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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

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Ladder – Step, 8’ Fiberglass

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

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

New! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 16, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the new Ransom Road Fire Module to RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR).

This module features a firsthand account from Rob Lee, official reports, and animated maps of the Ransom Road Fire which occurred on June 8, 1981, in Florida's Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The module is available now in NWCG's RT-130, WFSTAR Catalog.

References:

WFSTAR Catalog

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

Leadership Committee 

Coming Soon! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 9, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

On June 8, 1981, the Ransom Road Fire swept across Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, marking a defining moment in wildland fire management. This event led directly to the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's professional fire program.

Later this month, NWCG will release a compelling video that brings the Ransom Road Fire to life through firsthand accounts, official reports, and animated maps. Rob Lee, second on site during the deployment, shares his powerful recollections of that day. 

This video will be going live later this month in NWCG's RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Catalogue.

References:

WFSTAR Catalogue 

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign: "Leadership Levels" Now Available

Date: October 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the Leadership Committee’s 2025–2026 Leadership Campaign, themed “Leadership Levels.” This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

The campaign is structured into four quarters and may be completed at any time between October 1, 2025 -December 31, 2026. Leadership levels will be released quarterly.

Quarter One materials are now available on the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program website and focus on Leadership Level 1, Follower (Self-Leadership).

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee