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).

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.

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

Last month, the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) launched, marking a major advancement in incident data collection for U.S. fire departments. This secure, cloud-based platform delivers all-hazards data and analytic tools that will empower fire and EMS leaders to enhance community safety and make better operational decisions.

NERIS, developed in collaboration with fire and emergency service professionals, is an initiative led by the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, in collaboration with the United States Fire Administration (USFA). 

NERIS is built to address emerging challenges, including lithium-ion battery fires, wildland-urban interface incidents, and extreme weather conditions. After extensive beta testing with over 60 departments, NERIS Version 1 will now onboard 100 additional departments by the end of 2024. This is part of a phased adoption strategy that will test the new platform at every step.



Beginning in January 2025, NERIS will undergo 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.

Now Available: On-Demand Access to the

"NERIS Version 1: Platform Launch and Rollout" Webinar

On October 29, 2024, the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) and the United States Fire Administration (USFA), hosted this webinar to introduce a significant milestone.

“NERIS Version 1: Platform Launch and National Rollout” is now available for viewing.

Topics Covered:

• NERIS Version 1 Launch: Overview of the Phase 1 onboarding of 100 selected departments. 
• User Experience Walkthrough: A practical demo of key NERIS V1 features and tools. 
• Rollout Timeline and Strategy: Guidance on next steps for fire departments and vendors. 
• New Resources: Onboarding materials, APIs, and Version 1 data schemas. 

Featured Speakers:

• Dr. Dimitri Kusnezov, Under Secretary for Science and Technology, DHS S&T 
• Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. Fire Administrator
• William Goldfeder, Deputy Chief, Loveland-Symmes Fire (OH)
• John Morrison, Data Analytics Strategy Manager, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue (VA)
• Mary Cameli, Fire Chief, Mesa Fire and Medical (AZ)
• Dr. Steve Kerber, Vice President and Executive Director, FSRI 
• Dr. Craig Weinschenk, Principal Research Engineer, FSRI
• Tom Jenkins, Research Manager, FSRI  

"Next 100" Departments

The selected departments were chosen from a group of more than 650 departments nationwide that submitted interest in being early adopters. These invited 'Next 100' include a broad cross-section of the fire service community, encompassing career, volunteer, and combination departments in a broad geographic distribution.

• Nationwide Inclusion: The onboarding includes departments from 48 states, providing diverse geographical representation.

• Population Diversity: Roughly two-thirds of selected departments represent cities with populations of less than 100,000, while 17 metro departments are also included.

• Volunteer Focus: More than 25 percent of selected departments are all-volunteer or mostly volunteer companies.

• Geographic Clusters: Several geographic clusters of departments are included to facilitate the testing and evaluation of mutual and automatic aid reporting aspects of the system.

FSRI will work closely with the newly onboarded departments to ensure that NERIS is fully equipped to handle the dynamic and evolving demands of emergency response data management. Version 1 is the first step to a phased onboarding of the nation’s fire service.

NFIRS Data Submission Deadline

Be sure to submit your 2024 and 2025 NFIRS data in a timely manner.

Monthly NFIRS data files are due by the 15th of the following month.

There will be no opportunities to have NFIRS incidents added to or edited in the database after December 31, 2025.

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.

NERIS Releases Key API Infrastructure to Enable Connected Services

NERIS is advancing its mission to modernize emergency response data management with the release of a new application programming interface (API) infrastructure—the first in a series of API launches.

This initial API focuses on three core data schemas: Fire Department Specification, Computer-Aided Dispatch, and Incident Data. It replaces outdated, manual processes (like zip files sent via email) with a streamlined system that enables near real-time data sharing and retrieval.



This is a significant step toward enhancing the connectivity and interoperability of emergency response services nationwide. It lays the foundation for modernizing how fire departments and emergency services collect, manage, and exchange data.