Is reporting to TEXFIRS mandatory?
Participation in TEXFIRS is not state-mandated. However, it is the only data collection system in the state that provides valuable information on fire and non-fire incidents, including loss of life and property.
Do I need to submit data to TEXFIRS and NFIRS?
You don’t need to email your incident report to TEXFIRS if you do one of the following:
- You upload a report from registered vendor software to eNFIRS using the Bulk Import Utility (BIU) tool. This is the recommended method.
- You input incident data directly into the eNFIRS reporting tool.
You also have the option of emailing data you entered in to vendor software to TEXFIRS@tdi.texas.gov. TEXFIRS will then: (1) upload the department data directly to the eNFIRS system, and (2) email you if any critical errors were discovered.
When is the fire-incident data due to the state?
You should submit your fire department’s incident reports to the state every month. Forward your department’s data within two weeks after the close of the previous month.
How do I submit data?
You can submit your fire department’s data on approved forms, using a registered vendor software program, or by using the free federal eNFIRS system. A list of contact information for NFIRS 5.0 active vendors can be viewed at the NFIRS website.
If using vendor software, you must do one of the following:
- Upload your data directly to eNFIRS using the Bulk Import Utility (BIU) tool on the NFIRS website. You must have BIU permissions and a registered NFIRS account. Register for an NFIRS account on the NFIRS website and email TEXFIRS@tdi.texas.gov for BIU permissions.
- Email your monthly incident data file to TEXFIRS@tdi.texas.gov. Include your fire department name, FDID number, contact person, phone number, and time period of data submitted. You will get a confirmation email. We will contact you if any critical errors are found in your report. TEXFIRS uploads your data directly to the NFIRS database.
If inputting incident data directly into the eNFIRS reporting tool:
There is no need to email TEXFIRS your monthly data. TEXFIRS has instant access to the NFIRS database.
Does the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program require reporting to TEXFIRS or NFIRS?
Your fire department can apply for and be awarded an AFG grant without previously providing reports to NFIRS or TEXFIRS.
If your department gets an AFG grant, you must provide reports to NFIRS or TEXFIRS during the grant’s period of performance. A period of performance is one calendar year from the date the grant is awarded. It’s best if you provide reports before the period of performance starts.
Any grantee that stops reporting to NFIRS or TEXFIRS during their grant's period of performance is subject to having their award modified or withdrawn.
Where can I get assistance with coding incidents?
To learn more, go to our training page.
What happens if someone knowingly makes a false entry into TEXFIRS?
They could be charged with tampering with a governmental record. A governmental record includes anything received or kept by government for information. See Texas Penal Code Chapter 37.
How can I obtain census data for my city?
You can get demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau's website.
For census tract information, visit the U.S. Census Bureau Census Tract Street Locator.
You may also contact us for help with census tract information, or the State Library and Archives at 512-463-5455.
How do I calculate the estimated dollar losses and values for property and contents for fire incident reporting?
Use the following resources:
- International Code Council: Building Valuation Data
- Fire Loss Calculator (Excel)
- NFIRSGram: calculating fire loss
- Zillow: calculate building value
Where can I find the National Fire Danger Rating System weather station information to complete a Wildland Fire Module?
You can get the weather station information on the Texas Interagency Coordination Center’s website.