By Doug Nelson, State Fire Marshal
As we adjust to the changes of the season, I would like to point out a few changes to our office. In October, we launched a new website that can be found here. We have launched social media on Facebook, X and Instagram, along with our website. Please find and follow us if you are involved in social media on any personal or fire department accounts.
A big transition is coming for fire reporting over the next 1-2 years. The National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) is being launched by the United States Fire Administration (USFA) to replace the current National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). NERIS will be the new incident reporting and data collection tool provided by the USFA and available to all fire departments. If you use a third-party vendor, ensure they are keeping up with this. If you currently report in NFIRS, stay tuned for further information related to development, roll-out and working with the new system. This link is to a recent slideshow update presented by the USFA.
The Fire Department Certificate of Existence program deadline of October 31st has passed. We will still accept certificates of existence from fire departments until March 1st of 2024, but for the approximately 100 left, the sooner you get them submitted, the sooner we can ensure you are eligible to receive the fire tax insurance distribution. Our system has moved to the North Dakota Internet Technology’s servers and has a new address here.