By: Emergent Team
As of May 2025, the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) is rapidly gaining traction across the United States, marking a significant shift in how fire departments collect, analyze, and utilize incident data. Developed by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) and the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), NERIS is set to replace the decades-old National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) by January 1, 2026.
The Current Landscape of NERIS Adoption
The phased rollout of NERIS is well underway, with fire departments being onboarded by FEMA regions. In May, FEMA Region 2, encompassing New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, began the transition. This structured approach ensures that departments receive the necessary support and resources during the onboarding process.
A notable example of early adoption is the Tulsa Fire Department in Oklahoma. Following the enactment of Oklahoma House Bill 1052, which mandates the use of NERIS for incident reporting, Tulsa Fire has become one of the first metro departments nationwide to implement the system. The department anticipates enhanced capabilities in resource deployment, pattern analysis, and performance evaluation. States like Tennessee are providing additional resources to the departments in the state for aiding in the NERIS transition process.
Why Transition to NERIS?
NERIS offers a modern, cloud-based platform that addresses the limitations of NFIRS. Key benefits include:
- Enhanced Data Accuracy: Real-time data validation reduces errors and ensures high-quality reporting.
- Improved Analytics: Advanced analytics support better decision-making and resource allocation.
- Interoperability: API integrations allow seamless data exchange with other systems.
- Geospatial Insights: GIS integration provides precise location-based data for strategic planning.
These features collectively empower departments to make data-informed decisions, enhancing preparedness and response to all-hazard incidents.
Emergent's Role in a Seamless Transition
At Emergent, we recognize the challenges departments face during such significant transitions. Our platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with NERIS, ensuring that departments can:
- Maintain Operational Continuity: Our systems support both NFIRS and NERIS during the hybrid reporting period, facilitating a smooth transition.
- Streamline Data Migration: We assist in migrating historical data to NERIS, preserving valuable information for future analysis.
- Enhance Reporting Capabilities: Emergent's tools complement NERIS by providing additional insights into fleet management, personnel tracking, and incident analysis.
- Provide Training and Support: Our team offers comprehensive training to ensure that departments can effectively utilize both Emergent and NERIS platforms.
Preparing for the Future
With the NFIRS decommissioning scheduled for December 31, 2025, departments must prepare for the transition to NERIS. Emergent is committed to supporting fire departments throughout this process, ensuring that they are equipped with the tools and knowledge needed for success.
For more information on how Emergent can assist your department during this transition, set up a demo today.
