Fire Incident List (NFIRS): Filtering

Fire Incident List (NFIRS): Filtering

Purpose Statement

The fire incident list filtering feature allows users to search and refine their view of fire incidents based on specific criteria and date ranges. This functionality enables administrators, supervisors, and field users to quickly locate specific incidents, generate targeted reports, and efficiently manage incident documentation without scrolling through extensive lists. By providing customizable search parameters and saved filter options, users can streamline their workflow and access relevant incident data in seconds.


Background Information

The fire incident list serves as the central repository for all fire incident records within First Due. By default, the system displays incidents from a predetermined time range (7, 15, 30, or 60 days) that is configured in the fire incident setup settings. However, users often need to locate specific incidents based on various criteria such as incident type, location, date range, apparatus involved, or personnel assigned.

The filtering feature provides both keyword search capabilities and dropdown filter options, allowing users to combine multiple search parameters for precise results. This is particularly valuable for:

  • Reviewing incidents from specific time periods for reports
  • Locating incidents by type, address, or unit response
  • Preparing data for compliance reporting or audits
  • Training review and performance analysis
  • Quality assurance and documentation verification

Understanding how to effectively filter the fire incident list is essential for anyone who regularly works with incident data, whether for administrative reporting, supervisory review, or operational analysis.


Required Permissions

To filter and search the fire incident list, users must have the following permission:

Fire Incident List - View: Allows users to access and view the fire incident list and apply filters to search incident records.

Notes
Note: Additional permissions may be required to edit or delete incidents found through filtering, but viewing and filtering capabilities are controlled by the permission listed above.


Video



Directions


1. Navigate to the Fire Incident List.


Navigate to the Fire Incident List



2. The filtering options appear across the top of the Incident List.
Alert
The list will default to either 7, 15, 30 , or 60 Days depending on the setting chosen in Fire Setup.



The filtering options appear across the top of the Incident List



3. Click on the expand arrow to reveal additional filtering options.


Click on Expand to reveal additional filtering options



4. Filter by one or multiple categories and click on apply.


Filter by one or multiple categories and click on apply



5. Filters in use will appear above the list.


Filters in use will appear above the list



6.  To delete a filter or search parameter select the x next to the bubble for that Filter or Search parameter.




7. To change your search without removing filters, click Edit. To remove all filters, click Reset. To apply the selected filters as a saved view, click on the saved view icon.  To delete a filter or search parameter select the x next to the bubble for that Filter or Search parameter.


To change your search without removing filters, click edit. To remove all filters, click Reset.


Best Practices

Do's:

  • Use the default date range as your starting point and then refine with additional filters to avoid overwhelming search results
  • Combine multiple filter types to create precise searches that quickly locate specific incidents
  • Save frequently used filter combinations mentally or document them for future reference to maintain consistency in reporting
  • Reset filters between different search tasks to ensure you're starting with a clean slate and avoid carrying over unintended criteria
  • Verify your filter results match your expectations before exporting data or generating reports

Don'ts:

  • Don't leave active filters in place when switching between different incident review tasks, as this may inadvertently exclude relevant records
  • Don't rely solely on keyword searches when dropdown filters are available, as predefined options ensure consistency and reduce typos
  • Don't forget that filters are cumulative; each additional criterion further narrows your results
  • Don't assume the default date range matches your needs; always verify the current filter settings before beginning analysis

Tips & Recommendations:

  • When searching for a specific incident but unsure of exact details, start with broader filters and progressively narrow your criteria
  • If your search returns no results, remove filters one at a time to identify which criterion is too restrictive
  • Keyword search fields are case-insensitive and typically search for partial matches, so you don't need to enter complete exact text
  • The default date range setting can be modified in fire incident setup if your department consistently needs a different time frame
  • Document your most common filter combinations in standard operating procedures to ensure consistency across your department

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why doesn't my fire incident list show any recent incidents?
A: Check your default date range setting in the fire incident setup. If it's set to 7 days but your recent incidents fall outside that window, they won't appear. You can either change the default setting or manually adjust the date filter to include a broader range.

Q: I applied multiple filters but my search returned no results. What should I do?
A: Remove filters one at a time by clicking the "X" button next to each criterion. This helps identify which filter is too restrictive. Remember that all filters work together using "AND" logic, meaning an incident must match all criteria to appear in results.

Q: What's the difference between a filter field and a keyword search field?
A: Filter fields have a dropdown arrow and provide predefined options to select from (like incident types or status values). Keyword search fields allow you to type free-form text that the system searches for within that specific field (like addresses or narrative text).

Q: Can I save my custom filter combinations for future use?
A: The current filtering interface does not save custom filter combinations automatically. However, you can document your frequently used filter settings externally and quickly reapply them when needed. Each time you access the fire incident list, it will display the default date range setting.

Q: Why do some incidents appear that don't seem to match my filter criteria?
A: This typically occurs with keyword searches that match partial text. For example, searching for "Main" might return incidents on "Main Street," "Maintenance Building," or any field containing "Main." Review your keyword entries and make them more specific if needed.

Q: How do I change the default date range that appears when I first open the fire incident list?
A: The default date range is configured in the fire incident setup settings. Navigate to that section and select your preferred default option: 7 days, 15 days, 30 days, or 60 days. This setting applies system-wide for all users with access to the fire incident list.


Related Articles

  1. Fire Incident List: Statuses and Actions
  2. Creating Saved Views of Fire Incidents
  3. Concurrent Data Entry of Apparatus within Incident Documentation



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