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PMS 448

Heater – Propane, 20# Tank Mounted

NFES #
006139
Category
Camp
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Visual inspect for missing parts (guards, knobs, etc.) or any structural damage preventing repair. Inspect for torn or cut heater element, damaged or cracked hose/hose connections, loose fittings, and damage to regulators.
  2. Inspect hoses for cracks, inspecting for breaks by flexing.
  3. Inspect hose or valve for foreign material that might cause a blocked line.
  4. Inspect O-rings on supply hose and replace if needed.
  5. Inspect for out-of-round fittings by screwing regulator into tank POL fitting.
  6. Return to stock if item passes initial inspection, passes Testing for Performance, is clean, and is serviceable.
  7. Refurbish heater if any damage is repairable, missing or damaged components are available, and it’s economically feasible to refurbish.
  8. Dispose of heaters that have structural damage that prevents repair. Salvage parts that are serviceable for future repairs. Dispose of damaged regulators and cracked or damaged hoses.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Clean the outside of the heater using a damp cloth. DO NOT clean the heater by spraying water on it.
  2. Clean the inside of the heater using compressed air.

B. Repair

  1. Replace regulator if there is any damage to the regulator or threads do not properly seat.
  2. Replace or straighten any damaged or bent parts.
  3. Repair or replace auto shut off valve if not working properly (if applicable.)
  4. Replace any damaged or cracked hose or hose connections.

C. Testing for Performance

  1. Prior to testing use an air hose to blow unit off of any dust, dirt or debris.
  2. Perform initial inspections prior to testing.
  3. Ensure a fire extinguisher is in the work area prior to lighting any heater.
  4. Mount or connect the heater to a LP-Gas supply cylinder.
  5. Turn on gas supply to the heater and 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 heater immediately and wait a minimum of five minutes before repairing the leak.
  6. When assured that there are no leaks, light heater/pilot. If heater/pilot does not ignite within 5 seconds, extinguish flame and shut off gas valve. Wait 5 minutes before retrying.
  7. (#006139 heaters) Once pilot is lit, let run for 3-5 minutes, try on/off cycle 2 to 3 times.
  8. (#006187 heaters) Once pilot is lit, turn heater on, let run for 3-5 minutes; try on/off cycle 2 to 3 times.
  9. If heater fails, determine if economical to repair, send to a certified repair shop.
  10. Inspect auto shut off valve is in working condition by tipping unit over (if applicable.)

D. Repackaging

  • Repack in original carton if possible or pack to local cache option.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

FAQ Now Available for Archiving Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Positions

Date: Aug 6, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Incident and Position Standards Committee

To support the transition to Complex Incident Management (CIM), NWCG will archive all Type 1 and Type 2 Command and General Staff (C&G) position qualifications in January 2026, as outlined in NWCG Executive Board Memo 25-002. To assist with this transition, a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document is now available.

This resource answers common questions about the status of Type 1 and Type 2 qualifications, impacts to incident qualification management, training requirements, and resource ordering considerations. Review the full FAQ to learn more.

For additional information on CIM and the transition of C&G positions, see NWCG Executive Board Memos 23-005, 24-005, and 25-002, as well as the Incident Workforce and Development Group webpage.

References:

NWCG Type 1 & Type 2 Position Archiving FAQ

NWCG Executive Board Correspondence

Incident Workforce Development Group

Incident and Position Standards Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were 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 January 2026.

References:

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page