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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

All Categories

Aviation

Camp

Clothing

Cordura

Fuel Handling

Kits

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Miscellaneous

PPE

Small Engine Equipment

Tools

Water Handling

Deleted Items

Case – Carrying, Fireline Pack, Blue

NFES #
000677
Category
PPE
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Visually inspect fabric for cuts, tears, burns, and areas of abrasions. Inspect seams for breaks in stitching and for areas where the fabric is unraveling into the seams, check all straps and webbing for cuts or excessive wear.  Ensure straps are securely attached to the fabric; inspect zippers for broken coils and missing or broken sliders.  Ensure they are securely attached to the fabric. Open and close the zippers to ensure a smooth and proper function.  Ensure all hardware, buckles and Velcro closures are correctly attached.  Inspect all buckles and hardware for cracks or breaks.  Fasten and unfasten all buckles and hardware to ensure a smooth and proper function. Ensure all Velcro closures are securely attached. 
  2. Return to stock if item is clean, free of damage, and in unused condition.
  3. Refurbish if item passes inspection, and repair is economically feasible.
  4. Dispose of if there’s any indelible writing or markings on the item, or if item is beyond economical repair.

Refurbishment Procedures

A. Cleaning

  • ​CLASS 1 CORDURA (MACHINE WASH OK)
    • Allow any mud or loose dirt to dry then remove using a stiff-bristle brush. If stains remain, wash as recommended below.
    • Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.  “Mild detergents” includes most home laundry detergents that contain no chlorine bleach or added scents.
    • For heavier oil or grease, soak in water-soluble biodegradable degreaser for at least 30 minutes, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.
    • If machine washing, use only cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry.
    • Where no other method is cleaning the fabric, wash with pressure washer set at wide fan, warm water, and only allow nozzle close enough as necessary for cleaning, the further away the better for the fabric.

DO NOT MACHINE DRY.  DO NOT USE BLEACH TO CLEAN FABRIC.

B. Repair

  1. If necessary, replace buckles and hardware.
  2. Repair any tears, holes or areas of excessive abrasion if economically feasible.
  3. Repair any seams that are worn or that have torn loose.
  4. Repair or replace webbing.

C. Test for performance

  • Test any buckles, zippers or Velcro that has been replaced for functionality.

D. Repackaging

  1. For NFES #000674, insert 2 blue canteen case and blue stuff sack into main compartment. Close all buckles, secure the shoulder yoke. Pack 10 packs per box.
  2. For NFES #001855, pack 10 packs per NFES #002030 carton (24” x 16” x 12”).
  3. For NFES #000744, pack 20 per local cache carton preference.

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

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

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters