Skip to main content

PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

All Categories

Aviation

Camp

Clothing

Cordura

Fuel Handling

Kits

Medical

Miscellaneous

PPE

Small Engine Equipment

Tools

Water Handling

Deleted Items

Pack – Personal Gear

NFES #
001855
Category
Cordura
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Visually inspect fabric for cuts, tears, burns, and areas of abrasions. Inspect seams for breaks in stitching and for areas where the fabric is unraveling into the seams, check all straps and webbing for cuts or excessive wear.  Ensure straps are securely attached to the fabric; inspect zippers for broken coils and missing or broken sliders.  Ensure they are securely attached to the fabric. Open and close the zippers to ensure a smooth and proper function.  Ensure all hardware, buckles and Velcro closures are correctly attached.  Inspect all buckles and hardware for cracks or breaks.  Fasten and unfasten all buckles and hardware to ensure a smooth and proper function. Ensure all Velcro closures are securely attached. 
  2. Return to stock if item is clean, free of damage, and in unused condition.
  3. Refurbish if item passes inspection, and repair is economically feasible.
  4. Dispose of if there’s any indelible writing or markings on the item, or if item is beyond economical repair.

Refurbishment Procedures

A. Cleaning

  • ​CLASS 1 CORDURA (MACHINE WASH OK)
    • Allow any mud or loose dirt to dry then remove using a stiff-bristle brush. If stains remain, wash as recommended below.
    • Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.  “Mild detergents” includes most home laundry detergents that contain no chlorine bleach or added scents.
    • For heavier oil or grease, soak in water-soluble biodegradable degreaser for at least 30 minutes, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.
    • If machine washing, use only cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry.
    • Where no other method is cleaning the fabric, wash with pressure washer set at wide fan, warm water, and only allow nozzle close enough as necessary for cleaning, the further away the better for the fabric.

DO NOT MACHINE DRY.  DO NOT USE BLEACH TO CLEAN FABRIC.

B. Repair

  1. If necessary, replace buckles and hardware.
  2. Repair any tears, holes or areas of excessive abrasion if economically feasible.
  3. Repair any seams that are worn or that have torn loose.
  4. Repair or replace webbing.

C. Test for performance

  • Test any buckles, zippers or Velcro that has been replaced for functionality.

D. Repackaging

  • For NFES #001855, pack 10 packs per NFES #002030 carton (24” x 16” x 12”).

 

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

NEW! D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder Course Available Now

Date:  May 15, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Dispatch Position and Curriculum Management Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder (Instructor-led) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the National Coordination System Committee, this course introduces the structure and function of expanded dispatch, the qualities of an effective dispatcher, and provides hands-on experience with the Interagency Resource Ordering Capability (IROC) system. 

The D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder course aligns with the competencies and duties outlined in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Expanded Dispatch Recorder, PMS 350-59, and is designed for individuals with no prior experience who may be called upon to support dispatch operations.

References:

D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder (Instructor-Led)

Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC), Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Expanded Dispatch Recorder, PMS 350-59

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Leadership Committee IAP Flyer Now Available

Date:  May 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee promotes and enables leadership development across the wildland fire service. The committee provides education, training opportunities, and support for leadership innovation and best practices throughout the community.

A new IAP flyer is now available on the committee website, offering an overview of the products, curriculum, and learning opportunities the Leadership Committee develops. This resource is ideal for posting in your office, sharing with new employees, or distributing through your incident management teams to engage new voices in the leadership journey and reinforce a culture of self‑reflection, development, and growth.

References:

Leadership Committee 2026 IAP Flyer