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PMS 448

Headlamp – Firefighters, LED

NFES #
000718
Category
Miscellaneous
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
Yes
Storage and Shelf Life Procedure
Store without batteries.

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect for broken wires, rust or corrosion on any metal part, and cracks in the battery case, light bezel, or lens cover. Inspect for broken or missing components, O-Ring damage, battery leakage in the battery case, and dirt or damage to retention straps.
  2. Return to stock if item has not been removed from plastic bag, is clean and appears to have not been used (inspect for batteries in battery case).
  3. Refurbish item if easily cleaned and any missing or damaged components are available for replacement.
  4. Dispose of item if missing or damaged components aren’t replaceable; if battery leakage is discovered; or if unit fails testing for performance.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Wipe entire unit clean to include lamp housing, battery cam, and both sides of lens with soft cloth and mild soapy water.
  2. Remove retention straps and hand wash with mild detergent, rinse and air dry. Reinstall.

B. Repair

  1. Install new retention straps, battery case latch, and O-ring if required.
  2. Lightly lubricate the O-ring and lens cap threads with silicone grease when necessary.
  3. Salvage usable parts from unserviceable units when practical.

C. Testing for performance

  1. Test unit with new batteries.
  2. Test all light mode functions; if any bulb does not function, dispose of headlamp.
  3. Test elasticity of retention straps; if defective, replace.
  4. Check O-ring is present and pliable, replace as necessary.
  5. Remove batteries prior to storage.

D. Repackaging

  1. Individually package headlamp in plastic bag.
  2. Package 50 each in NFES #002006 carton (23” x 19” x 10”).

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

Date: Sept 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use. This advisory recommends all pre-2006 fire shelters should be removed from service by January 1, 2026.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

  • Inspect fire shelters immediately
  • Replace and destroy any pre-2006 shelters (identified by white or pink insert label)
  • Order replacements as needed

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory. 

References:

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

NWCG Alerts

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

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-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources