January 2025

The California Incident Data and Statistics (CalStats) Program is a statewide emergency incident data collection program that analyzes and distributes statistical information reported by fire departments throughout the state. This includes collecting National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) data from each fire department in California on behalf of the United States Fire Administration (USFA-FEMA).

CalStats also manages the CAL FIRE Incident Reporting System (CALFIRS). This system captures NFIRS data for CAL FIRE’s 808 fire stations statewide. These emergencies include fires, medical incidents, rescues, floods, hazardous material releases, earthquakes, and other disasters. With the CALFIRS system, CAL FIRE is able to track all incidents they respond to.

Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the recent wildfires, including those directly affected and everyone contributing to the response and recovery efforts. 

Reminder for Wildfire Reporting: Key NFIRS Guidance for Assisting Fire Departments

With the recent wildfires in Southern California, the CalStats Program would like to remind fire departments supporting these efforts about important resources available on our website for accurately coding National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) reports.

A critical point to keep in mind: If your fire department’s personnel or resources, including overhead and strike teams, are assigned to assist on a wildfire through the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)* or other mutual aid avenues, your NFIRS report should be coded as Mutual Aid Given (code 3).

If your department was part of the initial dispatch, use code 4 (Automatic Aid Given).

*The agency you gave aid to is always the primary fire department in charge of the incident, even if the request comes through Cal OES.

If your fire department is not the primary agency in charge of the incident, do not use the following Aid Given or Received codes:

N (None), 1 (Mutual Aid Received), 2 (Automatic Aid Received), 5 (Other Aid Given)

Using these codes incorrectly skews statistics and duplicates the total acres burned in both the national and California databases.

Reminder: Only the Basic Module is required when using Aid Given or Received code 3 (Mutual Aid Given) or 4 (Automatic Aid Given).

The primary agency in charge of the incident is the only department that should complete the full NFIRS report and will code theirs as either Mutual Aid Received (code 1) or Automatic Aid Received (code 2).

For more detailed guidance and resources, please follow the links below.

• Coding Strike Team Assignments
• Aid Given or Received Cheat Sheet
• Coding Aid Given or Received
• CalStats Flyer: 2020 Quarter 2 - Coding Wildland Incidents
• NFIRS Complete Reference Guide

These resources are also available on our website.

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NEW! NFIRS Data Submission Deadlines

With the NERIS onboarding in progress, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has implemented new NFIRS data submission deadlines.

All 2024 NFIRS data is due by April 1, 2025.

This is a change from the previous annual deadline of July 1.

All 2025 NFIRS data is due by December 31, 2025.

There will be no opportunities to have any NFIRS incidents added to or edited in the database after this date.

Reminder

Accurate and up-to-date data is critical for ensuring that fire departments receive the necessary funding, resources, and support to effectively serve their communities. Timely reporting helps us assess fire response times, incident trends, and resource utilization, allowing us to advocate for your needs and secure the appropriate resources. Additionally, your data plays a vital role in shaping state legislation on fire safety, building codes, and emergency response protocols.

Delays in reporting can lead to outdated or inaccurate information, which can affect decision-making and hinder efforts to improve fire prevention and response. By submitting your data on time, you help ensure that fire departments across the state are fully supported to protect the safety and well-being of all citizens.

NERIS Version 1 Launches to Support Data Modernization for the Fire Service

Beginning in January 2025, NERIS will undergo a 12-month nationwide rollout, eventually replacing the legacy National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) as the primary reporting tool for fire and emergency response for the nation’s approximately 27,000 fire departments.

Now Available: On-Demand Access to the

"NERIS Version 1: Platform Launch and Rollout" Webinar

On October 29, 2024, the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) and the United States Fire Administration (USFA), hosted this webinar to introduce a significant milestone.

“NERIS Version 1: Platform Launch and National Rollout” is now available for viewing.

Topics Covered:

• NERIS Version 1 Launch: Overview of the Phase 1 onboarding of 100 selected departments. 
• User Experience Walkthrough: A practical demo of key NERIS V1 features and tools. 
• Rollout Timeline and Strategy: Guidance on next steps for fire departments and vendors. 
• New Resources: Onboarding materials, APIs, and Version 1 data schemas.