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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

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Cordura

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Deleted Items

Chaps – Protective, Summer Weight 36" Long

NFES #
000078
Category
Cordura
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect fabric and webbing for any holes, cuts, tears, or burns. Tears less than ½ inch can be repaired.  Tears or cuts longer than ½” render the item unserviceable. 
  2. Inspect for any area of abrasion that has weakened fabric beyond repair.
  3. Inspect for any webbing that is cut, burned, or abraded beyond economical repair.
  4. Inspect each leg. If either leg has more than five patches, remove from service.
  5. Chaps should be removed from service if not labeled with specification USFS 6170-4F, 4G, or 4H or are not certified to NFPA 1977‑05.
  6. Inspect all molded nylon hardware for dirt, cracks, breaks, and proper function.
  7. Return to stock if item does not show any signs of use and passes visual inspection.
  8. Refurbish if the item needs to be cleaned and/or damage can be repaired economically.
  9. Dispose of item if it fails initial inspection.
  10. Dispose of item if wood chips and sawdust are evident inside the layers at the bottom of the chaps.
  11. Dispose of item if the first layer of yellow Kevlar has a cut that is more than 1 inch long.
  12. Dispose of item if improper repairs have been made, such as patch jobs that stitched through the Kevlar.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Allow any mud or loose dirt to dry and then remove using a stiff-bristle brush.  If stains remain, wash as recommended below.
  2. Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a Citrosqueeze® solution, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly and hang to dry.
  3. For heavier oil or grease soak in a Citrosqueeze® solution for at least 4 hours, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly and hang to dry.

DO NOT MACHINE WASH OR DRY.

DO NOT USE BLEACH TO CLEAN FABRIC.

DO NOT PRESSURE WASH.

B. Repair

  1. Repair burn holes and cuts. 
  2. Use Seam Grip® to repair holes or cuts in the nylon shell. 
  3. To repair holes less than ½ inch in length, apply a dot of Seam Grip® over the hole and allow the Seam Grip® to dry. 
  4. Allow chaps to dry for at least 12 hours before using.
  5. Replace burned, abraded, or cut nylon webbing with like items.
  6. Replace broken or nonfunctioning hardware.

C. Testing for Performance

  • Retest all replaced hardware. The hardware should function easily with little force being applied and no difficulty in the release.

D. Repackaging

  • Pack 10 each in NFES #002007 carton (24” x 16” x 16”).

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

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