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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

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Aviation

Camp

Clothing

Cordura

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Deleted Items

Bag – Sleeping, Cloth, Washable, 3 lb. Fill

NFES #
000022
Category
Clothing
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
Yes
Storage and Shelf Life Procedure
Prior to shipping, inspect carton for rodent damage and/or moisture damage. If found, handle accordingly and dispose of carton and contents in appropriate manner.

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect for any holes, cuts, tears, abrasions, or torn seams that cannot be repaired economically, if any dispose of.
  2. Inspect for excessive dirt or stains that laundering cannot eliminate, if any dispose of.
  3. Inspect for missing slider, damaged coils, or other defects that make zipper inoperable, repair if economical.
  4. Inspect for batting that is bunched-up or in clumps. Shake the bag several times to ensure that the batting will loft evenly, not clump or shift.
  5. Inspect for any indelible marking on the bag, if any dispose of.
  6. Inspect for any signs of body fluid stains. If there’s any question on whether the bag can be completely cleaned and sanitized, dispose of the item.
  7. Return to stock if item shows no signs of use and passes initial inspection.
  8. Dispose of item if unable to repair.
  9. Refurbish if damage detected is repairable.

Refurbishment Procedures

A. Cleaning- CLASS 4 CORDURA - SLEEPING BAGS

  1. Remove all contents not part of the bag and zip closed before laundering.
  2. Launder bags in front-loading machine. Use mild soap in water of no more than 130 °F. Bags shall undergo three wash and rinse cycles, i.e. wash, rinse, wash, rinse, wash, rinse, sterilize with a bleach solution of 50 ppm in the last wash cycle.
  3. With bag unzipped, dry in a tumble dryer with an average temperature not to exceed 130 °F. The dryer unit shall be of the reverse-action type. All bags shall be unfolded and shall tumble free. (To obtain the average temperature, test the temperature every 5 minutes and average the findings.)
  4. After drying, zip bags closed.

B. Repair

  1. Repair any hole, cut, tear, abrasion, or open seam.
  2. Replace any zipper that has damaged coils and replace any missing slider.

C. Tests for Performance

  1. Inspect cord lock to ensure spring works properly and that the cord passes freely through when the lock is disengaged.
  2. Close zipper to ensure it provides a smooth and secure closure the full length of the bag opening.
  3. Open and close the hook and pile fastener to ensure closure is adequate.
  4. Retest all hardware if it has been replaced.

D. Repackaging

  1. Package in plastic bag.
    • For NFES #000022, #000058, #000128 package 5 bags in NFES #000644 carton (33” x 16” x 22”).
    • For NFES #001062 package 10 bags in NFES #000513 carton (37.50” x 24.50” x 17”).

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NWCG Latest Announcements

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

Equipment Bulletin 25-002: Chaps, Chain Saw, M-2020, Nonconformities Affecting Use, Appearance, and Serviceability

Date: June 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 to address a manufacturing nonconformity affecting Forest Service specification, 6170-4K Chain Saw Chaps. The issue applies to chaps manufactured in 2024 and 2025 and distributed through FedMall. These chaps may have incorrectly bound edges that expose inner protective layers.

Independent purchasers should inspect all chain saw chaps received from FedMall beginning in 2024, prior to use. Review the full Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 for inspection criteria and recommended actions.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-002

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

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

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group