Professional Volunteer Fire Department: Understanding NERIS

Professional Volunteer Fire Department: Understanding NERIS

 

In this episode of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, host Tom Merrill sits down with Tom Jenkins, a fire service veteran and senior advisor at Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes. They discuss the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS).   Set to replace the decades-old National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) by January 1, 2026, NERIS introduces a modern, streamlined approach to fire incident data collection. The conversation covers the evolution from NFIRS, key improvements like geospatial data integration and tactical timestamps, and how this data will empower departments in training, resource allocation, and firefighter safety. Jenkins also discusses the rollout process, accessibility via a free app, vendor integration, and the cultural shift required for accurate reporting. Fire departments of all sizes—career or volunteer—will find helpful guidance here for transitioning to NERIS, a system designed to better capture the realities of today’s fire service and support firefighters nationwide.