The Connecticut State Fire Marshal’s Office announced today that fire departments across the state are beginning the transition to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS)—a secure, cloud-based platform built to modernize how emergency incidents are reported and analyzed.
Departments across the country are onboarding to NERIS as part of a phased national rollout led by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T), and the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes.
NERIS is replacing the 40-year-old National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), to provide local agencies with timely data tools, location-based analytics, and flexible options for incident reporting—at no cost to departments.
“Modernizing emergency data collection is a critical step toward strengthening public safety,” said Lauri Volkert, State Fire Marshal. “By adopting NERIS, we are giving our departments better tools to protect our communities, manage resources effectively, and make informed decisions backed by current data.”
Key Features of NERIS Include:
- Zero-cost access for all public fire and EMS agencies
- Local data ownership, giving departments full control of their records
- GIS-based reporting for location-specific insights and planning
- Actionable dashboards for operational awareness and performance tracking
- Streamlined onboarding with help desk support and training tools
The process includes account setup, administrator access, and records management system (RMS) integration, if applicable.
“NERIS is purpose-built for today’s fire service,” said Steve Kerber, Executive Director of FSRI. “It’s based on research and feedback from the field, and it delivers actionable information that improves emergency response and supports long-term planning and resourcing at the local, state, and national levels.”
The Connecticut State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages all departments to complete onboarding as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition. Those who are already registered with the State Fire Marshal’s Office will receive their login credentials on October 1, 2025. The current national data platform, NFIRS, will be formally decommissioned on January 1, 2026.
"The transition to NERIS represents a major step forward for public safety in Connecticut,” Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Michelle Gilman said. “By equipping our fire service with a modern, data-driven system, we are ensuring that our communities benefit from faster insights, stronger coordination, and smarter use of resources. This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation, transparency, and the safety of every resident in our state."
For additional questions or technical support, departments can contact the NERIS Help Desk or CT State Fire Marshal’s Office directly.
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About NERIS
The National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) is the new all-hazards reporting platform for U.S. fire and emergency services. Developed through a federal public-private partnership with input from departments nationwide, NERIS delivers modern tools to streamline reporting, improve data quality, and support community risk reduction. By tracking operational trends, resource use, and incident outcomes, NERIS advances data-informed approaches to emergency response and resource allocation.
About FSRI
The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, advances fire safety knowledge to address the world’s unresolved fire safety risks and emerging dangers. As part of UL Research Institutes, we are committed to sharing our fire safety insights with everyone to advance UL’s public safety mission of providing safe living and working environments for people everywhere.
Through advanced fire science, rigorous research, extensive outreach and education in collaboration with our international network of partners, we impart stakeholders with the information, tools and resources that enable them to make better, more fire-safe decisions that ultimately save lives and property.
About the CT State Fire Marshal’s Office
The Connecticut State Fire Marshal’s Office (OSFM), which is part of the Department of Administrative Services, serves as a vital partner in public safety, working to protect lives and property through code enforcement, education, and community engagement. With a strong focus on Community Risk Reduction (CRR), OSFM leads initiatives that are data-informed and locally empowered—supporting youth fire setter intervention programs, streamlining inspection and certification processes, and collaborating with stakeholders across the state. The office plays a central role in developing and updating the state’s fire safety and prevention codes, ensuring they reflect both national standards and Connecticut’s unique needs. Through strategic partnerships, legislative advocacy, and a commitment to transparency and innovation, OSFM continues to modernize its operations and strengthen its connection to the communities it serves
