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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

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Aviation

Camp

Clothing

Cordura

Fuel Handling

Kits

Medical

Miscellaneous

PPE

Small Engine Equipment

Tools

Water Handling

Deleted Items

Helmet – Flight, SPH-5C, Regular, w/Bag

NFES #
002314
Category
Aviation
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. If helmet carton is unopened inspect carton for signs of crushing, drops or water damage. If carton is damaged, open and inspect helmet following remaining inspection processes.
  2. Visual inspection indicating use or missing parts (screws, visors, worn cords, etc.)
  3. Structural damage (cracked shell, visor housing, booms, etc.)
  4. Structural damage preventing repair and refurbishment (cracked helmet shell, salvage useable part and dispose of helmet shell)
  5. Visual inspection for SPH-4 helmets as flight helmets must meet requirements in Instruction Memo No. 96-2006 which states: SPH-4 Helmet should be converted to SPH-5 Helmets or disposed of.
  6. Return to inventory if helmet has been unused and carton does not show signs of damage.
  7. Send for refurbishment if any item found during inspection such as use or missing parts appear to be repairable
  8. Dispose of helmet if structural integrity is compromised. Salvage usable parts.

A. Cleaning

  • Use general purpose cleaner. (Do not use bleach, paint remover, thinner, or acetone on flight helmet shell. It may cause damage)

B. Repair

All refurbishment will be conducted by certified personnel (trained by NIFC ramp services).

  1. Earphones
  2. Microphone
  3. Cord assembly
  4. Microphone cable assembly
  5. Replace missing or damaged parts
  6. Replace thermoplastic liner (TPL) in SPH-5 TPL
    • Size Regular NFES #003063
    • Size XL- NFES #003064
    • Size Small NFES #003065. Contact address below for further information.

Refurbishment and repair may be performed by the following:

National Interagency Fire Center Ramp Services
3833 S. Development Avenue Boise, ID 83705
Phone: 208–387–5529 Fax: 208–387–5785

C. Testing for Performance

  • Re-test avionics if anything has been repaired or replaced

D. Repackaging

  1. Place flight helmet inside helmet bag
  2. Package 1 each in carton NSN 8115-00-079-8680, (12” x 12” x 12”).

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

Date: Sept 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use. This advisory recommends all pre-2006 fire shelters should be removed from service by January 1, 2026.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

  • Inspect fire shelters immediately
  • Replace and destroy any pre-2006 shelters (identified by white or pink insert label)
  • Order replacements as needed

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory. 

References:

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

NWCG Alerts

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources