order to be certified for use in the system including: Fire incident data collection standards Fire incident data file transmission standards				Graphic: Photo of someone in a business suit, holding a box reading “third party software” with the USFA seal/logo in the background
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.13

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	How Are Data Processed in NFIRS 5.0? (Screen 1 of 8)
Task List	NFIRS 5.0 Data Flow Process NFIRS 5.0 is disbursed across the country to the more than 14,000 fire departments that participate in the system. The collected data are passed up the chain of command from the county or department to the State, and from the State to the national database. Roll your mouse over the boxes below to learn more about this process.
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Graphics

Create a graphic flow chart showing flow of data from left to right from box labeled County or Department to box labeled State to box labeled National. Place the following images in the appropriate box:

County – A county courthouse and a local fire department

State – A state capitol building

National – USFA logo

Programming Notes:

Each box in this graphic is a rollover object. Display the information shown below when the mouse is rolled over the rollover object:

County or Department

Local agencies forward the completed NFIRS incident reports to the State agency responsible for NFIRS data.

State

The State agency combines this information with data from other fire departments into a statewide database. The statewide data are then electronically submitted to the National Fire Data Center at the U.S. Fire Administration.

National

Consolidated data submitted by the States are stored in the State partitions of the national database. These data are available to participating State and Federal government agencies.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.14

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	How Are Data Processed in NFIRS 5.0? (Screen 2 of 8)
Task List	NFIRS 5.0 Modules NFIRS 5.0 provides 12 fire incident reporting modules to capture data about all incident types. Five of the modules are required. Each State, county, and department determines which, if any, of the seven optional modules they will use. Even if the State doesn’t mandate the use of the optional modules, the local fire department may elect to use them. The modules contain core information common to every State’s reporting system. This makes it possible to consolidate data from all participating States into the national database.
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

Display the following pages when the user clicks the bullets on this page.

Required Modules – Screen 1.12a.

Optional Modules – Screen 1.12b.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.15

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	How Are Data Processed in NFIRS 5.0? (Screen 3 of 8)
Task List	NFIRS 5.0 Required Modules To learn more about the required modules, click on the module icons below.
FAQs
Manuals	Basic				Fire			Structure Fire
Samples
Tools	Civilian Fire Casualty				Fire Service Casualty
Links
Click on the Back arrow to return to the NFIRS 5.0 Modules screen.

Graphics: Create a small graphic to represent each of the required modules. Each icon should be small and the image on the graphic should be simple in design in order to be readily recognizable. Icons will be used again in other sections of the Toolkit.

Basic – Firehouse

Fire – Flames

Structure Fire – House with flames coming out of roof or windows

Civilian Casualty – Person on stretcher

Fire Service Casualty – Firefighter’s helmet.

Programming Notes:

Link each of the module icons on this screen to a popup window. Display the information shown on the following pages.

Basic – Screen 15.a

Fire – Screen 15.b

Structure Fire – Screen 15.c

Civilian Casualty – Screen 15.d

Fire Service Casualty – Screen 15.e

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.15a

Basic Module						CLOSE
The basic module is used for every incident routinely encountered by the fire department. The basic module includes information on: the fire department, location, incident type, aid given or received, dates and times, shifts, special studies, actions taken, dollar losses and values, casualties, HazMat releases, property use, and persons and entities involved. Click on one of the bullets below to learn more about the components of the basic module.
Section A	Block E1		Block G1	Block H3	Section L
Section B	Block E2		Block G2	Section I	The Narrative Report
Section C	Block E3		Block H1	Section J	Section M
Section D	Section F		Block H2	Section K
Section A: FDID, State, Incident Number, Incident Date, Exposure Number		This section identifies the fire department and each incident and exposure. Some fields in this section are required to be completed. These fields uniquely identify the incident.
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Section B: Location		This section provides fields to identify the specific location and vicinity (in front of, rear of, next to) information pertaining to an incident. “Location” is a required section, so as much information as possible should be entered.
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Section C: Incident Type		This section provides a space to enter the type of incident (a three-digit code) to better identify the types of incidents to which fire departments respond. The major categories are defined in the Quick Reference Guide. The code entered in this Section may also determine which additional modules are to be completed.
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Section D: Aid Given or Received		This section refers to the giving or receiving of assistance to help resolve an incident. That assistance can be in the form of manpower or equipment from one or more departments. This section is intended to link data records between giving and receiving departments.
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Block E1: Dates & Times		This block permits the capture of date and time of alarm, arrival, control, and last unit cleared. Hours and minutes for all sections are recorded in 24-hour time - midnight is 0000.
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Block E2: Shifts & Alarms		This block allows shift or platoon, alarms, and district to be noted as a local option.
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NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.15a1

Block E3: Special Studies	This block provides temporary data elements that can be used for collection of information that is of special interest. Special studies are typically required to capture information on emerging trends, problem areas, or a specific issue being studied.
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Section F: Actions Taken	This section provides a space to enter a two-digit code to explain the most significant actions taken by fire service personnel at the incident scene. The primary action taken in response to the incident should be entered. Lines are also provided to list two additional actions taken.
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Block G1: Resources	This block has lines for the total numbers of apparatus and personnel separated into suppression, EMS, and other categories. This section is required unless the Apparatus and Personnel forms are used. If that is the case, check the box marked “Local Forms Used.”
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Block G2: Estimated Dollar Losses & Values	This block allows space to record property and content losses. Loss information must be completed for all fire loss when the loss is known. Entry of loss information is optional for other incident types.
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Block H1: Casualties	This block allows space to record casualties - injuries and deaths - for both fire service and civilian or non-fire service emergency responders.
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Block H2: Detector Performance	This block is required for confined fires. Enter the code that indicates whether the detector alerted or did not alert occupants, or if it is unknown.
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Block H3: Hazardous Materials	This block is filled out whenever hazardous materials are involved - regardless of the incident type.
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Section I: Mixed Use Property	This section captures data on the overall use of the structure(s) on a property. If a structure has two or more property uses, or if a property has two or more structures with different property uses, then the Mixed-Use designation applies.
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Section J: Property Use	This section is a required field that identifies the specific use of the property where the incident occurred and whether it is a structure or open piece of land.
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Section K: Person/Entity Involved and Owner	This block can be completed as a local option to identify the person/entity involved. Lines are available for a business name (if applicable), a telephone number, and an individual's name and address.
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Section L: Remarks	This section allows space to enter a narrative description of the incident at the option of the local department. If more remarks are necessary, supplemental forms can be completed and attached as necessary (paper forms only).
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NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.15a2

The Narrative Report	The incident report serves as an official, legal record of an incident and must accurately describe the incident and the actions taken to mitigate it. While many of these facts may be collected in uniform, coded fields – some information can best be presented in a detailed narrative.
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Section M: Authorization	This section includes spaces for the identification number, name, position/ rank, and assignment for both the officer in charge and the member making the report. The date of completion should also be indicated.
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Programming Notes:

Quick Reference Guide is a link to the document located on the Resource CD.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.15b

Fire Module						CLOSE
The Fire module is completed for incidents involving a non-contained fire or a contained fire with associated injuries, deaths, or property loss. Each section or block in the Fire module asks for information on particular types of fires or items involved in the fire. Click on one of the bullets below to learn more about the components of the Fire module.
Section A	Section D		Block E3	Block F3	Block H2
Section B	Block E1		Block F1	Section G
Section C	Block E2		Block F2	Block H1
Section A: FDID, State, Incident Number, Incident Date, Exposure Number		This section provides space to identify the fire department and each incident and exposure. Some fields in this section are required to be completed. These fields uniquely identify the incident.
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Section B: Property Details		This sections provides space to enter detailed information about the specific property involved in the fire, whether a structure or an open piece of land.
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Section C: On-Site Materials or products		This section provides space to document any significant amounts of commercial, industrial, energy, or agricultural products or materials on the property, whether or not they became involved in the fire. This section permits analysis of the fire problem by the materials and products present on the property involved in the fire.
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Section D: Ignition		This section provides space to enter data on several factors related to the ignition of the fire including the area of fire origin, heat source, the item first ignited, and the type of material first ignited.
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Block E1: Cause of Ignition		This block provides space to record the general causal factor that resulted in a heat source igniting a combustible material. The cause could be the result of a deliberate act, mechanical failure, or an act of nature.
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Block E2: Factors Contributing to Ignition		This block provides space to identify contributing factors that allowed the heat source and combustible material to combine to ignite the fire and to also record the human condition or situation that allowed the heat source and combustible material to combine to ignite the fire.
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NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.15b1

Block E3: Human Factors Contributing to Ignition	This block provides space to identify the human condition or situation that allowed the heat source and combustible material to combine to ignite the fire.
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Block F1: Equipment Involved in Ignition	This block provides space to record information about a piece of equipment that provided the principal heat source to cause ignition, if the equipment malfunctioned or was used improperly. Information collected includes brand, model, serial number, and year of manufacture.
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Block F2: Equipment Power Source	This block provides space to record the power source of the equipment involved in ignition of the fire.
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Block F3: Equipment Portability	This block provides space to indicate whether or not the equipment was portable or stationary.
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Section G: Fire Suppression Factors	This section provides space to record the factors that contributed to the growth or spread of the fire. This is used to report incident information that directly impacted the spread of the fire or smoke, incident complexity, or the presence of hazardous conditions. Up to 3 codes may be entered.
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Block H1: Mobile Property Involved in Ignition	This block provides space to indicate that mobile property was involved in the ignition and whether or not it burned.
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Block H2: Mobile Property Type & Make	If mobile property was involved in the fire, this block provides space to record the type, make, model, year, license number, state, and VIN of the mobile property.
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NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.15c

