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PMS 448

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Read the Introduction for more information on these standards, including where to direct comments, questions, and recommendations. As new items are introduced, current items are discontinued, and/or health and safety issues arise, these standards will be revised to provide updated information. Sort by Update Date to view recent changes.

Kit – Shelter, 20’ Octagon

NFES Status
Active
NFES #
000549
Category
Kits
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect packing list and instructions. Refer to NWCG National Fire Equipment System Catalog for a complete list of kit components.
    1. Assemble the mainframe and components according to instructions. All locking pins and flex joints should move easily.
    2. Inspect for burrs on all components of mainframe, eve bars, and base bars.
    3. Loosen flex joints and remove burrs as needed.
  2. Inspect and install door. Door should open and close easily.
  3. Inspect roof and wall panels for any tears or rips and repair as needed.
  4. Inspect windows and screens in wall panels. Repair or replace where necessary.
  5. Check for broken welds on key flange, repair by bolting.
  6. Return to stock if shelter was not used, all kit contents are accounted for, and the shelter is clean.
  7. Refurbish kit if the shelter was used or is missing components.
  8. Disposal of complete kits is not recommended. Seek direction from local cache management for specific disposal criteria. Components that are damaged beyond repair should be disposed of and replaced with like items.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Clean main frame and misc. parts with a damp cloth and mild detergent if necessary.
  2. Clean the roof and wall panels with a mild detergent and water solution. Use a brush to remove hard dirt and grime or high pressure wash. Rinse well.
  3. Air dry completely before repackaging.

B. Repair

  1. Repair or replace any part of the main frame as needed. Bolt key flange.
  2. When dismantling, wipe all component parts with a damp cloth and return to proper container.
  3. Repair any holes, tears or rips as needed.
  4. Ensure that all locking buttons snap into place.
  5. Ensure that the Velcro is dry on all panels before folding and placing in proper container.
  6. Stencil main frame with property number, stencil inside the center roof ring.
  7.  Ensure that all kit components are accounted for prior to repacking.

C. Testing for Performance

  • None

D. Repackaging

  1. Repack according to manufacturer’s instructions and local cache option.
  2. Ensure that installation/assembly instructions are included in package.

 

Reference

Replacement parts may be obtained by contacting:
Western Shelter Systems
830 Wilson Street
Eugene, OR 97402
Phone: 541–344–7267

 

Kit – First Aid, Type III, 24-person

NFES Status
Active
NFES #
001604
Category
Kits
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
Yes
Storage and Shelf Life Procedure
2. Store in climate controlled environment.

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect case and/or bag for excessive wear and cleanliness. Inspect belt and buckles for serviceability.
  2. Open case and/or bag and inspect contents.
    1. Standard updated packing slip should be utilized while inventorying contents.
    2. Inspect contents and inspect expiration dates. Dispose of expired items.
    3. Inspect any items that require sanitary packaging for tears or other damage: dispose of if torn or damaged.
  3. Return to stock if item contents aren’t expired, kit seals are intact and item is clean and in unused condition.
  4. Refurbish if item seals are missing or broken, components were used, or if kit contains expired item.
  5. Dispose of damaged or expired components. Dispose of entire kit if it is not economically feasible to refurbish. Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning - CLASS 2 CORDURA (MACHINE WASH OK)

  1. Clean bag as necessary. Allow any mud or loose dirt to dry, and remove using a stiff-bristle brush. If stains remain, wash as recommended below.
  2. Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry. “Mild detergents” includes most home laundry detergents that contain no chlorine bleach or added scents.
  3. For heavier oil or grease, soak in water-soluble biodegradable degreaser for at least 30 minutes, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.
  4. If machine washing, use only cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry.
  5. Where no other method is cleaning the fabric, wash with pressure washer set at wide fan, warm water, and only allow nozzle close enough as necessary for cleaning, the further away the better for the fabric. DO NOT MACHINE DRY. DO NOT USE BLEACH.

B. Repair

  1. Repair, or replace case and/or bag as needed.
  2. Replace damaged or expired items.

C. Testing for Performance--none

D. Repackaging

  1. Utilizing packing slip, replace items in elastic retainers or inside case.
  2. Hook belt buckles together and fold against back of bag on belt kit.
  3. Enclose in a clear plastic bag with kit label and expiration dates visible and then heat seal bag.
  4. Package 10 each NFES #001143 in NFES #002007 carton (24” x 16” x 16”).
  5. Package 10 each NFES #001604 in NFES# 002030 carton (24” x 16” x 12”).

 

Kit – First Aid, 10-person, Belt

NFES Status
Active
NFES #
001143
Category
Kits
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
Yes
Storage and Shelf Life Procedure
2. Store in climate controlled environment.

