NERIS: The Next Generation of Fire Incident Reporting
The fire service community is on the cusp of a significant transformation with the introduction of the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), set to replace the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). This upgrade promises to revolutionize how fire departments collect, report, and analyze incident data.
What is NERIS?
NERIS is a comprehensive, modern data collection system designed to improve the accuracy and usability of fire incident data. Unlike its predecessor, NFIRS, which has been the standard for decades, NERIS integrates advanced technology to streamline reporting processes and enhance data accessibility for fire departments across the United States.
Key Features of NERIS
- Enhanced Data Integration: NERIS supports seamless integration with existing Records Management Systems (RMS) and Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems. This ensures that departments can merge NERIS with their current NFIRS modules, providing a unified platform for incident reporting.
- Core and Secondary Data Schemas: The NERIS system includes core data schemas, available for review on the FSRI website. The secondary schemas, set for release on August 5, will provide additional data points for comprehensive incident analysis.
- Real-Time Data Collection: NERIS facilitates live data collection, allowing departments to input incident details directly into the system via APIs. This real-time capability ensures that data is up-to-date and readily available for analysis and reporting.
- Public Data Access: To promote transparency, NERIS will offer a public data service providing a limited, view-only access to incident data. This service is expected to update weekly or monthly, making it easier for researchers and the public to access crucial information.
Transition from NFIRS to NERIS
The transition to NERIS is planned to begin in late Fall 2024, with full implementation expected by 2025. Fire departments will be onboarded in phases, with an option for self-onboarding available. NFIRS will remain operational until January 1, 2026, after which it will be fully decommissioned.
For departments concerned about legacy data, NFIRS data will continue to be accessible. The Annual NFIRS Public Data will remain available on FEMA’s OpenFEMA platform.
Training and Support
To ensure a smooth transition, the NERIS team is developing multiple training and education programs, including courses at the National Fire Academy (NFA). Additionally, RMS vendors will receive sandbox access starting August 5, allowing them to test and integrate their systems with NERIS.
Addressing Challenges
Recognizing the diverse needs of fire departments, NERIS provides flexible data submission options. Departments without advanced RMS or CAD systems can use the NERIS Data Collection App to directly submit incident reports. This ensures inclusivity, enabling departments of all sizes to benefit from NERIS.
Moreover, NERIS aims to support critical research and safety efforts. By collecting detailed data on incidents, including near-miss and responder safety events, NERIS will help identify trends and develop strategies to enhance firefighter safety and health.
Get Involved
Fire departments interested in participating in the beta testing phase can request to join via the NERIS Beta Program. Departments selected for beta testing will play a crucial role in refining the system and ensuring its efficacy.
The fire service community is encouraged to stay informed and engage with the ongoing development of NERIS. The transition to this new system marks a significant milestone in enhancing fire incident reporting, ultimately leading to improved safety and operational efficiency.
For more information and updates, visit the NERIS program page and stay tuned for upcoming webinars and training sessions.