Current Wildland Fire Information | National Interagency Coordination Center
Click on a geographic area for regional fire information.
A wildland fire is initially managed by the local agency that has fire protection
responsibility for that area. Engines, ground crews, smokejumpers, helicopters
with water buckets, and airtankers may all be used for initial suppression.
Various local agencies may work together, sharing personnel and equipment,
to fight new fires and those that escape initial action.
If a wildland fire grows to the point where local personnel and equipment
are not enough, the responsible agency contacts the Geographic Area Coordination
Center (GACC) for help. The GACC will locate and dispatch additional firefighters
and support personnel throughout the geographic area.
When GACCs can no longer meet the requests because they are supporting multiple incidents, or when GACCs are competing for resources, the request for equipment and supplies are referred to the National Interagency Coordination Center, at Boise, Idaho (Link to NIFC Tour).