Structure Fire Module						CLOSE
The Structure Fire module should be completed for all structure fires. A structure is an assembly of materials forming a construction for occupancy or use to serve a specific purpose. This includes, but is not limited to, buildings, open platforms, bridges, roof assemblies over open storage or process areas, tents, air-supported structures, and grandstands. Click on one of the bullets below to learn more about the components of the Structure Fire module.
Block I1	Block J1		Block K2	Block L4	Block M2
Block I2	Block J2		Block L1	Block L5	Block M3
Block I3	Block J3		Block L2	Block L6	Block M4
Block I4	Block K1		Block L3	Block M1	Block M5
Block I1: Structure Type		This block provides for the identification of the structure as a specific property type, the status of operation of the building, the building height, and the main floor size by total square feet or length by width.
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Block I2: Building Status		This block provides space to record the total number of stories at or above grade level and the total number of stories below grade level in the fire building.
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Block I3: Building Height		This block provides space to record the main floor size by total square feet or length by width.
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Block I4: Main Floor Size		This block provides two options for indicating the main floor size: either the number of square feet on the structure's main floor or its length and width in feet.
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Block J1: Fire Origin		This block provides space to identify the story where the fire originated within the building.
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Block J2: Fire Spread		This block provides space to record the extent of fire spread in terms of how far the flame damage extended. The extent of flame damage is the area actually burned or charred and does not include the area receiving only heat, smoke, or water damage.
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Block J3: Number of Stories Damaged by Flame		This block provides space to record the number of stories damaged by flame spread. Flame damage is the area actually burned or charred and does not include the area receiving only heat, smoke, or water damage.
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NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.15c1

Block K1: Item Contributing Most To Flame Spread	This block provides space to indicate the item contributing most to flame spread. This block is completed if flame spread beyond the object of origin and the item contributing most to flame spread is different from the Item First Ignited.
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Block K2: Type Of Material Contributing Most To Flame Spread	This block provides space to indicate the type of material contributing most to flame spread. This block is completed whenever the code for type-of- material is 00 or less than 70, but not when the type of material code is 70 or greater.
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Block L1: Presence of Detectors	This block provides space to indicate the existence of fire detection equipment in the area of the fire.
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Block L2: Detector Type	This block provides space to identify the type of fire detection system that was present in the area of fire origin. This field is required if the fire was within the area covered by the detector identified in Block L1.
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Block L3: Detector Power Supply	This block provides space to identify the type of power supplying the detector. This field is required if the fire was within the area covered by the detector identified in Block L1.
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Block L4: Detector Operation	This block provides space to indicate whether or not the detection equipment worked. This field is required if the fire was within the area covered by the detector identified in Block L1.
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Block L5: Detector Effectiveness	This block provides space to indicate the effectiveness of the fire detection equipment in alerting occupants.
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Block L6: Detector Failure Reason	This block is required if the detector failed to operate. It provides space to indicate the reason the detector failed to operate or did not operate properly.
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Block M1: Presence of Automatic Extinguishment System	This block provides space to indicate the existence of an automatic extinguishments system (AES).
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Block M2: Type of Automatic Extinguishment System	This block provides space to identify the type of automatic extinguishments system that was present in the area of fire origin.
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NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.15c2

Block M3: Automatic Extinguishment System Operation	This block provides space to document the operation and effectiveness of the automatic extinguishments system relative to the area of fire origin.
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Block M4: Number of Sprinkler Heads Operating	This block provides space to indicate the number of sprinkler heads that operated during the fire.
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Block M5: Automatic Extinguishment System Failure Reason	This block provides space to indicate the reason why the automatic extinguishments system failed to operate or did not operate properly.
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NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.15d

Civilian Fire Casualty Module						CLOSE
The Civilian Fire Casualty module should be completed only for fire casualties. A fire casualty is a person who is injured or killed as a result of a fire, and includes injuries or deaths from natural or accidental causes sustained while involved in the activities of fire control, attempting rescue, or escaping from the dangers of the fire. Click on one of the bullets below to learn more about the components of the Civilian Fire Casualty module.
Section A	Block E2		Section J	Block M3	Section P
Section B	Section F		Section K	Block M4	Remarks
Section C	Section G		Section L	Block M5
Section D	Section H		Block M1	Section N
Block E1	Section I		Block M2	Section O
Section A: FDID, State, Incident Number, Incident Date, Exposure Number		This section provides space to identify the fire department and each incident and exposure. Some fields in this section are required to be completed. These fields uniquely identify the incident.
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Section B: Injured Person		This section provides space to record the first name, middle initial, last name, and gender of the casualty.
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Section C: Casualty Number		This section provides space to record a unique number assigned to each casualty occurring at a single incident or resulting from an incident.
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Section D: Age or Date of Birth		This section provides space to record the casualty’s age in years or if the casualty is an infant, the age in months. The date of birth may be entered instead of the age, if known.
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Block E1: Race		This block provides space to identify the race of the casualty, based on U.S. Census Bureau categories.
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Block E2: Ethnicity		This block provides space to identify the ethnicity of the casualty. Ethnicity is an ethnic classification or affiliation. Ethnicity designates a population subgroup having a common cultural heritage, as distinguished by customs, characteristics, language, common history, etc. Currently “Hispanic” is the only U.S. Census Bureau classification.
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NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.15d1

Section F: Affiliation	This section provides space to indicate whether the casualty involved in the incident was an emergency services person or a civilian. Firefighter casualties should not be reported using this module; use the Fire Service Casualty Module.
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Section G: Date & Time of Injury	This section provides space to record the month, day, and year when the injury occurred. It also provides space to record the time of day, using the 24-hour clock, when the injury occurred.
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Section H: Severity	This section provides space to indicate the relative severity or seriousness of the injury on a scale from least serious (minor) to most serious (death).
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Section I: Cause of Injury	This section provides space to specify the physical event that caused the injury.
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Section J: Human Factors Contributing to Injury	This section provides space to indicate the physical or mental state of the person shortly before becoming a casualty.
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Section K: Factors Contributing to Injury	This section provides space to record the most significant factors contributing to the injury of the casualty. Up to 3 codes may be entered.
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Section L: Activity When Injured	This section provides space to record the action or activity in which the person was engaged at the time of the injury.
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Block M1: Location at Time of Incident	This block provides space to record the location of the casualty in relationship to the area of fire origin at the time the fire started.
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Block M2: General Location at Time of Injury	This block provides space to record the general location of the casualty in relationship to the area of fire origin at the time they sustained their injury.
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Block M3: Story at Start of Incident	This block provides space to identify the story where the casualty was located at the start of the incident.
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Block M4: Story Where Injury Occurred	This block provides space to identify the story where the casualty was located when the injury occurred.
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Block M5: Specific Location at Time of Injury	This block provides space to identify the specific location of the casualty at the time of the injury.
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NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.15d2

Section N: Activity When Injured	This section provides space to indicate the casualty’s most serious apparent injury.
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Section O: Primary Area of Body Injured	This section provides space to indicate the part of the body that sustained the most serious injury.
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Section P: Disposition	This section provides space to indicate if the casualty was taken to an emergency care facility.
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Remarks	This block provides space for any other remarks that might be made concerning the incident. A narrative description of the incident may be written in this block.
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NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.15e

Fire Service Casualty Module						CLOSE
The Fire Service Casualty module is used to report injuries, deaths, or exposures to fire service personnel that occur in conjunction with any incident response. An exposure occurs when fire service personnel com in contact with a toxic substance or harmful physical agent through any route of entry into the body (e.g., inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption, or direct contact). Exposures can be reported regardless of the presence of clinical signs and symptoms. Click on one of the bullets below to learn more about the components of the Fire Service Casualty module.
Section A	Section F		Block G5	Block I3	Remarks
Section B	Block G1		Block H1	Block J1
Section C	Block G2		Block H2	Block J2
Section D	Block G3		Block I1	Block J3
Section E	Block G4		Block I2	Block J4
Section A: FDID, State, Incident Number, Incident Date, Exposure Number		This section provides space to identify the fire department and each incident and exposure. Some fields in this section are required to be completed. These fields uniquely identify the incident.
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Section B: Injured Person		This section provides space to record the first name, middle initial, last name, and gender of the casualty. It also provides space to enter the identification or employee number of the fire service casualty and the affiliation of the fire service casualty (e.g., volunteer or career firefighter).
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Section C: Casualty Number		This section provides space to record a unique number assigned to each casualty occurring at a single incident or resulting from an incident.
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Section D: Age or Date of Birth		This section provides space to record the casualty’s age in years. The date of birth may be entered instead of the age, if known.
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Section E: Date & Time of Injury		This section provides space to record the month, day, and year when the injury occurred. It also provides space to record the time of day, using the 24-hour clock, when the injury occurred.
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Section F: Responses		This section provides space to record the number of incidents the firefighter responded to in the 24-hour period prior to the time of injury.
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NFIRS Overview

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1.15e1

Block G1: Usual Assignment	This block provides space to identify the official assignment of the fire service casualty. This may not coincide with the firefighter’s activity at the time of injury.
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Block G2: Physical Condition	This block provides space to record the general physical condition of the firefighter prior to injury.
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Block G3: Severity	This block provides space to indicate the severity or seriousness of the casualty in relation to death and time lost from work.
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Block G4: Taken To	This block provides space to indicate where the fire service casualty was taken after the injury occurred.
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Block G5: Activity at Time of Injury	This block provides space to specify the activity being performed by the firefighter at the time the injury occurred.
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Block H1: Primary Apparent Symptom	This block provides space to indicate the firefighter’s most serious apparent injury.
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Block H2: Primary Area of Body Injured	This block provides space to identify the body part or area that sustained the most serious injury.
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Block I1: cause of Firefighter Injury	This block provides space to identify the action or lack of action that directly resulted in the injury.
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Block I2: Factor Contributing to Injury	This block provides space to identify the most significant factor contributing to the injury of the fire service casualty.
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Block I3: Object Involved in Injury	This block provides space to identify the object that contributed to the injury of the fire service casualty.
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Block J1: Where Injury Occurred	This block provides space to specify the place where the injury occurred. This location may be en route to the scene, at the incident scene, at the station, or some other location.
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Block J2: Story Where Injury Occurred	This block provides space to identify the story where the injury occurred. It is completed only if the injury occurred inside a structure.
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Block J3: Specific Location	This block provides space to identify the specific location of the fire service casualty at the time of injury.
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NFIRS Overview

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1.15e2

Block J4: Vehicle Type	This block provides space to identify the type of vehicle the firefighter was in at the time of injury. It is completed only if the Specific Location code identified a vehicle as the location at the time of injury.
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Remarks	This block provides space for any other remarks that might be made concerning the incident. A narrative description of the incident may be written in this block.
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NFIRS Overview

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1.16

NFIRS Overview

USFA Logo

Main Menu

Help

Glossary

Tutorial Menu

How Are Data Processed in NFIRS 5.0? (Screen 4 of 8)

Task List

NFIRS 5.0 Optional Modules To learn more about the optional modules, click on the module icons below.

FAQs

Manuals

Samples

EMS

HazMat

Wildland Fire

Arson

Tools

Links

Apparatus or Resources

Personnel

Supplemental Form

Click on the Back arrow to return to the NFIRS 5.0 Modules screen.

Graphics: Create a small graphic to represent each of the optional modules. Each icon should be small and the image on the graphic should be simple in design in order to be readily recognizable. Icons will be used again in other sections of the Toolkit.

EMS – Ambulance

HazMat – HazMat symbol

Wildland – Trees burning

Apparatus or Resources – Fire engine

Personnel – Firefighter

Arson – Hands holding matches

Supplemental Form – Piece of paper with writing on it

Programming Notes:

Link each of the module icons on this screen to a popup window. Display the information shown on the following pages.

EMS – Screen 16.a

HazMat – Screen 16.b

Wildland Fire – Screen 16.c

Arson – Screen 16.d

Apparatus or Resources – Screen 16.e

Personnel – Screen 16.f

Supplemental Form – Screen 16.g

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.16a

EMS Module						CLOSE
The EMS module is an optional module. It should be used when that option has been chosen by your State or local authorities. The purpose of the EMS module is to gather basic data as it relates to the provision of emergency medical care to the community. It may be used by both responding EMS unit(s) and fire suppression unit(s) that provide emergency medical services. Click on one of the bullets below to learn more about the components of the Fire Service Casualty module.
Section A	Block E1		Block G1	Block H3	Block L1
Section B	Block E2		Block G2	Section I	Block L2
Section C	Block F1		Block H1	Section J	Section M
Section D	Block F2		Block H2	Section K	Section N
Section A: FDID, State, Incident Date, Station Number, Incident Number, Exposure Number, Delete/Change		This section provides space to identify the fire department and each incident and exposure. Some fields in this section are required to be completed. These fields uniquely identify the incident.
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Section B: Number of Patients, Patient Number		This section provides space to record the total number of patients that were treated by emergency responders at the EMS incident and to record the unique number assigned to each patient treated at a single EMS incident.
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Section C: Date/Time		This section provides space to record the time when emergency personnel established direct contact with the patient. It also provides space to record the time when the response unit physically left the scene to transport the patient to an emergency care facility or the time when the patient was transferred to another care provider..
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Section D: Provider Impression/Assessment		This section provides space to indicate the emergency care provider’s primary clinical assessment that led to the management (e.g., treatment, medications, procedures) given to the patient.
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Block E1: Age or Date of Birth		This block provides space to record the patient’s age in years. The date of birth may be entered instead of the age, if known.
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Section E2: Gender		This block provides space to identify the patient as male or female.
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NFIRS Overview

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1.16a1

Block F1: Race	This block provides space to identify the patient as a certain race based on U.S. Census Bureau categories.
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Block F2: Ethnicity	This block provides space to identify the ethnicity of the patient. Ethnicity is an ethnic classification or affiliation. Ethnicity designates a population subgroup having a common cultural heritage, as distinguished by customs, characteristics, language, common history, etc. Currently “Hispanic” is the only U.S. Census Bureau classification.
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Block G1: Human Factors	This block provides space to record the physical or mental state of the person shortly before becoming a patient.
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Block G2: Other Factors	This block provides space to record factors contributing to the patient’s injury other than those covered by Human Factors.
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Block H1: Body Site of Injury	This block provides space to indicate the area of the body that sustained the injury. This field is used in conjunction with Injury Type, Block H2.
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Block H2: Injury Type	This block provides space to record a clinical description of the injury received by the patient.
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Block H3: Cause of Illness/Injury	This block provides space to record the physical event that caused the injury or illness.
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Section I: Procedures Used	This section provides space to identify the procedure(s) attempted or performed on a patient by emergency personnel.
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Section J: Safety Equipment	This section provides space to record the types of safety equipment in use by the patient at the time of injury.
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Section K: Cardiac Arrest, Initial Arrest Rhythm	This section is only used if the patient went into or was found in cardiac arrest. It provides space to record when the cardiac arrest occurred in relation to emergency personnel’s arrival. It also provides space to record the patient’s heart rhythm as read by the EKG monitor.
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Block L1: Initial Level of FD Provider	This block provides space to record the training level of the first fire department responder(s) to treat the patient.
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NFIRS Overview

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1.16a2

Block L2: Highest Level of FD Provider at Scene	This block provides space to record the highest level of fire department care that the patient received at the scene of the EMS incident.
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Section M: Patient Status	This section provides space to document the overall change in the status of the patient as recorded at the time responsibility for the patient is transferred to another agency.
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Section N: Disposition	This section provides space to indicate whether or not the patient was transported from the scene and, if transported, who provided the transport.
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NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.16b

Hazardous Materials Module						CLOSE
The Hazardous Materials module is an optional module. It is used when the Basic Module, Block H3 – Hazardous Materials Release, indicates “Other” for hazardous materials. It is used to document reportable HazMat incidents. Generally speaking, a reportable HazMat incident is when: Specialized HazMat resources were dispatched or used or should have been dispatched or used, for assessing, mitigating, or managing the situation. or Releases or spills of hazardous materials exceeded 55 gallons. Click on one of the bullets below to learn more about the components of the Hazardous Materials module.
Section A	Block D1		Block F2	Section H	Section M
Section B	Block D2		Block G1	Section I	Section N
Block C1	Block E1		Block G2	Section J	Section O
Block C2	Block E2		Block G3	Section K	Section P
Block C3	Block F1		Block G4	Section L
Section A: FDID, State, Incident Date, Station Number, Incident Number, Exposure Number, HazMat Number, Delete/Change		This section provides space to identify the fire department and each incident and exposure. Some fields in this section are required to be completed. These fields uniquely identify the incident.
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Section B: HazMat ID		This section provides space to identify the specific hazardous materials involved in an incident as accurately as possible. Several different identification systems have been developed that can aid fire department personnel when identifying hazardous materials: UN Number DOT Hazard Classification CAS Registration Number Chemical Name Any one of these identification systems can be used.
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Block C1: Container Type		This block provides space to record the type or configuration of the container, equipment, or facility used to transport and/or store the hazardous material.
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NFIRS Overview

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1.16b1

Block C2: Estimated Container Capacity	This block provides space to record the amount of material the container was designed to hold. Both blocks C2 and C3 must be completed for the data to be meaningful.
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Block C3: Unit(s): Capacity	This block provides space to record the unit of measure that defines, by volume or weight, the capacity of the hazardous materials container. Both blocks C2 and C3 must be completed for the data to be meaningful.
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Block D1: Estimated Amount Released	This block provides space to record the amount of hazardous material released from the container. Both blocks D1 and D2 must be completed for the data to be meaningful.
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Block D2: Unit(s): Released	This block provides space to record the unit of measure that defines, by volume or weight, the amount of hazardous materials released from the container. Both blocks D1 and D1 must be completed for the data to be meaningful.
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Block E1: Physical State When Released	This block provides space to record the simple physical state of the material during release.
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Block E2: Released Into	This block provides space to record the general region(s) of the environment contaminated by the hazardous material after release.
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Block F1: Released From	This block provides space to record the physical location from which the hazardous material was released.
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Block F2: Population Density	This block provides space to estimate the population density of the area adjacent to the hazardous materials release.
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Block G1: Area Affected	This block provides space to record the amount of area or space directly affected by the hazardous material release.
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Block G2: Area Evacuated	This block provides space to record the amount of area or space evacuated as a result of the hazardous materials release or potential release.
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Block G3: Estimated Number of People Evacuated	This block provides space to estimate the number of people evacuated due to the hazardous materials release or potential release.
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Block G4: Estimated Number of Buildings Evacuated	This block provides space to estimate the number of buildings evacuated due to the hazardous materials release or potential release.
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NFIRS Overview

