6. CENTRALIZED HOST SERVER GUIDELINES

The host server is the key to having a good presence for any website on the Internet.  It must be 

reliable, available 24/7, and offer a number of different program capabilities for the webmaster 

to use (i.e. php, asp, html, flash, etc).  When the NGWC was seeking information on the 

availability of a national server, it was looking at each of these, plus the elimination of agency 

firewalls, FTP capability, and available for uploads from GACCS on a 24 hour basis. 

As it turned out, only one government server option was available that fit our interagency need.  

This was the FAMWEB server hosted by the National Information Technology Center (NITC) 

and USDA Forest Service.  Although, this is a USDA Forest Service server, it is deemed an 

interagency fire server and does not have to follow any specific agency template. 

There are several reasons why GACCs should consider hosting their website on the FAMWEB 

server: 

1. Similar URL  making it easier for visitors to move from GACC to GACC. 

2. Not required to follow a specific agency template  GACCs can create their own. 

3. No agency firewall issues since server is not accessed via a specific agency 

network. 

4. Server and web server manager are part of the wildland fire operations computer 

system  dedicated to fire and all risk management. 

6.1 USE OF FAMWEB SERVER 

For those that choose to host their GACC website on the FAMWEB server, the IP Address is 

199.134.225.213.  The centralized server is physically located at the USDA National 

Information Technology Center (NITC) in Kansas City, Missouri.   

Many folks are familiar with the FAMWEB site since it currently hosts several other 

applications used within the wildland fire community such as WIMS, Sit Report, 209 

Program, and others.  Dan Ervin, USFS Computer Specialist, is the manager and primary 

initial contact person for the server.  Once the initial files have been established on the 

server, the GACC will direct any future problems or inquiries to the FAMWEB Helpdesk at 1 

800 253 5559. 

Once the GACC moves its site to the FAMWEB server, the GACC is requested to place an 

auto forward page in the location of the old website Welcome page and any other pertinent 

pages on the site to let the visitor know the site has moved and what the new URL will be.  

On the auto forward page, state the visitor is being auto forwarded and that new bookmarks 

will need to be established. 

The following section discusses specifics for those GACCs that will be hosting their site on 

the FAMWEB server. 

National GACC Website and GACC Website Template  

20

  Implementation Guidelines