March 2025

The California Incident Data and Statistics (CalStats) Program is a statewide emergency incident data collection program that analyzes and distributes statistical information reported by fire departments throughout the state. This includes collecting National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) data from each fire department in California on behalf of the United States Fire Administration (USFA-FEMA). This also includes collecting National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) data, which will begin to replace NFIRS throughout 2025.

CalStats also manages the CAL FIRE Incident Reporting System (CALFIRS). This system captures NFIRS data for CAL FIRE’s 808 fire stations statewide. These emergencies include fires, medical incidents, rescues, floods, hazardous material releases, earthquakes, and other disasters. With the CALFIRS system, CAL FIRE is able to track all incidents they respond to.

UPDATED: NFIRS Data Submission Deadlines

As fire departments migrate to the new National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) throughout 2025, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has implemented new NFIRS data submission deadlines nationwide.

• All 2024 NFIRS data must be submitted by April 1, 2025.

• 2025 will be a hybrid reporting year - Once your fire department onboards with NERIS, you will stop submitting data into NFIRS.

• Starting January 1, 2026, all incident data submissions will be exclusively in NERIS - No more NFIRS entries after this date.

• You will have until January 31, 2026, to edit or modify any 2025 NFIRS incidents.

• After this deadline, there will be no further opportunities to edit or modify NFIRS incidents.

NERIS Version 1 Launches to Support Data Modernization for the Fire Service

Beginning in January 2025, the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) is undergoing a 12-month nationwide rollout, eventually replacing the legacy National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) as the primary reporting tool for fire and emergency response for the nation’s approximately 27,000 fire departments.

Receive the latest updates on NERIS developments, access to webinars and events, and valuable resources to help your department stay ahead in emergency response data.

NERIS

Webinar Recordings

• NERIS Version 1: Platform Launch and Rollout (10/29/2024)
• NERIS in Action: Operational Usage and the Road Ahead (2/18/2025)

Previous CalStats Communication Regarding NERIS

• February 2024
• July 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025

Key NERIS Resources

• NERIS Rollout Schedule
• Quick Start Videos
• Videos on Fire Data & NERIS
• User References
• NERIS Onboarding Checklist and Guide
• NFIRS Transition

Technical NERIS Resources

• Visit the NERIS GitHub for more information and access to API resources.
• Review our OpenAPI documents for detailed specifications.
• Explore the NERIS Python API Client for seamless integration.
• Sign up for the NERIS Sandbox to test and refine your integrations

NERIS Rollout in 2025

Overview:

The National Emergency Response System (NERIS) is rolling out in 2025 to provide fire departments with a powerful, modern system for incident reporting and data management. Built on collaboration and support, a rollout plan will aid departments in onboarding successfully. By the end of 2025, thousands of departments will be part of this national transition from the legacy NFIRS system.

The NERIS rollout will occur in phases to strategically allocate resources, ensuring platform reliability at every step.

FEMA Regions

NERIS Regional Rollout Schedule

California is in FEMA Region 9, scheduled for November 2025.

Reminder

Accurate and up-to-date data is critical for ensuring that fire departments receive the necessary funding, resources, and support to effectively serve their communities. Timely reporting helps us assess fire response times, incident trends, and resource utilization, allowing us to advocate for your needs and secure the appropriate resources. Additionally, your data plays a vital role in shaping state legislation on fire safety, building codes, and emergency response protocols.

Delays in reporting can lead to outdated or inaccurate information, which can affect decision-making and hinder efforts to improve fire prevention and response. By submitting your data on time, you help ensure that fire departments across the state are fully supported to protect the safety and well-being of all citizens.