The Data Management Program (DMP), oversees the authoritative geospatial reference data collectively known as the Wildland Fire National Boundary Layers (NBL) These layers include:
- GACC Boundaries
- National Dispatch Boundaries
- Dispatch Office Locations
- Initial Attack Frequency Zones - US
- Initial Attack Frequency Zones International
- Predictive Service Areas (PSAs)
While the DMP edits the data, the data stewards initiating and approving the changes include:
- 1-2 representatives from each Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC).
- The National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s (NWCG) Geospatial Subcommittee (GSC) includes at least 2 representatives, including the past and present editors of the focus GIS data layers.
- Telecommunications is represented by at least 2 persons, including the Communications Duty Officer (CDO).
- Applications invited included IRWIN (Integrated Reporting of Wildland Fire Information), InFORM (Interagency Fire Occurrence Reporting Modules), WFDSS (Wildland Fire Decision Support System), EGP (Enterprise Geospatial Portal), and CFETS (Communication Frequencies & Equipment Tracking System).
The data stewards above comprise the National Boundary Working Group. While the National Boundary Working Group does not have a regular meeting cadence, the group will meet as required based on business needs.
2025 Schedule
The NBL follows an annual refresh schedule. The 2025 schedule is listed below:
September 15:
- Final date to submit: ALL changes for Initial Attack Frequency Zone data (federal and state).
- Final date to submit: ALL changes for Dispatch Boundary data where any one Dispatch area covers more than one Initial Attack Frequency Zone. Any other changes for Dispatch Boundary data also accepted.
- Final date to submit: ALL changes for GACC Boundary data where a GACC area crosses an Initial Attack Frequency Zone or a Dispatch area. Any other changes for GACC Boundary data also accepted.
October 15:
- Editor completes ALL updates received to the Initial Attack Frequency Zone (Federal and State) data layers and gives them to Telecommunication/NIICD.
- Editor completes ALL updates received to Dispatch Boundary data and GACC Boundary data for use by Telecommunication/NIICD in finalizing their annual data submittal for frequency assignment. No updates to NIFC Open Data site (https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com) until January of following year.
October 31 (exact date):
- Telecommunications/NIICD provides all data to FAA and DOI/USDA frequency managers for approvals and any required engineering.
January 15 (no later than):
- Editor posts new year Initial Attack Frequency Zone (Federal and State), Dispatch Boundary, and GACC Boundary data to NIFC Open Data site (https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/).
February 28 (exact date):
- Frequencies released from FAA and DOI/USDA frequency managers with approvals and changes.
April 1:
- Final date to submit: Remaining changes for Dispatch Boundary or GACC Boundary data. Changes impacting any Initial Attack Frequency Zones will NOT be processed (unless directed by the CDO – Communications Duty Officer) until next edit cycle in September.
April 15:
- Frequency maps available to field & posted to ftp.nifc.gov .
- Final Dispatch Boundary or GACC Boundary data uploaded to NIFC Open Data site (https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com).
- Applications such as IRWIN, InFORM, WFDSS, EGP, CADs, etc., complete annual data update if needed.
Questions
For questions contact Emmy Harbo Wildland Fire Data Management Support (Contractor)
