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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

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Team Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal