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NWCG Glossary of Wildland Fire (PMS 205)

Term Steward Status Definition
polyester MFES Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee Approved A synthetic material either spun or filament. Can be used in both the warp and filler yarn in fire hose.
polyethylene MFES Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee Approved Any of various partially crystalline lightweight thermoplastics that are resistant to chemicals and moisture, have good insulating properties, and are used especially in packaging, insulation and sometimes for wildland engine water tanks.
polygon date time GISC Geospatial Information Subcommittee Approved The date and time that the polygon was collected in the field
polypropylene MFES Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee Approved A copolymer plastic, usually black, that is strong, ultraviolet resistant, not effected by chemicals and a good choice for wildland engine water tanks.
polyurethane MFES Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee Approved This type plastic normally is used for round molded tanks, is not ultraviolet resistant, a poor choice for fire apparatus.
portable pump ETSC Equipment/Technology Subcommittee Approved Small gasoline-driven pump that can be carried to a water source by one or two firefighters or other conveyance over difficult terrain.
portatank ETSC Equipment/Technology Subcommittee Approved Container, either with rigid frame or self supporting, which can be filled with water or fire chemical mixture from which fire suppression resources can be filled. It can also be a source for charging hose lays from portable pumps or stationary engines.
position code QSSC Qualifications Systems Subcommittee Approved A code (mnemonic) for designating a position used in incident management response
position currency requirement PMC Fire Planning Management Committee, QMC Qualifications Management Committee, QSSC Qualifications Systems Subcommittee, LMC Logistic and Equipment Management Committee Approved The requirement to perform satisfactorily in a specified position within the last five years (three years for aviation and expanded dispatch positions) in order to maintain qualification for the position.
position endorsement QMC Qualifications Management Committee Approved Documentation validating specific knowledge, skills, and abilities that an [Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)] establishes beyond the minimum qualifications for a given position.
position performance assignment PMC Fire Planning Management Committee, QMC Qualifications Management Committee, QSSC Qualifications Systems Subcommittee, LMC Logistic and Equipment Management Committee Approved An assignment in which an individual is being evaluated for tasks found in the position task book.
position qualification requirement NWCG-EB NWCG Executive Board Approved A component of NWCG standards. They enable consistent and uniform performance by personnel mobilized by position under NIMS-ICS principles. Position qualification requirements include training, experience, physical fitness, position currency and incident position descriptions (duties and responsibilities).
position qualifications QMC Qualifications Management Committee, NISC NIMS Integration Subcommittee Approved The minimum criteria necessary for individuals to fill a specific position.
position specific standard NWCG-EB NWCG Executive Board Approved Derived from the incident position descriptions and are a component of NWCG standards. Position specific standards specify the tasks and behaviors that make up the incident position’s duties and responsibilities.
Position Steward PMC Fire Planning Management Committee, QMC Qualifications Management Committee, QSSC Qualifications Systems Subcommittee, LMC Logistic and Equipment Management Committee Approved The committee or subgroup that is assigned to manage an incident position
Position Task Book (PTB) PMC Fire Planning Management Committee, QMC Qualifications Management Committee, QSSC Qualifications Systems Subcommittee, LMC Logistic and Equipment Management Committee Approved A document listing the performance requirements (competencies and behaviors) for a position in a format that allows for the evaluation of individual (trainee) performance to determine if an individual is qualified in the position. Successful performance of PTB tasks, as observed and recorded by a qualified evaluator, will result in a recommendation to the trainee's home unit that the individual be certified in the position. 
position title QSSC Qualifications Systems Subcommittee Approved A title for a position used for incident management response.
positive displacement pump ETSC Equipment/Technology Subcommittee Approved A pump which moves a specified quantity of water through the pump chamber with each stroke or cycle; it is capable of pumping air, and therefore is self-priming, but must have pressure relief provisions if plumbing or hoses have shut-off nozzles or valves . Gear pumps and piston pumps are common examples of this type. 
possible FISC Fire Investigation Subcommittee Approved A level of certainty that is feasible but does not rise to the level of probable.
potato roll ETSC Equipment/Technology Subcommittee Approved Quick method of rolling hose for pick up; hose is rolled as a ball of string.
Potential Operational Delineation line GISC Geospatial Information Subcommittee Requested Depicts linear potential control features that may form wildland fire potential operational delineation polygon boundaries.
Potential Operational Delineation polygon GISC Geospatial Information Subcommittee Requested A polygon depicting control features that form wildland fire potential operation delineation boundaries.
Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) ETSC Equipment/Technology Subcommittee Approved Measurement of pressure (e.g., pump pressure, nozzle pressure, friction loss in hose, pressure loss or gain due to elevation).
power take-off MFES Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee Approved An output shaft on an engine, transmission, or transfer case of a motorized vehicle that delivers engine power to auxiliary equipment.
pre-course work QMC Qualifications Management Committee, TDSC Training Delivery Subcommittee Approved Work that is assigned before a training session begins. The purpose is to prepare learners for an upcoming training with the knowledge and skills required to participate in training activities. Pre-course work typically consists of readings, videos, online resources, or gathering of information that will be pertinent to the course.
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