Transitioning from NFIRS to NERIS for Fire Reporting

Learn how to migrate from NFIRS to NERIS. This guide breaks down key changes, fire reporting software updates, and how fire departments can prepare for a smoother transition.

What Is NERIS and Why Is It Replacing NFIRS?

NERIS is the National Emergency Response Information System, an emergency reporting system created for the fire service in America. It will be introduced around the country throughout 2025 in phases. It is a cloud-based program that securely allows fire departments to add and utilize their own data. NERIS introduces new tools that can be used to enhance decision-making, preparedness, and resource allocation across national, regional, and local agencies. The development of NERIS came about through a collaboration between the U.S. Fire Administration, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, and the Fire Safety Research Institute, in conjunction with feedback from fire departments.¹

NERIS is replacing NFIRS, the National Fire Incident Reporting System, which is a platform originally implemented in 1976. NERIS is a more modern system, utilizing advanced analytics and interoperability, which will help fire departments to respond in a more effective way to fire-related and non-fire-related emergencies.^1,2

Differences Between NFIRS and NERIS

The primary difference between NFIRS and NERIS is that NERIS utilizes modern technology which allows for a more responsive, flexible, secure, and scalable framework. NERIS was designed to stay up to date with technological innovation, with the ability to improve and change over time. The NERIS user interface was also created to act more effectively and efficiently than NFIRS.²

Real-Time Data Collection

NFIRS has more variability in regards to data quality and reliability. NERIS will emphasis the consistency and reliability of data entry. Within NFIRS, there can also be a notable delay in extracting data, which negatively impacts agencies using the system. Data reporting can be delayed by more than a year in some instances. NERIS will minimize the time between data reporting and analysis, providing faster access to data in near real-time.^2,3

Flexible, Scalable and Interoperable System

NERIS will be interoperable with other data services and systems. Fire departments will be able to integrate other reporting software and analysis tools with NERIS. This streamlined integration will reduce redundant data entries and make workflows more efficient.^3,4

Improved Analytics and Community Risk Reporting

NERIS will improve data analytics and community risk reporting. The platform will integrate data from a variety of sources, including local RMS and CAD systems already in use. Additionally, it will incorporate federal wildland data from IRWIN and InFORM, as well as other public data from the National Interagency Fire Center, the National Weather Service, the National Association of State Foresters, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Infrastructure Foundation-Level Data.⁴

This data will be used to improve measurable outcomes in several ways:

• Streamlined and Enhanced Incident Data Model and Schemas
• Integration
• Faster Analysis
• Comprehensive Scope
• Advanced Analytics
• User-Friendly Interface
• Timely Insights
• Efficient Resource Allocation
• Mitigating Emerging Risks²

How to Start Migrating to NERIS

Fire departments should continue to use NFIRS for data tracking until they have been fully migrated to the NERIS platform. The phased roll-out of NERIS will assist departments with onboarding to the new system. Updated editions of NERIS will be introduced periodically throughout 2025, with a complete launch anticipated to occur in January 2026.^2,4

What Fire Departments Are Saying About the NERIS Rollout

In early 2024, the U.S. Fire Administration launched a prototype of NERIS at six fire departments in Virginia, Texas, California, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and Colorado. Chief John Butler with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue in Virginia said their experience with the NERIS prototype was “a resounding success” and that they were “eager to increase [its] use” across all stations within their department.⁵ He added that implementation planning would be essential for a full roll-out. Overall, the introduction of NERIS was a benefit to their department and will help to advance technology and data analytics within the fire service.⁵

Migrating to NERIS FAQ

• Is there a cost associated with NERIS?
  • NERIS will be provided at no cost to fire departments nationwide.⁵
• When will the transition to NERIS be complete?
  • NERIS is expected to be fully rolled out in January 2026.⁴
• What is going to happen to NFIRS?
  • NFIRS will remain active throughout the rollout of NERIS. After the complete implementation of NERIS, NFIRS will be decommissioned and historical data will be archived in a publicly accessible data library.²
• How can my department prepare for NERIS onboarding?
  • Updates will be provided to local fire departments through webinars, newsletters, public events, and websites. Fire departments should continue using NFIRS while waiting for NERIS onboarding.²