Quick Overview
- 1#1: Firehouse Software - Comprehensive on-premise records management system for fire departments with NFIRS reporting, inventory tracking, personnel management, and customizable reporting.
- 2#2: ImageTrend - Cloud-based elite suite for fire records management featuring incident reporting, analytics, NFIRS compliance, and integration with CAD systems.
- 3#3: ESO - Integrated fire RMS platform handling incidents, scheduling, training records, inspections, and seamless NFIRS submissions.
- 4#4: Tyler Technologies New World - Enterprise-grade public safety RMS with fire-specific modules for records, ERP integration, GIS mapping, and advanced reporting.
- 5#5: CentralSquare - Unified public safety platform including fire RMS for incident management, resource tracking, and compliance reporting.
- 6#6: Mark43 - Modern cloud-native RMS and CAD solution optimized for fire departments with real-time data, mobile access, and analytics.
- 7#7: HxGN OnCall - Advanced RMS for emergency services with fire-focused incident logging, personnel scheduling, and interoperable data sharing.
- 8#8: Southern Software - Flexible fire RMS software supporting NFIRS, hydrant management, pre-plans, and department administration.
- 9#9: FDM - Tailored records management for fire departments including run reports, apparatus maintenance, and training documentation.
- 10#10: NorthStar eForce - Combined CAD/RMS system for fire services with incident tracking, dispatch integration, and reporting tools.
We ranked these tools based on feature depth, operational reliability, user-friendliness, and value, ensuring alignment with the unique needs of fire service workflows.
Comparison Table
Navigating fire department records management software requires clarity, and this comparison table streamlines the process by examining leading tools like Firehouse Software, ImageTrend, ESO, Tyler Technologies New World, CentralSquare, and more, making it easier to assess options. Readers will discover key features, capabilities, and suitability for varying operational needs, helping them select software that optimizes efficiency and compliance.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Firehouse Software Comprehensive on-premise records management system for fire departments with NFIRS reporting, inventory tracking, personnel management, and customizable reporting. | enterprise | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | ImageTrend Cloud-based elite suite for fire records management featuring incident reporting, analytics, NFIRS compliance, and integration with CAD systems. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | ESO Integrated fire RMS platform handling incidents, scheduling, training records, inspections, and seamless NFIRS submissions. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Tyler Technologies New World Enterprise-grade public safety RMS with fire-specific modules for records, ERP integration, GIS mapping, and advanced reporting. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | CentralSquare Unified public safety platform including fire RMS for incident management, resource tracking, and compliance reporting. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Mark43 Modern cloud-native RMS and CAD solution optimized for fire departments with real-time data, mobile access, and analytics. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | HxGN OnCall Advanced RMS for emergency services with fire-focused incident logging, personnel scheduling, and interoperable data sharing. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Southern Software Flexible fire RMS software supporting NFIRS, hydrant management, pre-plans, and department administration. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | FDM Tailored records management for fire departments including run reports, apparatus maintenance, and training documentation. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | NorthStar eForce Combined CAD/RMS system for fire services with incident tracking, dispatch integration, and reporting tools. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 6.9/10 | 6.8/10 |
Comprehensive on-premise records management system for fire departments with NFIRS reporting, inventory tracking, personnel management, and customizable reporting.
Cloud-based elite suite for fire records management featuring incident reporting, analytics, NFIRS compliance, and integration with CAD systems.
Integrated fire RMS platform handling incidents, scheduling, training records, inspections, and seamless NFIRS submissions.
Enterprise-grade public safety RMS with fire-specific modules for records, ERP integration, GIS mapping, and advanced reporting.
Unified public safety platform including fire RMS for incident management, resource tracking, and compliance reporting.
Modern cloud-native RMS and CAD solution optimized for fire departments with real-time data, mobile access, and analytics.
Advanced RMS for emergency services with fire-focused incident logging, personnel scheduling, and interoperable data sharing.
Flexible fire RMS software supporting NFIRS, hydrant management, pre-plans, and department administration.
Tailored records management for fire departments including run reports, apparatus maintenance, and training documentation.
Combined CAD/RMS system for fire services with incident tracking, dispatch integration, and reporting tools.
Firehouse Software
enterpriseComprehensive on-premise records management system for fire departments with NFIRS reporting, inventory tracking, personnel management, and customizable reporting.
Automated NFIRS 2.0 compliance and one-click reporting that minimizes errors and saves hours of manual data entry.
Firehouse Software is a comprehensive Records Management System (RMS) tailored specifically for fire departments, enabling efficient management of incidents, personnel, apparatus, inventory, and scheduling. It supports seamless NFIRS reporting, CAD integration, and mobile access for field operations. With over 30 years of development, it provides robust tools for compliance, analytics, and daily workflows in fire service environments.
Pros
- Extremely comprehensive feature set including NFIRS automation, GIS mapping, and personnel management
- Proven reliability with thousands of fire departments using it nationwide
- Excellent customer support and regular updates based on user feedback
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve for new users due to depth of features
- Pricing can be high for smaller volunteer departments
- Customization requires vendor assistance rather than self-service
Best For
Large to mid-sized career or combination fire departments seeking a battle-tested, all-in-one RMS with strong compliance and integration capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on department size and modules; typically starts at $1,000-$5,000/month for mid-sized departments with annual contracts.
ImageTrend
enterpriseCloud-based elite suite for fire records management featuring incident reporting, analytics, NFIRS compliance, and integration with CAD systems.
NFIRS Elite module with guaranteed compliance and one-click submissions
ImageTrend Elite is a robust records management system (RMS) tailored for fire departments and EMS agencies, centralizing incident reporting, NFIRS compliance, and operational data. It supports electronic patient care reports (ePCRs), resource dispatching integration, and advanced analytics for performance insights. The platform emphasizes mobile accessibility and workflow automation to enhance efficiency in high-volume emergency environments.
Pros
- Superior NFIRS compliance with automated validation and high acceptance rates
- Mobile apps for real-time field data capture and ePCRs
- Comprehensive analytics, dashboards, and CAD integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve during initial implementation
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small departments
- Customization requires vendor support
Best For
Mid-to-large fire departments needing scalable NFIRS-compliant RMS with strong analytics and mobile capabilities.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on department size, users, and modules; typically $5,000–$50,000+ annually.
ESO
enterpriseIntegrated fire RMS platform handling incidents, scheduling, training records, inspections, and seamless NFIRS submissions.
Seamless end-to-end integration across ESO's public safety suite for unified data management from dispatch to billing
ESO Fire RMS is a robust records management system designed specifically for fire departments, streamlining incident reporting, NFIRS compliance, hydrant inspections, and pre-incident planning. It integrates seamlessly with ESO's ecosystem, including ePCR, CAD, and billing modules, allowing for real-time data sharing across emergency services. The platform provides mobile apps for field data entry and advanced analytics for operational insights and performance metrics.
Pros
- Comprehensive NFIRS reporting and compliance tools
- Strong integrations with CAD, ePCR, and other ESO modules
- Mobile accessibility for on-scene data capture and editing
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller departments
- Some customization requires vendor support
Best For
Mid-sized to large fire departments needing an integrated public safety software suite with advanced reporting.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $5,000–$20,000+ annually depending on department size, users, and modules.
Tyler Technologies New World
enterpriseEnterprise-grade public safety RMS with fire-specific modules for records, ERP integration, GIS mapping, and advanced reporting.
Deep integration with Tyler's CAD and financial ERP for unified public safety operations
Tyler Technologies' New World RMS is a robust, enterprise-grade records management system tailored for fire departments, handling everything from incident reporting and NFIRS compliance to resource tracking and inspections. It integrates deeply with CAD systems and Tyler's broader public safety suite, enabling efficient data sharing across dispatch, ERP, and field operations. Designed for scalability, it supports both on-premises and cloud deployments, making it suitable for mid-to-large agencies.
Pros
- Comprehensive NFIRS reporting and compliance tools
- Seamless integration with CAD and Tyler ecosystem
- Scalable modules for incidents, inspections, and pre-planning
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation
- Dated user interface in some modules
- Premium pricing limits accessibility for smaller departments
Best For
Mid-to-large fire departments requiring enterprise integration and advanced compliance features.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, often $50,000–$150,000+ annually based on department size and modules.
CentralSquare
enterpriseUnified public safety platform including fire RMS for incident management, resource tracking, and compliance reporting.
Fully integrated public safety suite combining RMS, CAD, and JMS for end-to-end incident lifecycle management
CentralSquare's Records Management System (RMS) is a comprehensive public safety platform tailored for fire departments, enabling efficient management of incident reports, apparatus and personnel tracking, and regulatory compliance like NFIRS. It integrates seamlessly with CAD and other modules for real-time data synchronization and workflow automation. The software offers robust reporting, analytics, and mobile access to support field operations and administrative tasks.
Pros
- Seamless integration with CAD and other public safety tools for unified operations
- Strong NFIRS compliance and advanced reporting capabilities
- Scalable for mid-to-large departments with robust analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High customization and implementation costs
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Mid-to-large fire departments needing an integrated public safety ecosystem with deep compliance features.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing with custom pricing, typically $100K+ annually based on agency size and modules.
Mark43
enterpriseModern cloud-native RMS and CAD solution optimized for fire departments with real-time data, mobile access, and analytics.
Unified CAD-RMS platform enabling real-time data synchronization across dispatch and records
Mark43 is a cloud-native Records Management System (RMS) tailored for public safety agencies, including fire departments, offering tools for incident documentation, resource management, and NFIRS compliance. It integrates seamlessly with CAD systems to provide real-time data sharing and mobile access for field personnel. The platform emphasizes scalability, analytics, and workflow automation to enhance operational efficiency.
