Skip to main content

PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

All Content

Aviation

Camp

Clothing

Cordura

Fuel Handling

Kits

Medical

Miscellaneous

PPE

Small Engine Equipment

Tools

Water Handling

Deleted Items

Kit – Shelter, 20’ Octagon

NFES #
000549
Category
Kits
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect packing list and instructions. Refer to NWCG National Fire Equipment System Catalog for a complete list of kit components.
    1. Assemble the mainframe and components according to instructions. All locking pins and flex joints should move easily.
    2. Inspect for burrs on all components of mainframe, eve bars, and base bars.
    3. Loosen flex joints and remove burrs as needed.
  2. Inspect and install door. Door should open and close easily.
  3. Inspect roof and wall panels for any tears or rips and repair as needed.
  4. Inspect windows and screens in wall panels. Repair or replace where necessary.
  5. Check for broken welds on key flange, repair by bolting.
  6. Return to stock if shelter was not used, all kit contents are accounted for, and the shelter is clean.
  7. Refurbish kit if the shelter was used or is missing components.
  8. Disposal of complete kits is not recommended. Seek direction from local cache management for specific disposal criteria. Components that are damaged beyond repair should be disposed of and replaced with like items.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Clean main frame and misc. parts with a damp cloth and mild detergent if necessary.
  2. Clean the roof and wall panels with a mild detergent and water solution. Use a brush to remove hard dirt and grime or high pressure wash. Rinse well.
  3. Air dry completely before repackaging.

B. Repair

  1. Repair or replace any part of the main frame as needed. Bolt key flange.
  2. When dismantling, wipe all component parts with a damp cloth and return to proper container.
  3. Repair any holes, tears or rips as needed.
  4. Ensure that all locking buttons snap into place.
  5. Ensure that the Velcro is dry on all panels before folding and placing in proper container.
  6. Stencil main frame with property number, stencil inside the center roof ring.
  7.  Ensure that all kit components are accounted for prior to repacking.

C. Testing for Performance

  • None

D. Repackaging

  1. Repack according to manufacturer’s instructions and local cache option.
  2. Ensure that installation/assembly instructions are included in package.

 

Reference

Replacement parts may be obtained by contacting:
Western Shelter Systems
830 Wilson Street
Eugene, OR 97402
Phone: 541–344–7267

 

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee

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