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PMS 448

Bag – Sleeping, Cold Weather

NFES #
000128
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.  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”).

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-212, Intermediate Faller (Online) Course Available Now 

Date:  April 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S‑212, Intermediate Faller (Online), course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). This second course in the series provides students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of an Intermediate Faller (FAL2), as described in the FAL2 Incident Position Description. This course is intended for individuals seeking to advance from Basic Faller (FAL3) to FAL2.

S‑212, Intermediate Faller is a fully online, self‑paced training program consisting of 13 units. Learners will engage with interactive, scenario‑based content designed to progressively build foundational skills and knowledge essential for the FAL2 role.

Students must be qualified as a Basic Faller (FAL3) prior to enrolling in S‑212, Intermediate Faller course.

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 2027.

References:

S-212 Intermediate Faller (Online)

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

New Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

Date:  April 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: National Coordination System Committee

A new publication from the National Coordination System Committee (NCSC) is now available. The NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249, will be used for aviation crews and dispatch to share flight information that is needed for resource tracking, and if needed, for emergency procedures.

For further details, please contact your NCSC representative. 

References:

NCSC Memo 26-01: Implementation of NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

New Glossary Term for Review

Date:  April 15, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Data Standards and Terminology Board (DSTB)

The Data Standards and Terminology Board is requesting feedback on a new glossary term: Resource Protection Measure (RPM).

The proposed definition is: Practical guidance provided for incident personnel in a manner in which incident objectives can be achieved while reducing impacts to identified resources across the landscape. RPMs are informed by, but not restricted to, Minimum Impact Strategies and Tactics (MIST).

Please review, share with your subgroups, and provide feedback as appropriate through the following form: Request Feedback The comment period will close May 10, 2026.

Thank you for your engagement in the NWCG glossary process – your participation is key to our success.

References:

Glossary Request Feedback

Quarter Three Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  April 1, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Quarter Three materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. 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.

Quarter Three materials focus on Leadership Level 3: Leader of People (Develop Intent). Leadership Level 3 is where your values, your team, and your influence come together. Leaders of People put their teams first, build trust, and lead with authenticity. They mentor future leaders and shape decisions up and down the chain.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee