Reporting your data

Who uses this data?

Fire data is requested on a daily and weekly basis by the media, the public, the fire service, and the fire protection community. It is used to support legislative initiatives and to guide public fire safety and prevention campaigns. The information is also compiled in our annual Fire in Minnesota report.

Although the overarching goals, standards and timelines of NERIS may be similar across the nation, every state is rolling out NERIS based on the unique fire incident reporting needs of their respective states. The following are brief, summarized key points specific to the fire service in Minnesota. For additional information, please see other resources and information throughout this page. 

In December 2025, SFM hosted several virtual NERIS Core Training sessions. Several sections of the training were recorded and turned into videos that can be accessed at any time. The content and screenshots may have changed from December 2025, however, the concepts in the videos are generally applicable to present times. Additional information is included in each video description. 

• Unit 2: Fire Incident Reporting Terms & Unit 3: NERIS Introduction
• Unit 4: CAD/Dispatch and Incident Modules & Unit 5: Fire Incident Reporting Practice and Scenarios

Minnesota law requires health professionals to report certain burn injuries to the State Fire Marshal. The information aids in fire safety education programs and helps arson and fire death investigators. A written report must be filed within 72 hours of being notified or treating the following burn injuries:

• Second or third degree burns to five percent or more of the body

• Burns to the upper respiratory tract

• Laryngeal edema from inhaling superheated air

• Burn injury or wound that may result in the victim’s death