STOW — The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services has launched a new online resource to support local fire departments as they prepare to adopt a new national reporting system by fall 2025.
The web page, introduced by State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, aims to ease the transition from the current National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) to the more advanced National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS). Although Massachusetts and other New England states are not expected to fully implement NERIS until October 2025, the tool is now available to provide guidance, updates, and technical insights.
“NERIS promises to be a far more adaptable, scalable, and flexible tool for reporting and analyzing the modern fire service’s all-hazard data,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “It represents a major change in fire data reporting, and one that makes full use of the technology we now have access to. DFS is committed to supporting the Massachusetts fire service and helping all our departments come onboard smoothly.”
Adapting to a Modern, All-Hazards Response System
NERIS represents a significant shift in how fire departments collect and analyze incident data. Designed by the U.S. Fire Administration, NERIS incorporates modern technology to support firefighters in their increasingly complex roles, which extend beyond fire suppression to include medical emergencies, hazardous materials response, and natural disaster management.
Accordingly, the Massachusetts support page will serve as a hub for updates and best practices from national experts including the U.S. Fire Administration and the UL Fire Safety Research Institute. It is intended to help chiefs, administrators, and IT personnel understand and implement the new standards efficiently.
What NERIS Brings to the Table
Unlike NFIRS, which focused primarily on documenting fire-related events, NERIS collects all-hazard incident data in near real-time. This allows local departments to monitor trends, assess risk, and improve performance with the most current information available.
Additionally, NERIS is designed for interoperability, allowing seamless integration with CAD systems, GIS mapping, and other public safety technologies. Departments can access data and analytics on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. This multi-platform capability ensures flexibility across different operating environments and personnel needs.
Improved Decision-Making and Safer Communities
By offering detailed, real-time analytics, NERIS empowers departments to make data-driven decisions that improve both operational efficiency and public safety. Because it allows departments to track performance and resource allocation more accurately, it also supports better planning and accountability at the local level.
Furthermore, as the system evolves, it can adapt to emerging threats and changing demands. Fire officials across the country are expected to benefit from this enhanced ability to respond effectively to a broad range of emergencies.
Massachusetts Readies for Transition
Although full adoption of NERIS in Massachusetts is more than a year away, early access to planning resources is intended to give departments ample time to evaluate their current systems and identify any necessary upgrades.
Meanwhile, the Department of Fire Services remains committed to ensuring that every department, regardless of size or technical capacity, can make the transition successfully. The new web page will continue to be updated with guidance documents, FAQs, and links to relevant national resources as the rollout approaches.
Supporting Local Departments Through the Change
Fire Marshal Davine emphasized the importance of preparation and support throughout the transition. The new system, he noted, is more than just a technological update — it is a foundational change in how departments assess and communicate risk.
Because of this, the Department of Fire Services encourages department leaders to begin familiarizing themselves with the new system now, even though implementation is still months away.
Looking Ahead to October 2025
The transition to NERIS marks a significant modernization of fire service reporting. Previously, many departments relied on NFIRS for historical tracking and documentation. NERIS, in contrast, is built for dynamic use, with features that reflect the realities of today’s all-hazards emergency response environment.
Particularly for departments that manage high call volumes or serve densely populated areas, NERIS offers tools to better understand performance metrics, identify high-risk zones, and plan staffing or training accordingly.
While challenges are expected as with any major system change, the Department of Fire Services is positioning Massachusetts fire departments to be among the best prepared in the country. By encouraging proactive engagement and offering resources early, the agency hopes to ensure that all communities benefit from the improvements NERIS will bring.
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