The countdown is on – is your RMS system ready for NERIS?
Iain Hoey
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US fire departments invited to NERIS webinar on onboarding and future planning
The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) has announced a new webinar focused on the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) rollout across the United States.
NERIS confirmed that the online event will take place on Tuesday, 29 July 2025 from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. ET.
The webinar will be hosted by FSRI in collaboration with the United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T).
According to NERIS, the webinar will provide practical guidance for departments preparing to transition from NFIRS to the NERIS system by the 2026 deadline.
Chief Tom Jenkins will present updates on how NERIS is already being used in the field and answer questions on adoption and system use.
Transition from NFIRS to NERIS scheduled for end of 2026
NERIS stated that the cloud-based platform is replacing the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).
The team explained that onboarding is being expanded across the United States in phases based on FEMA regions.
According to NERIS, regions currently undergoing onboarding include Regions 6 and 7, with Region 10 starting in August and the remaining regions scheduled through to December.
The platform was developed in partnership with USFA and DHS S&T and tested in 2024 with over 60 early adopter agencies.
NERIS said the system is designed to support fire departments by improving data reporting, enabling analytics, and informing operational planning.
Fire departments encouraged to prepare early for transition
NERIS advised departments to determine their reporting method and speak to their software vendors regarding integration.
Most departments use CAD or RMS software for incident operations.
NERIS stated that integration partners and compatibility testing information are available online at neris.fsri.org.
The agency added that the “NERIS v1 Compatibility Badge” identifies systems that have passed API testing, though it is not an endorsement.
Departments were urged to begin testing and coordination ahead of time to avoid delays in 2026.
Reporting functionality follows onboarding and requires confirmation
NERIS explained that onboarding involves setting up department accounts, assigning admin roles, and verifying system setup.
The process also includes updating station information, CAD unit details, and identifying relationships with mutual aid and other partners.
NERIS said that onboarding does not enable incident reporting by default.
Departments must request incident data reporting to be activated through NERIS coordination.
Once activated, incident data can be submitted on each department’s timeline in line with state-specific rules.
Webinar aimed at frontline personnel and decision makers
According to FSRI, the webinar is open to a range of fire service personnel.
Suggested participants include firefighters, line officers, department leadership, trainers, and representatives of state and national fire service bodies.
NERIS said the session will cover milestone planning, available onboarding resources, and an open Q&A session.
FSRI confirmed that registration is open until Monday, 28 July 2025.
The session is free and will be hosted via the FSRI platform.
NERIS outlines 2025 onboarding, reporting and NFIRS transition in upcoming webinar: Summary
The FSRI will host a NERIS webinar on Tuesday, 29 July 2025.
The webinar will provide onboarding updates, guidance, and a Q&A session.
NERIS is replacing NFIRS by the end of 2026.
The platform was developed with USFA and DHS S&T.
The system was tested in 2024 with more than 60 departments.
Rollout is being conducted by FEMA region across 2025.
Region 10 is set to begin onboarding in August.
Departments must confirm vendor compatibility before using the system.
NERIS reporting is separate from onboarding and requires activation.
The webinar is aimed at fire personnel and state and national fire organisations.
Registration closes Monday, 28 July 2025.
The full rollout is expected to reach all departments by December 2025.