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PMS 448

Ladder – Step, 8’ Fiberglass

NWCG Committee Realignment Website Updates: Content will continue to be updated over the coming days as we work through final reviews and adjustments, and all publications and products are currently under revision.

NFES #
000586
Category
Camp
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
Yes
Storage and Shelf Life Procedure
If stored upright, it must be securely strapped to prevent falling.

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Ladders should not have any damage including cracks, chips and splinters, deformed rails or rungs from heat, chemical or environmental exposure, or any bends and breaks, lack of structural integrity, missing components or loose parts.
  2. The steps or rungs must be tight and secure to the side rails.
  3. All hardware and fittings need to be properly and securely attached.
  4. Movable parts must be tested to see that they operate without binding or without too much free play.
  5. All labels should be intact and readable.
  6. Ladders shall be free of oil, grease, or slippery materials.
  7. All accessories such as leg levelers, paint shelves, stand-off shelves, etc. are in good condition.
  8. The ladder feet must have slip resistant materials.
  9. Return to stock if ladder passes visual inspection and no refurbishment is needed.
  10. Refurbish if damage detected is repairable and cost effective.
  11. Dispose of any ladder that has any material defect or damage that cannot be repaired, excessive paint exists. Dispose of any wooden or metal ladders.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Remove all oil, grease.
  2. Clean with soap and water or power wash.
  3. Air dry.

B. Repair

  • Replace any damaged or missing components with manufacturer’s specific parts and meeting the ladder’s original design criteria.

C. Testing for performance

  1. Visual inspection of all ladder steps, ladder legs, and ladder cross supports.
  2. Set up ladder and check for stability.

D. Repackaging

  • Local cache option

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 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 that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

RMC Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNetX Launch

Date:  June 25, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) is pleased to announce the launch of SafeNetX, the modernized safety reporting system now available to the wildland fire community. Effective June 15, 2026, SafeNetX enables reporting of unsafe, unhealthy, near-miss, and high-risk operations across wildland fire, all-hazard incidents, training, and related work environments.

SafeNetX is the result of a multi-agency modernization effort led by RMC, which began evaluating improvements to the legacy SAFENET system in 2021. To learn more, read the full RMC memorandum in the links provided.

References:

SafeNetX

RMC Safety Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNet X Launch

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee