Reporting Tools

The Incident Type code identifies what is found on the scene, NOT what the call originally came in for.

If there are several incident types on the scene, select the Incident Type to the lowest incident type number. For example, if an incident includes a structure fire and an EMS incident, the incident is coded as a 111 – Building Fire.

A department can only give mutual/automatic aid to another fire department. A department cannot mark aid to another entity (police, ambulance, etc.).

Only one report must be completed per incident, no matter how many vehicles arrive at the scene. You can document the vehicles and personnel under the Apparatus Module.

When adding an exposure to a fire incident, make sure that it is actual fire damage. Smoke damage, radiant heat damage, water damage, etc. DOES NOT constitute an exposure. In order for an exposure to occur, fire has to touch the item/property. Damage not covered under an exposure should be recorded in the comments.

Departments should periodically check how many reports they have in NFIRS. You can do this by selecting the Search Incidents under the Incidents tab. Enter in the information you would like to search for. The search will only retrieve a maximum of 500 incidents. Users may have to shorten their search criteria. Any incident reports that are marked with an “I” are invalid and must be corrected.

Each NFIRS users account is assigned to one person. If multiple personnel needs access to NFIRS, they must register for their own account. Access is granted upon approval. Access is not granted to anyone outside of fire departments and agencies.

User information and fire department information (including email address) can only be changed at the state level. Contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office to update the information.