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1.16b2

Section H: HazMat Actions Taken	This section provides space to record specialized HazMat response actions taken at the scene of an incident by personnel specifically trained and equipped to mitigate hazards arising from hazardous materials release. Other actions taken by fire service personnel should be entered in the Basic module.
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Section I: If fire or explosion is involved with a release, which occurred first?	This section provides space to indicate when a fire or explosion occurred in relation to the actual release of the hazardous material.
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Section J: Cause of Release	This section provides space to record the cause of the situation present at the time and location of the incident that caused the release or threatened release of a hazardous material.
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Section K: Factors Contributing to Release	This section provides space to identify factors present at the time and location of the incident that contributed to the release or threatened release of a hazardous material.
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Section L: Factors Affecting Mitigation	This section provides space to identify factors present at the time and location of the incident that affected the fire department’s mitigation of the release or threatened release of a hazardous material.
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Section M: Equipment Involved in Release	This section provides space to record the type of equipment that either failed or, while working properly, allowed the release or threatened release of hazardous materials. Information collected includes brand, model, serial number, and year of manufacture.
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Section N: Mobile Property Involved In Release	This section provides space to record details regarding mobile property that either failed or, while working properly, allowed the release to threatened release of hazardous materials. Information collected includes type, make, model, year, license number, State, and DOT/ICC number.
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Section O: HazMat Disposition	This section provides space to record whether the fire department completed the handling of the hazardous materials incident or, instead, it was released to another agency or to the property owner for completion.
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Section P: HazMat Civilian Casualties	This section provides space to indicate the number of civilians injured or killed, either as a result of a HazMat incident or the action of handling the HazMat incident. An injury is physical damage to a person that requires either: Treatment by a practitioner of medicine within one year of the incident. or At lease one day of restricted activity immediately following the incident. An injured person is a casualty.
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NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.16c

Wildland Fire Module						CLOSE
The Wildland Fire module is an optional module. It is used to document reportable wildland fires. Generally speaking, a reportable wildland fire is: Any fire involving vegetative fuels that occurs in the wildland or urban-wildland interface areas, including fires that threaten or consume structures. This module is used when the Incident Type is coded as forest, woods, wildland fire, or prescribed fire. In these cases, the Wildland Fire module is used in lieu of the Fire module. Click on one of the bullets below to learn more about the components of the Hazardous Materials module.
Section A	Block D3		Section H	Section J	Block L4
Section B	Block D4		Block I1	Section K	Section M
Section C	Section E		Block I2	Block L1	Section N
Block D1	Section F		Block I3	Block L2
Block D2	Section G		Block I4	Block L3
Section A: FDID, State, Incident Date, Station Number, Incident Number, Exposure Number, Delete/Change		This section provides space to identify the fire department and each incident and exposure. Some fields in this section are required to be completed. These fields uniquely identify the incident.
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Section B: Alternate Location Specification		This section provides space to specify the location of the wildland fire. This section documents the geographical location of the wildland fire and is used in place of Section B of the Basic module when traditional addressing methods are not suitable.
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Section C: Area Type		This section provides space to record a general description of the area where the wildland fire occurred.
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Block D1: Wildland Fire Cause		This block provides space to record the broadest classification of ignition causes consistent with the “General Fire Causes” adopted by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCB).
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Block D2: Human Factors Contributing to Ignition		This block provides space to record human factors that contributed to the ignition of the fire.
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NFIRS Overview

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1.16c1

Block D3: Factors Contributing to Ignition	This block provides space to identify contributing factors that allowed the heat source and combustible material to combine to ignite the fire.
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Block D4: Fire Suppression Factors	This block provides space to document the factors or conditions that affected fire suppression efforts or fire management strategy. Up to 3 factors or conditions that constituted a significant fire suppression problem or affected how the fire was managed can be entered.
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Section E: Heat Source	This section provides space to identify the specific source of the heat energy that started the fire.
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Section F: Mobile Property Type	This section provides space to identify the specific types of mobile property involved in an incident.
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Section G: Equipment Involved in Ignition	This section provides space to identify the piece of equipment that provided the principal heat source that caused ignition, if the equipment malfunctioned or was used improperly.
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Section H: Weather Information	This section provides space to record description information regarding weather conditions that existed at the time and location of the fire origin to help identify conditions surrounding the fire that may have contributed to its cause or spread.
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Block I1: Number of Buildings Ignited	This block provides space to record the number of buildings, if any, ignited by the wildland fire.
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Block I2: Number of Buildings Threatened	This block provides space to record the number of buildings, if any, threatened but not ignited by the wildland fire.
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Block I3: Total Acres Burned	This block provides space to record the total number of acres that were involved in the wildland fire.
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Block I4: Primary Crops Burned	This block provides space to identify up to three types of crops that burned. The crop with the most acres burned is listed first.
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Section J: Property Management	This section provides space to record the name of the principal entity having responsibility for the maintenance or control of the property where the fire originated. It also allows for the reporting of the percent of the total acres burned for each type of ownership involved.
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Section K: NFDRS Fuel Model at Origin	This section provides space to identify the type of wildland fuel involved in a wildland fire at the point of origin.
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NFIRS Overview

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1.16c2

Block L1: Person Responsible for the Fire	This block provides space to indicate whether or not a person, known or unknown, was responsible for the fire.
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Block L2: Gender of Person Involved	This block provides space to indicated the gender or sex of the person responsible for the fire.
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Block L3: Age or Date of Birth	This block provides space to record the age or date of birth of the person identified as being responsible for the fire.
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Block L4: Activity of Person	This block provides space to indicate the primary activity of the person that caused the fire.
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Section M: Right of Way	This section provides space to record the horizontal distance between the point of fire origin from the edge of the traveled surface of a road or the nearest outside rail of a railroad right-of-way, or from the nearest power line or power transmission equipment of a utility right-of-way.
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Section N: Fire Behavior	This optional section provides space to record observations made at the point of initial attack. Use of this section will most likely be limited to local, State, and Federal wildland management agencies that are trained in making these observations.
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NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.16d

Apparatus/Resource Module						CLOSE
The Apparatus/Resource module is an optional module. It is used to help manage and track apparatus and resources used on incidents. The Personnel module should be used when details about apparatus and personnel are needed. Click on one of the bullets below to learn more about the components of the Apparatus/Resource module.
Section A
Section B
Section A: FDID, State, Incident Date, Station Number, Incident Number, Exposure Number, Delete/Change		This section provides space to identify the fire department and each incident and exposure. Some fields in this section are required to be completed. These fields uniquely identify the incident.
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Section B: Apparatus/Resources		This section provides space to record information and details about the apparatus and/or resources used at an incident. Information collected includes: The apparatus type and ID number for the apparatus or resources used. The date and time when the specific unit was dispatched by the communication center, arrived at the incident scene, and cleared from the scene. That the apparatus was sent on the incident. The number of emergency personnel on the apparatus. The main use of the apparatus or resources at the incident. The actions taken at the incident scene by the apparatus or resource personnel.
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NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.16e

Personnel Module						CLOSE
The Personnel module is an optional module. It is used to help manage and track personnel and resources used on incidents. This module can be used in place of the Apparatus/Resource Module if more detail on personnel is needed. Click on one of the bullets below to learn more about the components of the Personnel module.
Section A
Section B
Section A: FDID, State, Incident Date, Station Number, Incident Number, Exposure Number, Delete/Change		This section provides space to identify the fire department and each incident and exposure. Some fields in this section are required to be completed. These fields uniquely identify the incident.
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Section B: Apparatus/Resources		This section provides space to record information and details about the apparatus and/or resources used at an incident. Information collected includes: The apparatus type and ID number for the apparatus or resources used. The date and time when the specific unit was dispatched by the communication center, arrived at the incident scene, and cleared from the scene. That the apparatus was sent on the incident. The number of emergency personnel on the apparatus. The main use of the apparatus or resources at the incident. The actions taken at the incident scene by the apparatus or resource personnel. The ID number, name, and rank of personnel responding to the incident. That an individual was on the apparatus sent to the incident.
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NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.16f

Arson Module						CLOSE
The Arson module is an optional module. It is used whenever the Cause of Ignition is coded as “intentional” or “under investigation” without any distinction made as to whether or not a crime has occurred, or a determination of criminal intent. The Arson module may also be used when the fire is under investigation or in cases where the cause is “Undetermined after investigation.” Click on one of the bullets below to learn more about the components of the Arson module.
Section A	Section F		Section J	Block M3	Block M8
Section B	Block G1		Section K	Block M4	Section N
Section C	Block G2		Section L	Block M5
Section D	Section H		Block M1	Block M6
Section E	Section I		Block M2	Block M7
Section A: FDID, State, Incident Date, Station Number, Incident Number, Exposure Number, Delete/Change		This section provides space to identify the fire department and each incident and exposure. Some fields in this section are required to be completed. These fields uniquely identify the incident.
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Section B: Agency Referred To		This section provides space to identify the agency, if any, the incident was referred to for follow-up investigation.
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Section C: Case Status		This section provides space to record the current status of the investigation.
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Section D: Availability of Material First Ignited		This section provides space to identify the availability of material used to fuel the initial ignition.
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Section E: Suspected Motivation Factors		This section provides space to document the suspected stimulus that caused the subject(s) to burn, or attempt to burn, any real or personnel property.
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Section F: Apparent Group Involvement		This section provides space to indicate whether the suspect(s) were motivated to commit the arson act because of involvement in a larger group or organization or as a means to promote the cause of a larger group or organization.
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NFIRS Overview

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1.16f1

Block G1: Entry Method	This block provides space to indicate how the offender(s) gained access to the property.
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Block G2: Extent of Fire Involvement on Arrival	This block provides space to indicate the fire department’s observation of the extent of the fire’s involvement when they arrived at the incident scene.
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Section H: Incendiary Device	This section provides space to identify the methods, devices, and fuel that were used to burn or attempt to burn, any real or personal property.
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Section I: Other Investigative Information	This section provides space to record other investigative information pertinent to he case.
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Section J: Property Ownership	This section provides space to indicate the ownership of the property involved in the arson.
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Section K: Initial Observations	This section provides space to identify important initial observations made at the incident scene relating to the property’s secure status or circumvention of the security systems, if present.
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Section L: Laboratory Used	This section provides space to identify the laboratory that conducted an analysis of the evidence.
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Block M1: Subject Number	This block provides space to record the number assigned to each juvenile subject under age 18 involved in the fire’s ignition in connection with an arson incident.
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Block M2: Age	This block provides space to record the age of the subject in years.
Back to Top
Block M3: Gender	This block provides space to identify the subject as male or female.
Back to Top
Block M4: Race	This block provides space to identify the subject as a certain race based on U.S. Census Bureau categories.
Back to Top
Block M5: Ethnicity	This block provides space to identify the ethnicity of the subject. Ethnicity is an ethnic classification or affiliation. Ethnicity designates a population subgroup having a common cultural heritage, as distinguished by customs, characteristics, language, common history, etc. Currently “Hispanic” is the only U.S. Census Bureau classification.
Back to Top

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.16f2

Block M6: Family Tlype	This block provides space to identify the subject’s family type.
Back to Top
Block M7: Motivation/Risk Factors	This block provides space to record the stimulus and/or risk factors that were present and constituted a possible motivation for the subject(s) to burn, or attempt to burn any real or personal property.
Back to Top
Block M8: Disposition of Person Under 18	This block provides space to describe how the juvenile firesetter was handled at the end of the incident.
Back to Top
Section N: Remarks	This section provides space for any other remarks that might be made concerning the incident. A narrative description of the incident may be written in this block.
Back to Top

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.16g

Supplemental Forms						CLOSE
The Supplemental Form should be used as a local option for recording additional persons or entities involved in the incident for those departments that use paper-based incident reporting. It adds flexibility to any incident report by expanding the ability to collect additional basic module data. Click on one of the bullets below to learn more about the components of the Supplemental Forms module.
Section K
Block K1
Block L1
Block L2
Section K: FDID, State, Incident Date, Station Number, Incident Number, Exposure Number, Delete/Change		This section provides space to identify the fire department and each incident and exposure. Some fields in this section are required to be completed. These fields uniquely identify the incident.
Back to Top
Block K1: Person/Entity Involved		This block provides space to record the information about the company or agency occupying the property where the incident occurred. Collected information includes: The full name of the company or agency occupying the property where the incident occurred. The telephone number of the person or entity involved in the incident. The full name of the person involved in the incident. The full street and mailing address of the person or entity involved in the incident.
Back to Top
Block L1: Supplemental Special Studies		This block provides space to collect information that is of special interest for a defined period.
Back to Top
Block L2: Remarks		This block provides space for any other remarks that might be made concerning the incident. A narrative description of the incident may be written in this block.
Back to Top

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.17

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	How Are Data Processed in NFIRS 5.0? (Screen 5 of 8)
Task List	Data Input locally The data collection process actually begins with the initial receipt of the call by the dispatcher. The company officer and/or the incident commander collects the necessary field notes and completes the report or reports after the incident ends. After responding to an incident, fire department personnel fill out the appropriate NFIRS modules to describe: The nature of the call The actions firefighters took in response to the call The result						Graphic: Photo of firefighter sitting at computer inputting data into NFIRS. Firefighter should look like he/she just returned from completing a reportable incident (dirty, smoky, disheveled.), with a faded image of a house fire in the background.
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.18

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	How Are Data Processed in NFIRS 5.0? (Screen 6 of 8)
Task List	Data Supplemented by Other Agencies Agencies other than the fire department may supplement the initial data collection: Roll your mouse over the agency names listed below to learn more about how they supplement NFIRS data collection. Hospitals and the Medical Examiner Law Enforcement Agencies Offices of Emergency Management
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

All of the text boxes on this screen are rollover objects. Display the information shown below when the mouse is rolled over the rollover object:

Hospitals and the Medical Examiner

The medical examiner or hospital can be contacted for followup reports on casualties that must be changed to fatalities.

Law Enforcement Agencies

Law enforcement agencies may provide additional information on the cause of the fire if a crime is involved.

Offices of Emergency Management

Offices of emergency management can also provide information that may supplement the initial data collection.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.19

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	How Are Data Processed in NFIRS 5.0? (Screen 7 of 8)
Task List	Data Consolidated by the State The State Fire Marshal or an equivalent office oversees the consolidation of the collected data and can coordinate the collection of data with other State agencies. States have the flexibility to adapt their reporting systems to meet their needs using the Federal Client Tool or third-party software. State data are then passed electronically to the national level.						Graphic: Person in State Fire Marshal’s office working at a computer with NFIRS screen on the screen, with a faded image of a state capitol building in the background.
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.20

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	How Are Data Processed in NFIRS 5.0? (Screen 8 of 8)
Task List	Data Stored and Used Nationally Data are stored in individual State partitions in the national database maintained by the USFA. Data stored in the national database are available to a wide variety of government agencies and organizations. Roll your mouse over the logos and seals of these organizations for more information.
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Graphics:

Create graphics showing the seal or logo of each of the following organizations. Links to Web sites for each organization are in the Links section.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

International Association of Fire Chiefs

International Association of Firefighters

National Fire Protection Association

National Association of State Fire Marshals

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

National Volunteer Fire Council

Programming Notes:

Each seal or logo in the graphic is a rollover object. Display the name of the organization when the mouse is moved over the logo or seal of the organization.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

International Association of Fire Chiefs

International Association of Firefighters

National Fire Protection Association

National Association of State Fire Marshals

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

National Volunteer Fire Council

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.21

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	What Does an Incident Look Like in NFIRS 5.0?
Task List	Fire Incident Scenarios Click on the bullets below to view the scenarios and to see the appropriate completed NFIRS screens using the Federal Client Tool. Contained Fire Incident Structure Fire Incident EMS Incident						Graphic: Collage of images, with a flaming pot on a stove; a house on fire; and a car wreck.
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

Link each of the bullets on this screen to a popup window. Display the information on the following pages as follows:

Contained Fire Incident: Screen 1.22

Structure Fire Incident: Screen 1.23

EMS Incident: Screen 1.24

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.22

Contained Fire Incident: Kitchen Fire		CLOSE
Review the Contained Fire scenario below and then click on the module icons to the left of the screen to see how the incident would appear after entry into NFIRS 5.0 using the Federal Client Tool.
Basic (Required) Personnel (Optional) Apparatus (Optional)	Dispatch Information: Engines 23 and 12, Ladder 2, and Battalion 2 responded to a fire at 112 Main Street, Mill City, WI 12345 on Saturday, May 26, 2001, at 1513 hours. Crews arrived at 1518 to find smoke coming from the rear of the house. Actions Taken: Crew from E-23 entered the house to find that the smoke was coming from the kitchen area as a result of unattended cooking. The incident was confined to the pot on the stove. E-23 removed the pot from the stove while Ladder 2 established ventilation. Damage Information: Damage was confined to the pot and the food with minimal smoke damage in the kitchen area. The homeowner, Ms. Sally Jones, reported that the smoke detector alerted her about the fire. The value of the property was set at $185,000 and contents at $47,000. There was no loss as a result of the fire. Incident Cleared: The incident was controlled at 1530 and the units cleared at 1620. There was no mutual aid received nor were there any injuries or exposures. Incident Number: This incident was assigned #0100181. The shift on duty was C platoon, District #112, with a one-alarm assignment.

Graphics:

Use the module icons developed for the Required Modules Screen and the Optional Modules Screen.

Programming Notes:

The area of the screen where the scenario is displayed is scrollable.

The scenario is based on page SM 3-71 (NFIRS Program Management Student Manual.)

Clicking on each module icon displays a new, scrollable browser window with screen captures showing the Federal Client Tool module screens needed to report the incident.

Clicking the Close button closes the browser window.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.23

Structure Fire Incident: Building Fire		CLOSE
Review the Structure Fire scenario below and then click on the module icons to the left of the screen to see how the incident would appear after entry into NFIRS 5.0 using the Federal Client Tool.
Basic (Required) Structure (Required) Personnel (Optional) Apparatus (Optional)	Dispatch Information The East Wind, Wisconsin FD (FDID TR100) was dispatched and responded with two engines, one truck, and a Deputy Chief (12 personnel total) at 0236 on December 25, 2000 to a building fire at 1326 Market Street (zip code 12345.). All personnel had arrived by 0242. Action Taken Engine 422 reported a 2,000 square foot, two-story single-family dwelling. Fire was showing from the first floor. Crew advanced a 1-3/4” line to the fire and searched for occupants. Truck 42 split into two crews. One crew performed search and rescue and the other performed ventilation. Both crews then performed salvage and overhaul. Engine 425 put down a supply line to Engine 422 and took a hydrant. The crew took a 1-3/4” line to the second floor and found that the fire had extended (through balloon framing and combustible insulation) into a bedroom. The fire was under control at 0301. Damage Assessment All family members escaped the fire when they heard the smoke detectors. The occupant of the house stated later that he had been on the sofa drinking alcohol, watching television, and smoking. He left the ashtray on the sofa when he went to bed at 1:00 a.m. Damage Information The investigator determined that the fire started in the living room where the sofa was located. It appeared that the ashtray fell into the sofa cushions and a smoldering cigarette started the fire. Building property loss was estimated at $65,000; loss to contents $15,000. Mr. Robert Thomas was the recorded occupant of the home and his phone number is 888/555-5555. The owner is P&K Develop Corporation of Parrot Island, Florida. Their phone number is 888/235-8888. Ms. Laurie Burnetti of Mango Drive is their agent. Incident Cleared All personnel cleared by 0350. Incident Number This incident was assigned #0006231.

