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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

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Shelter – Fire, Complete, M2002

NFES #
000925
Category
PPE
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect the following:

    1. Shelter – Do not open polyvinyl liner for inspection. 

      1. Fire shelter manufactured prior to 2006 should be removed from service as per NWCG Equipment Advisory 22-03. This can be determined by either a white or pink colored paper insert label inside of the polyvinyl chloride bag.
      2. Check to ensure that the bag has been modified to include small slits under the pull tabs as per  NWCG Equipment Advisory 21-01. Retro fitted bags will have a yellow dot sticker on the bag. New bags will have the slits and no sticker.
      3. Inspect polyvinyl bag for cuts, puncture, or torn seams. If the bag has any anomaly that may affect the integrity of the bag or the shelter, remove shelter from service.
      4. Inspect that the red pull rings are unbroken and the quick-opening tear strip is sealed to the bag the entire length and is unbroken. Dispose of shelters with damaged or missing red tear strip.
      5. Look through bag at the shelter for tears in shelter material along seams. If any tears are evident in the shelter material or polyvinyl bag, or if significant gray discoloration of the interior of the polyvinyl bag has obscured interior inspection, remove shelter from service and dispose.
      6. Further inspection should include identifying PVC bags which have unreinforced yellow pull tabs. Per Cache Memo #07-4 “Polyvinyl Bag Retrofit” Some shelters may have a glued webbing reinforcement visible on the PVC bag yellow pull strap. Any shelter lacking webbing reinforcement (glued or stitched) should be removed from service.
      7. Fire shelters lacking any label inside of the PVC bag should be removed from service.

      Carrying Case

      1. Inspect for cuts, tears, torn seams or flaps.
      2. Ensure that M-2002 Use Instructions (English on one side, Spanish on the other) are in the “Use Instructions” pocket on the front.
      3. Check for two belt clips and ensure they are working properly.
    2. Liner
      1. Inspect the polyvinyl liner for cracks or tears.
      2. Return to stock if item shows no sign of use.
      3. Refurbish, clean only.
      4. Dispose of item if any damage. Any doubt as to the condition to the shelter: REMOVE FROM SERVICE.
  2. Return to stock if item is new or like new, passes inspection, and does not require refurbishment.
  3. Refurbish if item passes inspection but light cleaning is required.
  4. Dispose of item if it fails inspection.
    1. Shelters that show signs of damage can be used as practice shelters. Clearly identify each as PRACTICE ONLY. This item may be used for practice when clearly marked as practice only.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

Do not open polyvinyl liner for refurbishment.

  1. Clean the Shelter, Case, and Liner with a damp cloth.
  2. Brush dirt off heavily soiled case with a stiff brush.
  3. Remove oils from carrying case using a solution of warm water and detergent and brush.
  4. Rinse with clear water and let dry.

B. Repair

  • None

C. Testing for performance

  • None

D. Repackaging

  1. 10 each in NFES #008072 carton (24” x 12” x 10”). 
Reference

T&D Tech Tips Fire Shelter Inspection Guide and Rebag Direction

What's New with the New Generation Fire Shelter

Cache Memo #04-1 "New Generation Fire Shelter Retrofit Plan"

Cache Memo #07-4 "Polyvinyl Bag Retrofit"

Cache Memo #09-3 "Re-Bagging New Generation Fire Shelters"

Fire Shelter and Personal Protective Equipment Subcommittee

 

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

Leadership Committee 

Coming Soon! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 9, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

On June 8, 1981, the Ransom Road Fire swept across Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, marking a defining moment in wildland fire management. This event led directly to the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's professional fire program.

Later this month, NWCG will release a compelling video that brings the Ransom Road Fire to life through firsthand accounts, official reports, and animated maps. Rob Lee, second on site during the deployment, shares his powerful recollections of that day. 

This video will be going live later this month in NWCG's RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Catalogue.

References:

WFSTAR Catalogue 

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign: "Leadership Levels" Now Available

Date: October 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the Leadership Committee’s 2025–2026 Leadership Campaign, themed “Leadership Levels.” This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

The campaign is structured into four quarters and may be completed at any time between October 1, 2025 -December 31, 2026. Leadership levels will be released quarterly.

Quarter One materials are now available on the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program website and focus on Leadership Level 1, Follower (Self-Leadership).

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

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