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Waterbag Assembly - 5 gl, M2015 w/pump

NFES #
000909
Category
Water Handling
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

Bag     

  1. Inspect vinyl, fabric, and webbing for any holes, cuts, tears, burns, or torn seams that are not economically repairable, if any dispose of.
  2. Inspect plastic cap and fittings for cracks, breaks, missing gaskets or other damage.
  3. If bag appears to be used, inflate bag with air (<10 psi), submerge in water and check for leaks.  Dry vinyl and mark holes with black marker for patching in repair process.
  4. Inspect for any missing fasteners or that does not provide adequate closure.
  5. Inspect for excessive dirt or fuel stains that cleaning cannot eliminate, dispose of.
  6. Inspect for any writings, drawings. Dispose of if cleaning cannot remove markings.
  7. Return to stock if item does not show any signs of use and passes visual inspection.
  8. Refurbish if damage detected is repairable.
  9. Dispose of item if unable to repair.

Pump

  1. Inspect for obvious damage. 
  2. Inspect for burns and cracks if so dispose of.
  3. Inspect for damaged threads, if beyond repair dispose of.  Ensure tip is secured to wand with a 3”-4” length of ball chain.
  4. Place hose in water and pump handle to validate that pump works properly.
  5. Return item to stock if it shows no sign of use or damage.
  6. Dispose of item if unable to repair.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

Bag

  1. Remove straps and clean exterior of bag thoroughly with filler cap attached.
  2. Support or hang bag, remove cap and fill with water to rinse out tank.
  3. Replace cap and shake bag vigorously until all foreign matter is removed.
  4. Drain completely.
  5. Invert bag after removing cap and empty as much water as possible.
  6. Let dry inverted for 1 hour in sun, if possible.
  7. Clean the straps with mild detergent and stiff bristle brush, machine launder, or gently pressure wash. Hang to dry.

Pump

  1. Wash and clean all items of foreign matter, such as mud, dirt, and grease.
  2. Clean in mild detergent with brush or scouring pad as needed.
  3. Rinse thoroughly.

B. Repair

Bag

  1. Patch any hole or tears.  No more than 3 patches should be present on the bag.  If more, dispose of bag.  Small pin hole can be repaired with TEAR-AID® Type B or other similar material recommended by the tank manufacturer.
  2. Larger holes can be repaired utilizing vinyl welding tools and techniques if available.
  3. Holes in the seams may not be repairable.
  4. Place patch on damaged area and apply pressure with roller or suitable device for at least 1 minute.
  5. The filler neck and cap can be replaced following the instructions included in the Fedco Bag Filler Neck Service Kit, part #181874.
  6. Repair or replace any damaged components on bag or straps.
  7. Ensure bags are stenciled with “non-potable” or “suppression use only”.

Pump

  1. If pump pressure is not sufficient, remove pump unit and replace O-rings.
  2. Ensure quick connection on pump has proper seating.
  3. Check hose connection to pump for tightness; if loose, use a hose clamp.
  4. Replace length of ball chain between wand and removable tip if missing.
  5. Check supply hose on pump assembly for obstructions and tight connections, bent push rods, and clogged tips.
  6. Check spring and ball bearing.
  7. Lubricate slide with appropriate lubricant, e.g., Chevron NLGI2 or equivalent.

C. Testing for Performance

  1. Re-inspect any patches or repairs.
  2. Fill with air (<10 psi).  Spray patched area with soapy water and inspect for leaks.

D. Repackaging

  1. Place pump in the center and roll bag around pump as tightly as possible, secure with plastic banding or rope to keep from unrolling.
  2. 8 each in NFES 002006 carton (23” x 19” x 10”).

 

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Opportunity to Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date: February 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the following positions:

  • Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM)
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  • Crew Representative (CREP)
  • Deck Coordinator (DECK)
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  • Field Observer (FOBS)
  • Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS)
  • Ordering Manager (ORDM)
  • Receiving/Distribution Manager (RCDM)
  • Staging Area Manager (STAM)

Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Incident Business Committee Memo 26-01: Updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297

Date: January 22, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Business Committee

The Incident Business Committee (IBC) has released Memorandum 26-01: OF 297 and 2026 Fire Use. This memo informs the wildland fire community that the updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 is available for download and can be ordered through the Great Basin Cache.

Beginning January 15, 2026 the previous version of the OF 297 form has been discontinued.

For further details, please contact your IBC representative.

References:

Incident Business Committee Memorandum 26-01

Great Basin Cache