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PMS 448

Kit – Insulation, Shelter, 20’ Octagon

NFES #
000581
Category
Camp
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Refer to NWCG NFES Catalog, – Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1, for a complete list of kit components. Replace missing parts as needed.
  2. Inspect roof and wall panels for any tears or rips and repair or replace as needed.
  3. Inspect windows and screens in wall panels. Repair or replace where necessary.
  4. Check for missing straps and Velcro on panels and replace as needed.
  5. Ensure panels are stenciled with correct NFES numbers.
  6. Inspect NFES 001065 aluminum container for damage to the hinges, clasps, handles, and rubber seal in the lid. Repair if possible; replace as needed. Ensure all proper markings and labels are clear and legible.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. DO NOT PRESSURE WASH. Wipe with damp cloth and mild detergent. A soft bristle brush and low-pressure garden hose may be used for tougher spots.
  2. Air dry completely before repackaging taking care that there is no moisture in between the insulation layers. Ensure that the Velcro is dry on all panels before folding and placing in proper container.
  3. Wash NFES 001065 aluminum container using damp cloth, garden hose, or pressure wash as needed. Allow to air dry.

B. Repair

  1. Repair any holes, tears, or rips as needed using Type A TEAR-AID Patch. If it requires an excessive number of patches, consider replacement.
  2. Re-stencil NFES numbers as needed.
  3. Often times, damage to the NFES 001065 aluminum container is not economical to repair. Repair when possible, replace as needed.
  4. Replace buckles, straps, and snaps as needed. Velcro and straps may require sewing into place. If damage to the underlying material is excessive, replace as needed.

C. Testing for Performance

  • None

D. Repackaging

  1. Fold neatly, preferably with the NFES stencil visible.
  2. Place folded panels in #001065 aluminum kit container. Use a truck seal or equivalent and seal the clasp.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page

ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 Risk Management Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Safety Bulletin: 25-001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing

Equipment Technology Committee

Risk Management Committee