The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is leading the development of a new core data standard (or specification) to serve as the foundation for the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) platform architecture and development. The new data standard will streamline required data collection while increasing interoperability and the ability to integrate appropriate external data sources to fulfill information needs.
The new core data standard development effort launched in May 2023 and will serve as the foundation for NERIS platform development. The new data standard will not impact or involve the legacy NFIRS. It is important to note that the new NERIS platform will not integrate with or co-mingle data from the legacy NFIRS. Once the new NERIS platform is fully launched and the user community transitioned, all legacy NFIRS data will be archived in a cloud-hosted environment for access by credentialed users.
Frequently asked questions about technical and data considerations
Yes. The USFA is working to ensure all state-level legislated data and information requirements for fire incident reporting are supported in the new core data standard that will serve as the foundation for NERIS architecture and development. USFA has already conducted a state-level legislative review and captured those required data and information points.
Yes. The USFA is working to ensure that access to the same level and extent of incident data is retained by appropriate user types, which includes the state fire marshal. Since the new NERIS platform will support integration of external data sources, it is anticipated that incident data availability will only increase.
The specific guidelines and requirements for credentialed access into the new NERIS platform will be determined in the development process. NERIS platform credentialing and access is planned to be based on a common identity, credential and access management (ICAM) architecture.
A consistent ICAM architecture will apply a common set of tools, policies and systems that the platform uses to enable the right individual to access the right resources (i.e., data, analytics, apps, etc.), at the right time, for the right reason in support of the business objective. For example, NERIS access will include credentialed security similar to the personal multifactor authentication used in individual banking apps.
The new NERIS platform, and the core data standard, will apply the use of FDIDs. How existing FDIDs are used will be determined in the development of the new core data standard. It has not yet been determined if or how the NERIS platform will serve as a centralized source for issuance of new FDIDs. This requirement, capability and procedure will be determined in the development process.
Yes. The new NERIS platform will support rapid and agile integration of the most relevant and secure data sources from the most authoritative source. Priority external data sources are being identified and considered for integration at different phases of NERIS development.
Fundamentally, the NERIS platform is being developed on an open solutions architecture and consistent with open interoperable standards to optimize the capacity and flexibility for integration of appropriate external data. Further, this approach will help to reduce the data entry burden on local fire departments and increase the quality of innovative analytic products. All data services consumed or integrated into NERIS will adhere to the applicable data provider's data-sharing agreements and/or terms of use.
Yes. The NERIS platform will provide out NERIS or incident data as secure, live dynamic data services in common application programming interfaces (APIs) in multiple interoperable formats. The specifics on API data services that will be provided will be determined in the development process. All API data services out of NERIS will be supported by appropriate terms of use.
Yes. NERIS is being designed and developed as a secure, cloud-hosted platform and specifically to support faster querying and processing of fire incident data at multiple geographical scales. Further, with NERIS being hosted in a cloud-computing environment, it will more readily keep pace with advances in hosting infrastructure, as well as expansion of capabilities, as the national data sets grow over time.
Yes. NERIS will significantly improve and streamline the data entry process for local users and data providers. The NERIS platform is being developed with a mobile-first approach that simplifies incident data entry and ensures compatibility on mobile devices, as well as other hardware such as computers and tablets. This approach will allow more local fire departments, with minimal technology capabilities and less staff time, to submit their data more easily.
NERIS will provide out a variety of secure data services and innovative analytic products to support diverse local department and state-level information needs across all levels of capability. A suite of self-service innovative analytics will be provided directly within the platform for appropriate users. As the analytic functionality is built out, NERIS will support customization of those analytic products by the user. Further, NERIS data will be available as a live, dynamic API service with attributes customized to the user and on a secure, credentialed basis as appropriate.
Have a question or need more information?
Please email the NERIS Information Desk.