Pros
- Robust NFIRS reporting and compliance automation
- Seamless CAD integration for real-time incident management
- Scalable cloud architecture with mobile apps for field use
Cons
- Enterprise-level pricing may strain smaller departments
- Initial setup and customization can be complex
- Some advanced analytics require additional modules
Best For
Mid-to-large fire departments needing an integrated, scalable RMS with strong CAD interoperability.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, often $100K+ annually based on agency size and modules.
HxGN OnCall
enterpriseAdvanced RMS for emergency services with fire-focused incident logging, personnel scheduling, and interoperable data sharing.
Real-time data synchronization across CAD, RMS, and mobile apps for instantaneous situational awareness
HxGN OnCall, developed by Hexagon, is an integrated public safety platform combining CAD, RMS, and analytics specifically designed for fire departments and emergency services. It streamlines incident reporting, resource dispatching, NFIRS compliance, and record management with real-time data synchronization across desktop, mobile, and field devices. The solution emphasizes operational efficiency through AI-driven insights and seamless interoperability for multi-agency coordination.
Pros
- Seamless CAD-RMS integration for real-time incident tracking
- Mobile-first interface optimized for firefighters in the field
- Advanced analytics and NFIRS-compliant reporting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- High implementation costs for smaller departments
- Occasional customization limitations in workflows
Best For
Mid-to-large fire departments needing robust, integrated CAD/RMS with enterprise-grade analytics and multi-agency support.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $50-100 per user/month for core RMS modules, scaling with deployment size and add-ons.
Southern Software
specializedFlexible fire RMS software supporting NFIRS, hydrant management, pre-plans, and department administration.
Advanced NFIRS module with built-in error checking and bulk submission capabilities
Southern Software's Fire RMS is a comprehensive records management system designed specifically for fire departments, handling incident reporting, NFIRS compliance, personnel management, inventory tracking, and apparatus maintenance. It offers customizable forms and reports tailored to fire service needs, with integrations for CAD systems and mapping. Established since 1986, it serves a wide range of department sizes with on-premise and hosted deployment options.
Pros
- NFIRS-certified reporting with automatic validation
- Highly customizable interfaces and workflows
- Strong integration with fire-specific tools like inventory and scheduling
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native solutions
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Pricing and deployment can be complex for smaller departments
Best For
Medium-sized fire departments needing deeply customizable, reliable on-premise RMS with proven NFIRS compliance.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $5,000-$20,000 annually based on department size, users, and modules; on-premise or hosted options.
FDM
specializedTailored records management for fire departments including run reports, apparatus maintenance, and training documentation.
Advanced NFIRS export and validation tools that minimize compliance errors and streamline federal reporting.
FDM from fdmsystems.com is a specialized records management system (RMS) tailored for fire departments, enabling efficient handling of incident reports, NFIRS compliance, personnel management, and apparatus maintenance tracking. It centralizes data across modules for run reports, inventory control, and training records, reducing paperwork and improving operational efficiency. The software supports integration with CAD systems and offers customizable reporting tools to meet departmental needs.
Pros
- Strong NFIRS compliance and automated reporting capabilities
- Comprehensive modules for incidents, personnel, and inventory
- Reliable customer support with fire service expertise
Cons
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-based competitors
- Limited mobile app functionality for field use
- Customization requires technical assistance
Best For
Small to mid-sized fire departments seeking a cost-effective, on-premise RMS focused on compliance and core reporting.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $5,000-$15,000 one-time license fee plus annual maintenance, scaled by department size.
NorthStar eForce
enterpriseCombined CAD/RMS system for fire services with incident tracking, dispatch integration, and reporting tools.
Bi-directional synchronization between CAD incidents and RMS records for real-time, error-free data sharing
NorthStar eForce is a comprehensive public safety software suite with robust Records Management System (RMS) capabilities tailored for fire departments, handling incident reporting, NFIRS compliance, personnel management, and inventory tracking. It integrates tightly with CAD dispatch systems for seamless data flow from calls to records. The platform supports analytics, custom reporting, and administrative workflows to streamline fire department operations and ensure regulatory adherence.
Pros
- Excellent NFIRS reporting and compliance tools
- Seamless CAD-RMS integration reduces data entry
- Customizable reports and dashboards for analytics
Cons
- Dated user interface requires training
- Lengthy implementation and customization process
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Medium-sized fire departments needing integrated CAD and RMS without advanced cloud scalability.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on department size and modules; typically annual contracts starting at $50,000+.
Conclusion
Among the tools reviewed, Firehouse Software claims the top spot, boasting a comprehensive on-premise system with NFIRS reporting, inventory tracking, and customizable personnel management. ImageTrend closely follows as a standout cloud-based choice, integrating incident reporting and CAD systems for seamless scalability, while ESO impresses with its unified platform handling incidents, training, and inspections. Each top contender offers unique strengths, ensuring fire departments can find solutions aligned with their specific operational needs.
Explore the power of Firehouse Software today—its robust features simplify records management, compliance, and daily workflows, making it the ideal starting point for any fire department aiming to elevate efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison