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PMS 448

Berm – Containment, 15 GL

NFES #
000693
Category
Miscellaneous
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect for dirt, debris, fuel, and other liquids which may be present and/or soiled absorbent cloth.  Dispose of soiled absorbent according to local hazardous materials standards.
  2. Inspect for torn or missing tie down grommets, holes, rips, or tears that are large or too numerous. Repair if holes or tears 1 inch or less or a combination of 3 holes with a combined length of 1.5 inches
  3. Return to stock if item shows no signs of use and passes initial inspection.
  4. Refurbish if damage detected is repairable.
  5. Dispose of item if damage is determined to be unrepairable.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Clean with pressure washer to remove matter such as mud, dirt, and grease.
  2. Use a solution of mild detergent and water to remove grease with an absorbent cloth.
  3. Dispose of saturated cloth according to local hazardous materials standards.
  4. Wipe dry or let air dry.

B. Repair

  1. Hold up to strong light or sun to locate holes. Holes or tears 1 inch or less or a combination of 3 holes with a combined length of 1.5 inches are acceptable for repair.
  2. With suitable cleaner, apply vinyl adhesive to both surfaces, i.e., patch and berm.
  3. Let dry till tacky.
  4. Place patch on damaged area and apply pressure with roller or suitable device for at least 1 minute.
  5. Let berm sit flat and dry.
  6. Vinyl welding with patch material like in thickness and color of berm material is acceptable for repair. Follow instructions or established local procedures for completing vinyl welding repairs.

C. Testing for Performance

  • None

D. Repackaging

  1. Roll berm and band for storage.
  2. Suggested cartons:
    • 10 ea. #000645 carton
    • 10 ea. #000338 carton

       

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

Equipment Bulletin 25-002: Chaps, Chain Saw, M-2020, Nonconformities Affecting Use, Appearance, and Serviceability

Date: June 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 to address a manufacturing nonconformity affecting Forest Service specification, 6170-4K Chain Saw Chaps. The issue applies to chaps manufactured in 2024 and 2025 and distributed through FedMall. These chaps may have incorrectly bound edges that expose inner protective layers.

Independent purchasers should inspect all chain saw chaps received from FedMall beginning in 2024, prior to use. Review the full Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 for inspection criteria and recommended actions.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-002

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee