National Interagency Fire Center
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National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) is located in Boise, Idaho, and serves as the nation's logistical support center for wildland firefighting. It was established to enhance interagency coordination in managing wildfires and other emergencies.
Goals
- Coordinate and mobilize resources for wildland fire incidents nationwide.
- Develop and disseminate fire management policies and strategies.
- Provide predictive services, including weather and fire behavior forecasts.
Success is measured by the effectiveness of resource allocation, response times, and the overall impact on fire suppression efforts.
Organization
NIFC operates as a collaboration among nine federal and state agencies, with no single director; governance is conducted by representatives from each agency. Funding for NIFC activities comes from the budgets of its constituent agencies, mainly through the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture, combined with state contributions.
Impact and Outcomes
- Quantitative: NIFC has managed thousands of incidents annually, significantly aiding in fire containment and control. - Qualitative: It has centralized and standardized fire management practices, leading to more effective resource use and safety protocols.
Challenges include managing resources during peak fire seasons and ensuring inter-agency cooperation.
Background and History
NIFC was initially established in 1965 as the Boise Interagency Fire Center to improve coordination among federal agencies responding to wildfires. Its name was changed in 1993 to reflect its national scope. Over time, NIFC has expanded its role to include support for all-hazard emergency management, like hurricanes and earthquakes, showcasing its evolution from a fire-specific to an all-risk management center.
Funding
- NIFC's funding is integrated into the budgets of its partner agencies without a specific line item, making exact figures hard to isolate.
- Funding began with its creation and is ongoing, subject to annual appropriations.
Implementation
NIFC's operations involve real-time coordination of fire management resources, including personnel, equipment, and aircraft. It employs a 24/7 operational model to respond to incidents, with no defined end date as it addresses an ongoing need.
Leadership
Leadership at NIFC is shared among the representatives of the various agencies, with no single named director.
See Also
External Links
Wikipedia Article: - wikipedia:National Interagency Fire Center
Social media
- No official social media accounts for NIFC were found.