Introduction to NERIS

Disclaimer

NERIS is currently under development by the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI). This guide reflects the system as implemented in EPR FireWorks. Functionality may evolve as NERIS continues development toward full national implementation by January 2026.

Overview

The National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) is a modern, cloud-based platform designed to replace the legacy National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). NERIS provides comprehensive emergency response data collection and analysis tools for fire departments and emergency services. It offers a streamlined, user-friendly approach to incident documentation.

About NERIS

NERIS was created by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology team and the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI). The platform began rolling out in fall 2024 and will be fully implemented by January 2026. NERIS represents a significant upgrade from NFIRS, which has been in use since the 1970s.

Key Features

NERIS provides a mobile-friendly interface that enables real-time data submission and advanced analytics. The system offers flexible location documentation options, allowing incidents to be recorded without specific addresses through polygon mapping. NERIS integrates with dispatch systems, records management tools, and wildland fire data sources.

Operational Advantages

NERIS addresses the limitations of NFIRS, which struggled with slow updates and integration with modern technology. The new system offers custom dashboards and focuses on community risk reduction. NERIS helps reduce administrative burden on responders while providing valuable insights for decision-makers.