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PMS 448

PMS 448

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Torch – Drip, 1 1/4 GL (4.7L) Capacity

NFES #
000241
Category
Fuel Handling
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

 

National Caches will no longer refurbish non-OSHA approved torches.

Non-OSHA approved torches must be removed from service by June 2019

Please Note: Lock collar and stem apparatus are not interchangeable between manufacturers and can cause major leaks and fire hazards. Keep the lock collar, stem, and body of drip torch together throughout the inspection, repair, and refurb process. See ETC Safety Warning and Cache Memo for more information.

ETC Safety Warning 21-01, Drip Torch Lock Rings Detaching (nwcg.gov)

Drip Torch Lock Ring Cache Memo 2021

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Visually inspect tank for cracks, splits, and obvious damage that may cause tank to leak.  Ensure lock ring and threads are not damaged and seal properly and air breather tube is not broken or missing.  Ensure that discharge plug and chain are attached to tank cover assembly.  Visually inspect for correct alignment of igniter, fuel trap and fuel outlet.
  2. Return to stock if item is clean, undamaged, and in unused condition.
  3. Refurbish if economically feasible and parts are available
  4. Dispose of item if it fails inspection and is damaged beyond repair.
  5. Salvage usable components and parts for future repairs. 

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Remove and properly dispose of any residual fuel before any refurbishment.
  2. Steam clean or wash with mild degreaser soap, rinse with water, inspect for and remove any scab deposits inside tank.
  3. Carbon buildup on the igniter and screen can be cleaned with wire brush as necessary. If carbon buildup is excessive on wick, replace as needed.
  4. Tighten screw that holds igniter and screen in place.
  5. Thoroughly dry all components with clean rag and air hose. Use air hose to blow wick dry and blow air through stem to ensure no water is trapped.   

B. Repair

  1. Replace igniter if screen is ruptured, crushed, or wick material is burned out.
  2. Ensure that the alignment of; igniter, fuel trap, and fuel outlet is correct (see figure 4 below).  Tighten screw that holds igniter and screen in place.
  3. Install discharge plug into the fuel outlet seat.
  4. Insert spout into tank and tighten lock ring.
  5. Replace worn flammable liquid labels if damaged.
  6. There are several different manufacturers of drip torches. Do not mix the components as the drip torch will not function correctly or will leak.

C. Testing for Performance 

  1. With torch in operational configuration, fill tank with water to check for leaks, turn drip torch with spout down, open vent, water should flow, close vent water should stop.
  2.  Repair any deficiencies found.
  3. Drain and let dry completely before repackaging. 
  4. Remember that parts from differing manufacturers are not interchangeable. Keep components together throughout the process.

D. Repackaging

  • 1 EA in NFES #008189 carton (16” x 8” x 8”)

 

Pictured (figures 1 & 2) are two D.O.T. approved shipping containers.

  1. Note the UN Markings and Flammable Liquid Label.  Drip Torch cans without these Markings and Label may not be used to transport fuel.
  2. The red can is the ‘NEW’ OSHA approved can for fuel dispensing.
  3. Non-OSHA approved torches, including those not powder coated red, must be removed from service by June 2019.

Figure 1, D.O.T. approved shipping containers. 
Figure 1

 

Torch lid and bottom of tank markings. 
Figure 2

 

Torch can internal mechanism.
Figure 3

 

Exploded diagram of internal torch tank parts with part numbers listed.
Figure 4

 

 

Reference

Equipment Bulletin:  ETC-EB-01:  Phase-Out of Drip Torches That Do Not Comply With US DOT and US OSHA Specifications (pdf)

NWCG Standards for Transporting Fuel, PMS 442

NWCG Standards for Ground Ignition Equipment, PMS 443

 

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 Risk Management Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Safety Bulletin: 25-001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing

Equipment Technology Committee

Risk Management Committee

FAQ Now Available for Archiving Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Positions

Date: Aug 6, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Incident and Position Standards Committee

To support the transition to Complex Incident Management (CIM), NWCG will archive all Type 1 and Type 2 Command and General Staff (C&G) position qualifications in January 2026, as outlined in NWCG Executive Board Memo 25-002. To assist with this transition, a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document is now available.

This resource answers common questions about the status of Type 1 and Type 2 qualifications, impacts to incident qualification management, training requirements, and resource ordering considerations. Review the full FAQ to learn more.

For additional information on CIM and the transition of C&G positions, see NWCG Executive Board Memos 23-005, 24-005, and 25-002, as well as the Incident Workforce and Development Group webpage.

References:

NWCG Type 1 & Type 2 Position Archiving FAQ

NWCG Executive Board Correspondence

Incident Workforce Development Group

Incident and Position Standards Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page