Graphics:

Use the module icons developed for the Required Modules Screen and the Optional Modules Screen.

Programming Notes:

The area of the screen where the scenario is displayed is scrollable.

Clicking on each module icon displays a new, scrollable browser window with screen captures showing the Federal Client Tool module screens needed to report the incident.

Clicking the Close button closes the browser window.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.24

EMS Incident: EMS Auto Accident		CLOSE
Review the EMS scenario below and then click on the module icons to the left of the screen to see how the incident would appear after entry into NFIRS 5.0 using the Federal Client Tool.
Basic (Required) EMS (Optional) Personnel (Optional) Apparatus (Optional)	Dispatch Information: Fire department engine and heavy rescue with an EMT-Basic dispatched to 4125 North Vine Avenue, Taylor, WI 12345 at 1215 hours on April 21, 2001 to an auto accident. Crews arrived at 1218 and reached the victim at 1220. Victim Information: One 60-year-old Hispanic male trapped between the steering wheel and seat. Alert and complained of severe neck and chest pain. Broken arm. Admitted to having had a few drinks just prior to the accident. Actions Taken: A “C” collar applied to assist in immobilizing his spine prior to the extrication. Oxygen administered for his chest pain. Splinted broken arm after victim removed from the vehicle. Transport: Transported to the nearest emergency care facility by the fire department ALS ambulance at 1235. Incident Cleared: Incident cleared at 1245 hours. Incident Number: This incident was assigned #0100789.

Graphics:

Use the module icons developed for the Required Modules Screen and the Optional Modules Screen.

Programming Notes:

The area of the screen where the scenario is displayed is scrollable.

The scenario is based on page SM 3-75 (NFIRS Program Management Student Manual.)

Clicking on each module icon displays a new, scrollable browser window with screen captures showing the Federal Client Tool module screens needed to report the incident.

Clicking the Close button closes the browser window.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.24a

EMS Incident – Basic Module (Required)					CLOSE
Compare the EMS scenario with the completed screens of the Basic Module. Use the Previous Screen and Next Screen Buttons to scroll through the different screens in the module.
NOTES: Section A is completed first. Only the yellow fields are required.			 Previous Screen	Basic Screen 1		 Next Screen
Incident Description: Dispatch Information: Fire department engine and heavy rescue with an EMT-Basic dispatched to 4125 North Vine Avenue, Taylor, WI 12345 at 1215 hours on April 21, 2001 to an auto accident. Crews arrived at 1218 and reached the victim at 1220.

Programming Notes:

The left area of the screen where the scenario is displayed is scrollable.

Clicking the previous and next screen buttons takes the user to the previous or next screen capture for the Basic Module. Change the screen number as the screen view moves forward or backward.

Clicking the Enlarge Button brings up a new popup window with an enlarged version of the screen capture.

Clicking the Close button closes the browser window.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.24b

EMS Incident – Basic Module (Required)					CLOSE
Compare the EMS scenario with the completed screens of the Basic Module. Use the Previous Screen and Next Screen Buttons to scroll through the different screens in the module.
NOTES: Appropriate sections of the Basic Module are completed next. Fields that require a code number provide a pull-down selection list to make code entry easier (e.g., Incident Type).			 Previous Screen	Basic Screen 2		 Next Screen
Incident Description: Dispatch Information: Fire department engine and heavy rescue with an EMT-Basic dispatched to 4125 North Vine Avenue, Taylor, WI 12345 at 1215 hours on April 21, 2001 to an auto accident. Crews arrived at 1218 and reached the victim at 1220.

Programming Notes:

The left area of the screen where the scenario is displayed is scrollable.

Clicking the previous and next screen buttons takes the user to the previous or next screen capture for the Basic Module. Change the screen number as the screen view moves forward or backward.

Clicking the Enlarge Button brings up a new popup window with an enlarged version of the screen capture.

Clicking the Close button closes the browser window.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.24c

EMS Incident – Basic Module (Required)					CLOSE
Compare the EMS scenario with the completed screens of the Basic Module. Use the Previous Screen and Next Screen Buttons to scroll through the different screens in the module.
NOTES: Notice that when the code is selected, the description is also entered into the field on the screen. For this EMS incident only Section B-J are applicable.			 Previous Screen	Basic Screen 3		 Next Module
Incident Description: Dispatch Information: Fire department engine and heavy rescue with an EMT-Basic dispatched to 4125 North Vine Avenue, Taylor, WI 12345 at 1215 hours on April 21, 2001 to an auto accident. Crews arrived at 1218 and reached the victim at 1220.

Programming Notes:

The left area of the screen where the scenario is displayed is scrollable.

Clicking the previous and next screen buttons takes the user to the previous or next screen capture for the Basic Module. At the last screen for the Basic Module, the Next Screen button will continue to the first screen of the next module. Change the screen number as the screen view moves forward or backward.

Clicking the Enlarge Button brings up a new popup window with an enlarged version of the screen capture.

Clicking the Close button closes the browser window.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.24d

EMS Incident – EMS Module (Optional)					CLOSE
Compare the EMS scenario with the completed screens of the EMS Module. Use the Previous Screen and Next Screen Buttons to scroll through the different screens in the module.
NOTES: The EMS module includes fields to capture detailed information about the EMS incident not covered in the Basic Module.			 Previous Screen	EMS Screen 1		 Next Screen
Incident Description: Dispatch Information: Fire department engine and heavy rescue with an EMT-Basic dispatched to 4125 North Vine Avenue, Taylor, WI 12345 at 1215 hours on April 21, 2001 to an auto accident. Crews arrived at 1218 and reached the victim at 1220.

Programming Notes:

The left area of the screen where the scenario is displayed is scrollable.

Clicking the previous and next screen buttons takes the user to the previous or next screen capture for the EMS Module. Change the screen number as the screen view moves forward or backward.

Clicking the Enlarge Button brings up a new popup window with an enlarged version of the screen capture.

Clicking the Close button closes the browser window.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.24e

EMS Incident – EMS Module (Optional)					CLOSE
Compare the EMS scenario with the completed screens of the EMS Module. Use the Previous Screen and Next Screen Buttons to scroll through the different screens in the module.
NOTES: The EMS module also provides fields to record procedures used and other pertinent medical condition data.			 Previous Screen	EMS Screen 2		 Next Module
Incident Description: Dispatch Information: Fire department engine and heavy rescue with an EMT-Basic dispatched to 4125 North Vine Avenue, Taylor, WI 12345 at 1215 hours on April 21, 2001 to an auto accident. Crews arrived at 1218 and reached the victim at 1220.

Programming Notes:

The left area of the screen where the scenario is displayed is scrollable.

Clicking the previous and next screen buttons takes the user to the previous or next screen capture for the EMS Module. At the last screen for the Basic Module, the Next Screen button will continue to the first screen of the next module. Change the screen number as the screen view moves forward or backward.

Clicking the Enlarge Button brings up a new popup window with an enlarged version of the screen capture.

Clicking the Close button closes the browser window.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.24f

EMS Incident – Personnel Module (Optional)					CLOSE
Compare the EMS scenario with the completed screens of the Personnel Module. Use the Previous Screen and Next Screen Buttons to scroll through the different screens in the module.
NOTES: The OPTIONAL Personnel Module was also filled out for this EMS incident.			 Previous Screen	Personnel Screen 1		 Next Module
Incident Description: Dispatch Information: Fire department engine and heavy rescue with an EMT-Basic dispatched to 4125 North Vine Avenue, Taylor, WI 12345 at 1215 hours on April 21, 2001 to an auto accident. Crews arrived at 1218 and reached the victim at 1220.

Programming Notes:

The left area of the screen where the scenario is displayed is scrollable.

Clicking the previous and next screen buttons takes the user to the previous or next screen capture for the Personnel Module. At the last screen for the Personnel Module, the Next Screen button will continue to the first screen of the next module. Change the screen number as the screen view moves forward or backward.

Clicking the Enlarge Button brings up a new popup window with an enlarged version of the screen capture.

Clicking the Close button closes the browser window.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.24g

EMS Incident – Apparatus Module (Required)					CLOSE
Compare the EMS scenario with the completed screens of the Apparatus Module. Use the Previous Screen and Next Screen Buttons to scroll through the different screens in the module.
NOTES: The OPTIONAL Apparatus module was completed for this EMS incident.			 Previous Screen	Apparatus Screen 1		 Next Screen
Incident Description: Dispatch Information: Fire department engine and heavy rescue with an EMT-Basic dispatched to 4125 North Vine Avenue, Taylor, WI 12345 at 1215 hours on April 21, 2001 to an auto accident. Crews arrived at 1218 and reached the victim at 1220.

Programming Notes:

The left area of the screen where the scenario is displayed is scrollable.

Clicking the previous and next screen buttons takes the user to the previous or next screen capture for the Apparatus Module. At the last screen for the Apparatus Module, the Next Screen button will continue to the first screen of the next module. Change the screen number as the screen view moves forward or backward.

Clicking the Enlarge Button brings up a new popup window with an enlarged version of the screen capture.

Clicking the Close button closes the browser window.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.25

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	Where Can I Go for Help With NFIRS 5.0? (Screen 1 of 2)
Task List	Prior to implementing NFIRS 5.0, it might be helpful to take advantage of some of the training opportunities offered on the State and national levels. Contact your state’s NFIRS Program Manager to see what kind of State training opportunities are currently available. You can find your state’s program manager by visiting the National Fire Information Council Membership List on the NFIC Web site. The National Fire Academy (NFA), offers two training courses: A two-week NFIRS Program Managers course A brief State Weekend NFIRS cours To learn more about these courses and to submit an application, visit the NFA Web site.						Graphic: Photo of people taking an NFIRS training class.
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

National Fire Information Council Membership List is a hypertext link to http://www.nfic.org/members/mem_printable.html.

