TEXFIRS: Frequently Asked Questions
Is reporting on TEXFIRS mandatory?
Is there a deadline for fire departments to implement the new reporting system, Version 5.0?
When is the fire-incident data due to the state?
If I use a vendor software program, do I send my data to the USFA or to the state?
What are the procedures for submitting data by e-mail?
Does the new Fire Act require reporting on TEXFIRS or NFIRS?
Where can I get more information on reporting requirements or software available?
Where can I get assistance with coding incidents?
Is reporting on TEXFIRS mandatory?
Return to Index At this time, participation in TEXFIRS is not state-mandated, but 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.
Is there a deadline for fire departments to implement the new reporting system, Version 5.0?
In an effort to provide all departments ample time to convert to Version 5.0, TEXFIRS has extended the deadline to December 31, 2003. After that date, only data files in Version 5 will be accepted at the state level.
Does reporting on TEXFIRS meet the requirements for reporting on NFIRS? If a department reports on NFIRS, does that meet the requirements for TEXFIRS?
When is the fire-incident data due to the state?
A fire department should be submitting its incident reports to the state on a monthly basis. Departments should forward their data within two weeks after the close of the previous month.
Fire departments may submit their data on approved forms, using a vendor software program or by using the free federal software. A list of contact information for NFIRS 5.0 active vendors can be viewed at the NFIRS Web site. For the free federal software, http://www.nfirs.fema.gov/users/. NFIRS 5.0 Forms can be downloaded from http://www.nfirs.fema.gov/documentation/design/. Data is accepted on diskette, CD, paper, by e-mail or by FTP. Departments are urged to verify the successful receipt of electronic data submitted to the state. The count of incidents successfully processed should be periodically checked for discrepancies.
If I use a vendor software program, do I send my data to the USFA or to the state?
A department using a vendor software program must send data to the state. A department will receive a notice that the data was received by TEXFIRS for its electronic (e-mail and FTP) submittals.
What are the procedures for submitting data by e-mail?
A department should send an e-mail message to TEXFIRS@tdi.state.tx.us and attach its data file. A department should include the name of the department, FDID number, contact person and telephone number, and the time period of the data submitted in the e-mail message. TEXFIRS will respond with an e-mail message confirming receipt of the data file.
If a department is using the federal software (NFIRS 5.0) will it still have to send data to the state?
A department using the online federal software (NFIRS 5.0 - online) does not need to forward data to the state. Using the federal software online provides the state access to the data entered within minutes of the entry. If the federal software is used offline, then a copy of the data will have to be forwarded to the state. Some departments may wish to use the federal software to load their own data to the online database. The SFMO recommends that fire departments utilize the online method of reporting when using the federal software.
Does the new Fire Act require reporting on TEXFIRS or NFIRS?
As a condition of receiving funding under this program, grant recipients must agree to provide information to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) for the grant period. Participation in TEXFIRS meets the requirements for participating in NFIRS. A department submitting an application for funds should contact the TEXFIRS section to verify that its data submission is current.
Where can I get more information on reporting requirements or software available?
For additional information, go to http://www.tdi.texas.gov/fire/fmtexfir.html, or contact us directly at 512-305-7950.
Where can I get assistance with coding incidents?
For additional information, check our training page.
Please direct TEXFIRS questions to Virginia Garza at 512-305-7950.
For more information contact:
Last updated: 01/23/2012