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect case and/or bag for excessive wear and cleanliness. Inspect belt and buckles for serviceability.
  2. Open case and/or bag and inspect contents.
    1. Standard updated packing slip should be utilized while inventorying contents.
    2. Inspect contents and inspect expiration dates. Dispose of expired items.
    3. Inspect any items that require sanitary packaging for tears or other damage: dispose of if torn or damaged.
  3. Return to stock if item contents aren’t expired, kit seals are intact and item is clean and in unused condition.
  4. Refurbish if item seals are missing or broken, components were used, or if kit contains expired item.
  5. Dispose of damaged or expired components. Dispose of entire kit if it is not economically feasible to refurbish. Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning - CLASS 2 CORDURA (MACHINE WASH OK)

  1. Clean bag as necessary. Allow any mud or loose dirt to dry, and remove using a stiff-bristle brush. If stains remain, wash as recommended below.
  2. Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry. “Mild detergents” includes most home laundry detergents that contain no chlorine bleach or added scents.
  3. For heavier oil or grease, soak in water-soluble biodegradable degreaser for at least 30 minutes, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.
  4. If machine washing, use only cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry.
  5. Where no other method is cleaning the fabric, wash with pressure washer set at wide fan, warm water, and only allow nozzle close enough as necessary for cleaning, the further away the better for the fabric. DO NOT MACHINE DRY. DO NOT USE BLEACH.

B. Repair

  1. Repair, or replace case and/or bag as needed.
  2. Replace damaged or expired items.

C. Testing for Performance--none

D. Repackaging

  1. Utilizing packing slip, replace items in elastic retainers or inside case.
  2. Hook belt buckles together and fold against back of bag on belt kit.
  3. Enclose in a clear plastic bag with kit label and expiration dates visible and then heat seal bag.
  4. Package 10 each NFES #001143 in NFES #002007 carton (24” x 16” x 16”).
  5. Package 10 each NFES #001604 in NFES# 002030 carton (24” x 16” x 12”).

 

Kit – Coffee Heating

NFES Status
Active
NFES #
000480
Category
Kits
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection Disposal Criteria

  1. Visually inspect kit components. Kit component list is found in the NWCG National Fire Equipment System Catalog.
  2. Inspect for missing or damaged O-rings on faucet.
  3. Inspect for damage or cracking to hose line. Ensure that threaded pipe fittings inside the burner have been welded completely around. If not, have work done by a certified welder.
  4. Return to stock if kit is complete, has not been used or damaged, and is clean.
  5. Refurbish if initial inspection indicates kit was used or if components are missing or damaged.
  6. Dispose of bad hose lines, badly bent stove, urn, lid, and broken faucets.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Clean heater components. Repaint if necessary with high-temperature paint.
  2. Clean with soap and water and disinfect urn, basket, bucket, lid, and faucets.

B. Repair

  1. All welding should be completed by a certified welder.
  2. Replace hose lines as necessary.
  3. Replace damaged or missing O-rings as necessary.

C. Testing for Performance

  1. Have a fire extinguisher in working area prior to testing burner performance.
  2. Connect stove and all fittings to propane source.
  3. Turn on tank with burner valve in “OFF” position.
  4. Check all fittings and connections for gas leaks using mild soap and water solution. NEVER INSPECT FOR LEAKS USING A MATCH OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF FLAME. Should a gas leak occur, shut off the gas supply to the burner immediately and wait a minimum of five minutes before repairing the leak.
  5. Once fuel line assembly is free of leaks, light burner and make sure it is operable.
  6. Reference the refurbishment standards for the inspection, testing and cleaning of propane tanks.
  7. Concerns and questions regarding propane fittings, regulators, and propane tanks should be directed to an authorized liquid propane gas service representative.

D. Repackaging

  • Package one kit in NFES #000500 carton (22” x 22” x 36”).

 

Reference

OPD Valves

 

Fence – Barricade, Plastic, 4’ X 100’

NFES Status
Active
NFES #
000608
Category
Kits
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Visually inspect for damage, tears, rips, dirt, grease, oil or paint. Inspect for length, if less than 100’ splicing may be required following refurbishment procedures. There should be no more than four splices in a 100’ section of fencing using fencing of similar style and pattern.
  2. Return to stock if item is in clean serviceable condition with four or less splices and minimal torn fence sections.
  3. Refurbish if item is repairable and easily cleaned.
  4. Dispose of item if sections are less than 50’ with previous spliced sections, if there is excessive damage, or shows paint, oil, or soiling that cannot be easily removed.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  • Clean by sweeping or with high-pressure wash; or clean with mild detergent using a brush or scouring pad.

B. Repair

  1. Replace damage barricade section by splicing.
  2. Splice using small cable ties or small hog rings one top, one bottom, and one every 6 inches to ensure splice security; up to four splices of same type and pattern for each 100’ barricade fence.

C. Testing for performance

  • None

D. Repackaging

  • Re-roll and secure.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Fire Center

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG provides leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated interagency wildland fire operations nationwide.

References:

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal