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PMS 448

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”).

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL)

Date: October 16, 2024
Contact: Incident Medical Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39 and NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for MEDL includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book, were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Medical Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39

NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal is Now Available

Date: October 9, 2024
Contact: Wildland Fire Learning Portal

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP) is back online following a migration to a new learning management system (LMS) application. The WFLP team is actively addressing any issues that may arise as a result of the update, and appreciates your patience as the team works to enhance your experience. NWCG will share information from the WFLP as it is available.

Should you have any issues with accessing or using the WFLP, please use the link below to submit a ticket through the Help Center.

References:

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Wildland Fire Learning Portal Help Center

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases New Equipment Bulletins

Date: September 27, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released three new Equipment Bulletins:

  • ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers.
  • ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories.
  • ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance.

These bulletins remind field going personnel of important issues related to equipment for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers

ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories

ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee is looking for your feedback on Staff Rides

Date: September 20, 2024
Contact: Ashleigh D'Antonio and George Risko, Leadership Committee

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee needs to hear from the field about where the greatest need lies regarding staff rides and their accessibility.

  • Do you have an event you would like to turn into a learning experience?
  • Do you have a staff ride built, but are struggling to implement the delivery?
  • Do you need help building capacity?
  • What other ideas do you have to support experiential leadership training?

Fill out this short survey below to help us help you.

References:

Staff Rides: Feedback

Staff Rides