The USFA recently made available a new National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) Web-based data entry tool. The Data Entry Browser Interface (DEBI) enables total Web-based data entry into NFIRS, eliminating the need to download and install client software on the NFIRS user’s computer. DEBI will run using standard Web browsers that will provide access to the application from any computer that has an Internet connection.

In order to use DEBI, which is free of cost to all users, a fire department must have completed the user registration at www.nfirs.fema.gov/users/ and its NFIRS State Program Manager must have assigned it the necessary permissions to use the new tool and activated its account. If a department does not already have an active NFIRS user account, it should contact its NFIRS State Program Manager. Using DEBI requires Internet connectivity, an Internet browser version compatible with the application, and a computer that meets necessary system requirements as outlined at www.nfirs.fema.gov/webtools/. Use of approved third party commercial software as an alternative is still permitted. In addition, departments may continue to use the USFA client Data Entry Tool (DET) if desired.