NFA Web site is a hypertext link to http://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfa/tr_gen.htm#Top.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

1.26

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	Where Can I Go for Help With NFIRS 5.0? (Screen 2 of 2)
Task List	As you prepare for, implement, and support NFIRS 5.0, help is available from a number of sources through Web sites and/or by phone including: NFIRS Main Web Page Web site: http://www.nfirs.fema.gov/ The NFIRS Support Center (NSC) Phone: (800) 382-3827 Web site: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfdc/nfirs-help.htm National Fire Information Council (NFIC) Phone: (512) 441-7100 Web site: http://www.nfic.org/ Click on the Next arrow to go directly to the Overview Task List or click on the buttons on the left side of this screen to access the other portions of this section of the Toolkit.						Graphic: Photo of NFIRS support person talking on the phone with computer showing NFIRS screen in front of the person.
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

NFIRS Overview

Screen

2.0

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	Task List
Print Task List	Overview of NFIRS 5.0 Task List To expand your knowledge of NFIRS 5.0 including the history, development, and workings of the system, the following tasks may be completed in any order. Click on the hypertext links to go directly to the online viewable version of the documents referenced in the Task List. Learn more about NFIRS by reading the NFIRS 5.0 Frequently Asked Questions and answers. (Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of the Toolkit.) Learn more about the history and development of NFIRS 5.0 and the required and optional modules. (Refer to the NFIRS National Fire Incident Reporting System Handbook and the National Fire Incident Reporting System Program Management, Student Manual in the Manuals section of the Toolkit.) Learn more about the benefits of NFIRS 5.0. (Refer to the Uses of NFIRS: The Many Uses of the National Fire Incident Reporting System in the Manuals section of the Toolkit.) Review articles about NFIRS 5.0 to get an understanding of the uses and benefits of NFIRS 5.0. (Refer to the National Fire Incident Reporting System Program Management, Instructor Guide.) Take a look at the sample completed NFIRS 5.0 Federal Client Tool screens to get a feel for the system from a user’s perspective. (Refer to the Sample Completed NFIRS 5.0 Screens in the Samples section of the Toolkit.) Review the sample NFIRS overview PowerPoint presentation for content and applicability to your situation. You may want to use it in presenting the system. (Refer to NFIRS 5.0: Meeting Tomorrow’s Challenges … Today in the Samples section of the Toolkit.) Take a look at the resources available to you on the Internet regarding NFIRS 5.0 to see first-hand what is available. (Refer to the Links section of the Toolkit.)
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

Locate Print button on this screen. When the Print button is clicked, print the document OverviewTaskList.doc (NOTE: This document will be developed following review of the storyboards.)

Create hypertext link to the documents or Toolkit sections shown in blue and underlined in the Task List.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

3.0

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu	Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	FAQs
Print Task List	The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and answers relating to NFIRS may help you answer questions about NFIRS when you make presentations about the system. You may scroll through the entire list of questions or click on a question below to display the answer. Click the Print FAQs button to print the FAQs. Where can I register for the USFA NFIRS software? Is the use of NFIRS 5.0 mandatory? Is the NFIRS 5.0 software free? What are the minimum system requirements in order to use NFIRS 5.0? How long does it take to download the NFIRS 5.0 software? What is the difference between off-line and on-line? What is Microsoft Access 97 or 2000? What if Access 97 or 2000 is not on my computer? Can I enter my incidents off-line and then send them periodically to the national database? What do the yellow fields represent? How can I tell if a vendor's software is certified with the USFA?
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
bTools
Links
	Where can I register for the USFA NFIRS software?			Registration is offered through the NFIRS 5.0 Web site. Users are granted access only if they are in a State that has agreed to be a participant in the NFIRS program. To find out if your State is participating, please contact your State NFIRS program manager.
	Back to Top
	Is the use of NFIRS 5.0 mandatory?			NFIRS 5.0 is offered to all States and territories in order to develop a comprehensive database of fire statistics. Each State fire administrator has been invited to participate in NFIRS 5.0. NFIRS 5.0 participation is not mandatory by Federal statutes.
	Back to Top
	Is the NFIRS 5.0 software free?			The USFA will make the software available at no cost to the State level agencies responsible for incident reporting on their request. If those agencies so choose, they may use and support it in their State.
	Back to Top
	What are the minimum system requirements in order to use NFIRS 5.0?			CPU 200 MHZ Pentium Class Memory 64 MB of Ram Hard Drive 20 MB available disk space Monitor 800 x 600 resolution
	Back to Top

NFIRS Overview

Screen

3.0a

	How long does it take to download the NFIRS 5.0 software?	Download time depends on the user's connection to the Internet and the amount of traffic on the Internet. Users have the option of downloading the NFIRS software from 1 large file or 4 smaller files. Downloading the 4 smaller files may increase your chances of a successful download and may help to avoid interruption of your Internet connection. NOTE TO REVIEWERS: Do you want to give some sort of time range here for download … a best-to-worst range of download times?
	Back to Top
	What is the difference between off-line and on-line?	Off-line is when the user is entering incident data into a Microsoft Access 97 or 2000 database located on his/her computer. Incidents are later consolidated with reports from other locations at the county, department, and State levels. Consolidated data are transferred to the national database at the State level. Access to the Internet for data entry is not required. On-line is when the user enters incident data directly into the national database. Access to the Internet for data entry is required.
	Back to Top
	What is Microsoft Access 97 or 2000?	Microsoft Access 97 and 2000 are database applications that are part of the Microsoft Office Suite. NFIRS 5.0 uses Access as the database engine to manage the data entered into the system in the off-line mode. Microsoft Access 97 or 2000 must be installed on the user’s computer prior to the installation of NFIRS 5.0.
	Back to Top
	What if Access 97 or 2000 is not on my computer?	During the installation of the NFIRS 5.0 software, the user must specify Custom Install. Refer to slides 24 and 25 of Chapter 1 in the NFIRS Tutorial. http://www.nfirs.fema.gov/Tutorial.htm
	Back to Top
	Can I enter my incidents off-line and then send them periodically to the national database?	Yes. Incidents are later consolidated with reports from other locations at the county, department, and State levels. Consolidated data are transferred to the national database at the State level.
	Back to Top
	What do the yellow fields represent?	These are fields defined as national required fields. These fields must be completed in order for the incident to pass validation. If the incident doesn’t pass validation, the data cannot be consolidated with other NFIRS data at the county, department, or State level.
	Back to Top

NFIRS Overview

Screen

3.0b

	How can I tell if a vendor's software is certified with the USFA?		The USFA grants certification to a vendor's product if it has passed the testing standards imposed by the USFA. Click the Certification Status link on the NFIRS home page to check the status of a particular vendor's software.
	Back to Top
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

Locate Print button on this screen. When clicked print the document OverviewFAQs.doc (NOTE: This document will be developed following review of the storyboards.)

Make this a single scrollable page.

The bulleted section titles on the top of this page will function as buttons. When the buttons are clicked, take the user directly to the section of the page where the section begins.

Add Back to Top links at the end of each section to return the user to the top of the page.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

4.0

NFIRS Overview

USFA Logo

Main Menu

Help

Glossary

Tutorial Menu

Manuals

Task List

The following manuals contain information referenced in this section.

FAQs

Click the Overview buttons to view or download specific pages in the manual containing overview information. Click the Entire Document buttons to view or download the entire document in PDF format. These manuals are also included in the printable The NFIRS 5.0 List of Manuals, Documents, and Links in the Tools section of the Toolkit.

Manuals

Samples

Tools

NFIRS National Fire Incident Reporting System Handbook This document provides everything from the history and evolution of NFIRS to detailed instructions for completing individual data fields. It will help you understand the system and why it was developed.

Overview

Entire Doc

Links

View

Down-load

View

Down-load

Uses of NFIRS: The Many Uses of the National Fire Incident Reporting System This document details ways various agencies and organizations access and use NFIRS at the local, State, and national levels. Read this document to better understand the benefits of NFIRS 5.0.

Entire Doc

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National Fire Incident Reporting System Program Management, Student Manual This manual is used by students taking the Program Management Course. Review it to understand the use and benefits of NFIRS 5.0 and how to use the NFIRS 5.0 modules in detail.

Overview

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National Fire Incident Reporting System Program Management, Instructor Guide Appendix B of this manual contains reprints of journal articles discussing NFIRS 5.0 and the benefits of NFIRS use. You may want to use quotes from these articles when you put together a marketing presentation about NFIRS.

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NFIRS Quick Refence Guide This document provides a listing of all the field codes used in each NFIRS module. You may want to review it to gain an understanding of how the codes are organized and how many different situations they cover.

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NFIRS Overview

Screen

4.0a

Graphics:

Develop an icon to be used as a button to access specific sections of the manuals and a second icon to represent the entire manual. Use simple graphics showing a stack of pages for the section and a book for the full manual. Use the same graphics for all Manuals sections of the Toolkit.

Develop an icon to be used to represent viewing a document online and one to represent downloading the file. May use PDF for viewing documents but downloadable documents are of several different types. Use the same icons for all Manuals, Tools, and Samples sections of the Toolkit.

Programming Notes:

Set this page up in a table format with the icons representing the specified section and the entire document in cells to the right of the manual name and description. Display the specified pages for each manual, in PDF format, when the Overview buttons are clicked. Display the entire manual when the Entire Document button is clicked.

When clicked, the View and Download buttons display the following documents or set up download of the documents shown.

