Transition to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS)
NERIS will be the premier source of all-hazards information and innovative analytics informing the nation's fire problem and the capabilities of state, local, territorial, and tribal fire services' resource capacities and capabilities to handle the problem effectively, efficiently and safely. The NERIS platform, using data procured, captured, aggregated and analyzed, will provide near real-time information on the overall scope of fire and emergency incidents across the U.S. and timely insights on significant or remarkable fire, hostile and disaster events.
This project is made possible through a research and development contract awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) Science and Technology Directorate's (S&T's) Long-Range Broad Agency Announcement program awarded to the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI). FSRI is a part of UL Research Institutes, the nonprofit safety science organization within the UL enterprise. In collaboration with USFA, DHS S&T and the American fire service, FSRI will develop and provide the new NERIS platform for use by fire and emergency services departments nationwide.
How Will NERIS Affect My Department?
NERIS will be a data collection solution providing analytics to state and local fire service departments. The data analytics will be able to assist departments in making a wide range of management decisions and will provide a way to visualize the trends in the fire service using charts, graphs, and maps.
NERIS will not be a report management system (RMS). Once data is entered into NERIS, the data is "scrubbed" of any information that will not be used for the visualization; this includes all personal identifying information (PII). It is recommended that your department utilize another way of managing your reports. Many third-party rms systems are preparing to be compatible with NERIS. These systems will use an Application Programming Interface (API) to automatically transfer data to and from NERIS. NERIS will have a direct entry option.
How to Prepare for the Transition.
The OSFM has been working closely with the NERIS team to ensure the State of Maryland will be prepared for a successful transition. While these conversations continue, there are some things your department can do to prepare.
1. Review the letter provided by Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray
2. Fill out the requested survey (linked below)
3. Ensure your RMS system is prepared for NERIS
4. Continue to send all NFRIS data to the OSFM until further notice.
5. You may review other specifics at the NERIS website.
Maryland Fire Incident Reporting System
Fire Department MFIRS Participation / Status
The State of Maryland, in 1976, established the Maryland Fire Incident Reporting System (MFIRS) through the Office of the State Fire Marshal and along with 5 other states piloted what has become the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). Fire Departments in Maryland submit data on incidents they respond on to the Fire Marshal's Office who tabulates the data and submits it to NFIRS at FEMA. In 1985 the State Fire, Rescue and Ambulance Fund (SB508) was established, and in 1998 was named after Senator William H. Amos. The Fund was established to promote:
- The delivery of effective emergency services to the citizens.
- Increased financial support for emergency services companies by local governments.
- The continued financial viability of volunteer emergency services companies.
As a condition to receiving financial assistance from the Fund, each county shall participate in the Maryland Fire Incident Reporting System (MFIRS) and Ambulance Information System (EMAIS), as appropriate. The NFIRS program was converted to Version 5.0 software effective January 1, 2003. After that date only NFIRS 5 data will be accepted.
Most Prevalent NFIRS Critical Errors
A brief presentation has been provided below to help submitting departments understand what the most prevalent critical errors are occurring when they submit reports to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Each error is also accompanied by a recommendation on how to correct current and avoid future critical errors.
NFIRS Most Prevalent Critical Errors Presentation
Point of Contact for NFRIS and NERIS in Maryland:
Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office
Attn: Ms. Allison Nicodemus
1201 Reisterstown Rd.
Pikesville, MD 21208
800.525.3124
301.766.3890
410.653.8988 - Fax
msp.firereports@maryland.gov
