Fire departments across Tennessee are embarking on a significant transition to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), a state-of-the-art, cloud-based platform aimed at enhancing the reporting and analysis of emergency incidents. This announcement was made on Tuesday, June 3rd, by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI). The new system is set to replace the long-standing National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), which has been in use for four decades.
NERIS promises to provide local agencies with a range of benefits, including complimentary incident reporting options, analytics based on geographic data, and access to timely resources for data management. The NFIRS will officially cease operations on January 1st, 2026, marking the end of an era for fire incident reporting in the state. TDCI Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Carter Lawrence emphasized the importance of this transition, stating, “As Tennessee’s state fire marshal, I am committed to helping our state’s fire departments and emergency responders get the tools they need to protect their communities, manage their resources effectively, and make decisions backed by current data.” He further urged all fire chiefs in Tennessee to initiate the transition to NERIS promptly, highlighting its critical role in bolstering public safety across the state.
NERIS offers several key features that are particularly advantageous for public fire and EMS agencies. These include no-cost access for all participating departments, local ownership of data, which allows agencies to maintain full control over their records, and GIS-based reporting that provides insights tailored to specific locations. Additionally, the platform includes actionable dashboards designed to enhance operational awareness and track performance metrics effectively. The SFMO is encouraging all fire departments to complete their onboarding process as quickly as possible to facilitate a seamless transition to the new system. For any inquiries or technical assistance, departments are advised to reach out to the NERIS Help Desk or contact Kyle Evans, the SFMO Fire Data/NERIS Program Manager, at [email protected] or by phone at (615) 253-2198.