NFIRS National Fire Incident Reporting System Handbook

A zipped file containing this document in PDF format is located on the Resources CD: /nfirs 50 user guides/nfirs 50 reference guide

Overview button - Introduction pages i – xii

Uses of NFIRS: The Many Uses of the National Fire Incident Reporting System

This document is located on the Resources CD: /Reports/nfirsuse.pdf

Use only Entire Document button for this document.

National Fire Incident Reporting System Program Management, Student Manual

This document is located on the Resources CD, /Introduction/Student Manual/Intro_new.doc

Overview button - Introduction, pages 1-3 – 1-10

Whole document button – Entire document in PDF format.

National Fire Incident Reporting System Program Management, Instructor Guide

This document is located – TBD.

Overview button - Appendix B, Journal Articles, pages 5-117 – 5-148

Whole Document button – Entire document in PDF format.

NFIRS Quick Reference Guide

This document is located on the Resource CD.

Use only Entire Document button for this document.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

5.0

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	Samples
Task List	Click on the icons to the right of the samples shown below to view or download a copy.
FAQs
Manuals	Sample NFIRS 5.0 PowerPoint Presentation Scripted PowerPoint presentation that provides an overview of the new NFIRS 5.0 reporting system. You may want to use it to present information about NFIRS 5.0 to fire service leaders and State and local officials.							View	Down-load
Samples
Tools
Links	Sample Completed NFIRS 5.0 Screens Downloadable graphic files containing completed NFIRS 5.0 module screens. You may find them helpful for review, printing, or use in PowerPoint or written presentations you may need to create.							View	Down-load
	NFIRS Overview Marketing Video Downloadable version of the NFIRS 5.0 Overview Marketing Video from the Tutorial. You may find this video useful to use in creating your own marketing presentations.							Download
	What Are State Fire Officials Saying About NFIRS 5.0? Dale Thompson Video Downloadable version of the Dale Thompson video from the Tutorial. You may find this video useful to use in creating your own marketing or training presentations.							Download
	What Are State Fire Officials Saying About NFIRS 5.0? Charles Scott Video Downloadable version of the Charles Scott video from the Tutorial. You may find this video useful to use in creating your own marketing or training presentations.							Download
	What Are State Fire Officials Saying About NFIRS 5.0? Sondra Vonn Senn Video Downloadable version of the Sondra Vonn Senn video from the Tutorial. You may find this video useful to use in creating your own marketing or training presentations.							Download
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

5.0a

Programming Notes:

When clicked, the View and Download buttons display the following documents or set up download of the documents shown.

NFIRS 5.0: Meeting Tommorow’s Challenges … Today

View: http://www.nfirs.fema.gov/shows/nfrs50ss/sld001.htm

Download: PowerPoint version of the above presentation with script attached as a text document or with the script available when the presentation is printed as notes pages.

(NOTE: Document must be obtained from USFA. Version on the web is htm only.)

Sample Completed NFIRS 5.0 Screens

View: HTML pages showing all NFIRS screens completed. First page is a menu with links to each NFIRS 5.0 module. Multiple screens in a module are shown on a single scrollable page with applicable notes between the screen shots.

Download: Graphic files (.jpg or .gif) files that can be placed into Word or PowerPoint file as a sample NFIRS screen.

NFIRS 5.0 Marketing Video

File nfirs5.mpg – NFIRS Overview marketing video, 6 minutes

This file is located on the NFIRS 5.0 Resources CD: /NFIRS 5.0 Marketing Video/nfirs5.mpg

Dale Thompson Video

EENET video #1, 39:30 – 40:51 – Portion of video showing Dale Thomson, Los Angeles City, California, discussing loss of apparatus due to not having data to support need for equipment.

Sondra Vonn Senn Video

EENET video #1, 1:27:25 – 1:29:35 – Portion of video showing Sondra Vann Senn, South Carolina, discussing the use of data for public education, smoke alarm programs, and identifcation of new fire death patterns.

Charles Scott Video

EENET video #1, 1:10:39 – 1:11:30 – Portion of video showing Charles Scott, Nashville, Tennessee, discussing how data helped to catch an arsonist.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

6.0

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu		Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	Tools
Task List	Click on the icons to the right of the tool shown below to view or download a copy.
FAQs
Manuals	The NFIRS 5.0 List of Manuals, Documents, and Links A printable job aid listing NFIRS resources referenced in this section of the Toolkit. It contains a brief description of each resource, where to find them, and useful Internet links. View it here or download it to your hard drive for ready reference and printing as needed.							View	Down-load
Samples
Tools
Links
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

Programming Notes:

When clicked, the View and Download buttons display the following documents or set up download of the documents shown.

The NFIRS 5.0 List of Manuals, Documents, and Links

View: NFIRS 5 Docs and Links.PDF

Download: NFIRS 5 Docs and Links.doc.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

7.0

NFIRS Overview
USFA Logo	Main Menu	Help	Glossary
Tutorial Menu	Links
Task List	This page contains a number of links you may find useful in learning to use NFIRS 5.0. Click on a link to display the identified Web site. You may scroll through the entire list or click on a topic heading below to go to the links related to that topic. The Web site will be displayed in a new browser window. These links are also included in the printable The NFIRS 5.0 List of Manuals, Documents, and Links in the Tools section of the Toolkit. Links to NFIRS Information and Documentation Link to NFIC site Links to U.S. Fire Administration Web sites Links to Agencies and Organizations That Use NFIRS Data
FAQs
Manuals
Samples
Tools
Links
	Links to NFIRS Information and Documentation
	NFIRS 5.0 This link to the NFIRS 5.0 Web site contains information about NFIRS 5.0 as well as links to many useful NFIRS’-related sites.				http://www.nfirs.fema.gov
	NFIRS 5.0 Reference Guides This link to the NFIRS 5.0 Web site links directly to the NFIRS 5.0 Reference Guide and the NFIRS 5.0 Quick Reference Guide documents.				http://www.nfirs.fema.gov/refguide.htm
	NFIRS 5.0 User Home Page This link to the NFIRS 5.0 Web site links directly to the NFIRS 5.0 User Home Page, which provides access to the NFIC Membership List and links to NFIRS 5.0 Registration and Login.				http://www.nfirs.fema.gov/nfirs_ userstart.htm
	NFIRS Tutorial This link to the NFIRS 5.0 Web site links directly to the NFIRS 5.0 Tutorial, a five-chapter PowerPoint presentation. It contains information about downloading, installing, and using NFIRS 5.0.				http://www.nfirs.fema.gov/Tutorial.htm
	Back to Top

NFIRS Overview

Screen

7.0a

	Link to NFIC site
	National Fire Information Council This link to the NFIC Web site provides information about NFIC and NFIC members. It also provides links to email assistance on NFIRS technical and coding questions.	http://www.nfic.org
	Back to Top
	Links to U.S. Fire Administration Web sites
	U.S. Fire Administration This link to the USFA Web site provides information about the USFA and links to USFA Web sites including the National Fire Academy, the National Fire Data Center, and the National Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial.	http://www.usfa.fema.gov
	National Fire Academy This link to the NFA Web site provides information about the academy including schedules, application forms, and evaluations.	http://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfa
	National Fire Data Center This link to the NFDC Web site provides information about the NFDC including statistics and reports.	http://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfdc
	America Burning This link to the publications Web site within the USFA provides access to an online version of the 1972 publication America Burning in .PDF format for screen viewing.	http://www.usfa.fema.gov/about/ ab25th.htm
	America Burning Revisited This link to the publications Web site of the USFA provides access to America Burning Revisited, the report commissioned in 1999 to revisit the issues identified in America Burning published in 1972. The document is in PDF format for screen viewing.	http://www.usfa.fema.gov/pdf/ambrev. pdf
	The Uses of NFIRS This link to the publications Web site of the USFA provides access to The Uses of NFIRS: The Many Uses of the National Fire Incident Reporting System. The document is in PDF format for screen viewing.	http://www.usfa.fema.gov/pdf/usfapubs/nfirsuse.pdf
	Back to Top

NFIRS Overview

Screen

7.0b

	Links to Agencies and Organizations That Use NFIRS Data
	U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission This link to the CPSC Web site provides access to information about consumer product recalls and a place to report unsafe products.			http://www.cpsc.gov
	International Association of Fire Chiefs This link to the ICHIEFS Web site provides access to the ICHIEFS newsletter along with FAQs about ICHIEFS and a place to join the organization.			http://www.ichiefs.org/index.html
	International Association of Firefighters This link to the IAFF Web site provides access to information about the union, including membership requirements, along with information intended to promote the health, safety, and effectiveness of union members.			http://www.iaff.org/iaff/index.html
	National Association of State Fire Marshals This link to the NASFM Web site is designed to promote rapid communication between the 51 State Fire Marshals. It includes member-only access to a wide variety of information including the Fire Links and Arson Exchange System (FLAMES) database.			http://www.firemarshals.org
	National Fire Protection Association This link to the NFPA Web site provides access to information about NFPA fire prevention efforts, including building and fire code changes and the NFPA newsletter.			http://www.nfpa.org
	National Highway Traffic Safety Administration This link to the NHTSA Web site provides links to a large number of traffic and automobile safety related sites.			http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov
	National Volunteer Fire Council This link to the NVFC Web site provides information about legislation, standards, and regulatory issues relating to volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services.			http://www.nvfc.org/index.html
	Back to Top
Click on the Next arrow to continue.

NFIRS Overview

Screen

7.0c

Programming Notes:

Make this a single scrollable page.

The bulleted section titles on the top of this page will function as buttons. When the buttons are clicked, take the user directly to the section of the page where the section begins.

Add Back to Top links at the end of each section to return the user to the top of the page.

When any Internet link on this page is clicked, open new browser window to display the link.

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