The US launches the NERIS platform to modernize fire and rescue data

NERIS: New cloud-based system to improve data collection for emergency response

The National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) was created to advance incident data collection for fire and emergency medical services across the United States.

As the Fire Safety Research Institute reports, this new cloud-based platform is designed to provide fire department leaders with near real-time data and analysis tools.

Developed in collaboration with the American Fire Department, NERIS aims to provide more accurate and timely responses to community emergencies while improving post-incident data access for local and national authorities.

NERIS Version 1 will support nearly 27,000 fire and rescue agencies by collecting data that will help these agencies make informed decisions, adjust resource allocation, and respond effectively to evolving threats such as lithium-ion battery fires, interface fires Forest and city and react to extreme weather events.

New platform replaces NFIRS as primary reporting tool

NERIS is intended to replace the old National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), which will be phased out in early 2026.

After completing beta testing with over 60 departments, NERIS will onboard an additional 105 departments by the end of 2024.

A full national rollout will follow in January 2025 over a 12-month period to cover all fire and rescue services.

The platform was developed in collaboration with the Fire Safety Research Institute, the US Fire Administration and the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate.

NERIS is designed to streamline data reporting, increase accuracy and improve usability for firefighters and first responders.

Key benefits of NERIS for fire and rescue services

NERIS offers several benefits that directly support fire and rescue services.

The platform’s core capabilities include its ability to help departments better understand and articulate their operational needs based on comprehensive incident data reflecting various hazard types.

The system will also assist in resource allocation decisions, including personnel and equipment deployment, by providing insights into the mutual and automatic use of aid.

In addition, NERIS will support risk assessment by creating a consistent, nationwide understanding of local hazards.

This allows fire departments to track and measure containment efforts and improve response performance by identifying areas where their services can be improved.

Executives emphasize the importance of real-time data for the continued development of the fire department

According to Dr. According to Steve Kerber, vice president and executive director of the Fire Safety Research Institute, NERIS will represent a significant shift in how fire departments use data.

Dr. Kerber explained: “NERIS marks a new era for the fire service. It will provide our firefighters with actionable data and give them the tools to better protect their communities and use resources more effectively.”

Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. Fire Administrator, emphasized how NERIS will impact the future of firefighting: “NERIS is about finally understanding our fire problem and shaping the future of our firefighting.

“Giving our departments meaningful access to more accurate, near real-time data will lay the foundation for innovations that will transform the way we protect our communities for years to come.”

U.S. fire departments will transition from NFIRS to NERIS in 2025

In 2025, NERIS will be offered free of charge to fire and rescue services across the United States upon transition from NFIRS.

This transition period will allow departments to continue using NFIRS while gradually integrating NERIS into their systems.

All departments are recommended to maintain current reporting standards in NFIRS until they fully transition to NERIS in early 2026 to ensure consistent data continuity during the transition.

US introduces NERIS platform to modernize fire and rescue response data: Executive summary

The National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), a cloud-based data platform, was launched this week for fire and emergency medical services across the United States.

Developed with input from America’s fire service, NERIS Version 1 aims to improve data collection and analysis and provide tools for timely, data-driven decisions in emergency response.

NERIS is expected to replace the existing National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) by 2026. The nationwide rollout is scheduled for January 2025.

Key benefits of NERIS include improved resource allocation, risk assessment and performance review capabilities.

Dr. Steve Kerber from the Fire Safety Research Institute and the US fire administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell emphasized the importance of real-time data in modernizing fire service practices.