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PMS 448

Introduction PMS 448

These national standards are applicable at National Support Caches and local units. For items that are not identified for refurbishment in this publication, contact your local servicing cache or technical centers for assistance. As new items are introduced, current items are discontinued, and/or health and safety issues arise, these standards will be revised to provide updated information.

The NWCG Standards for Fire Equipment Storage and Refurbishing, PMS 448, are developed and maintained NFES Subcommittee (NFESS) under the direction of the Equipment and Technology Committee (ETC), an entity of the NWCG.
While they may contain relevant or useful information, previsions versions are obsolete. The user of this information is responsible for confirming that they have the most up-to-date version. NWCG is the sole source for the publication.

Comments, questions, and recommendations shall be submitted to the appropriate agency program manager assigned to the NFESS using the NWCG Publication Review Form. View the complete roster.

Prior to refurbishment of any supplies or equipment, refer to your local health and safety reference materials and conduct Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) or risk assessments to identify potential hazards and establish mitigation practices. Reference materials may include USDA Health and Safety Code Handbook, Manufactures’ Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), product owner’s manuals, locally established JHAs, etc.

General guidelines for refurbishment:

  • Inspection: Determine whether or not an item has been used or is in need of refurbishment. This can generally be done by visual inspection for soiling, damage, missing seals, or items being removed from packaging.
  • Refurbishment: Generally this is a three step process consisting of cleaning, repairing and testing of an item before returning to service. Detailed refurbishment instructions are contained in the body of this document.
  • Packaging: Packaging requirements identified are standards established and followed by National Support Caches. Local protocols for packaging may vary from established packaging standards and should be applied as necessary to meet local storage requirements.

Note: Items used for transport, consumption, or storage of potable water or food should be cleaned and sanitized rinsing with mixture of 1 ounce or 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach thoroughly mixed into a gallon of room-temperature water. Rinse with clean water, drain, and air dry.

For items exposed to the human body, clean and dry using the specific instructions in this document. Examples are Nomex® clothing, neck shrouds, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and cots. Failure to follow the cleaning instructions may result in the failure of the fabric or materials to correctly or safely perform its function. This procedure also prevents the spread of communicable diseases.

  • Dispose of hazardous materials according to local health and safety regulations.
  • Cache managers or supervisors have the responsibility of determining whether it is economical to refurbish or dispose of an item.
  • Contact your local servicing cache for recycling options and disposal criteria or as local options are available.
  • Users should inspect all items that have been refurbished using some measure for quality assurance.

Abbreviations used:

  • DLT – date last tested
  • GL – gallon
  • LB – pound
  • PSI – pounds per square inch 
  • RPM – revolutions per minute

 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

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