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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

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Deleted Items

Shelter – Fire, Large (Shelter Only), M2002

NWCG Committee Realignment Website Updates: Content will continue to be updated over the coming days as we work through final reviews and adjustments, and all publications and products are currently under revision.

NFES #
000973
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. Large size fire shelters were not produced until after 2006, so NWCG Equipment Advisory 22-03 does not apply.
      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 an orange 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 with a yellow re-bag label or lacking any label inside of the PVC bag should be removed 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 with a damp cloth.

B. Repair

  • None

C. Testing for performance

  • None

D. Repackaging

  1. 10 each in  NFES #008072 carton (24" X 12" X 10").

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Quarter Four Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  July 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Fourth Quarter materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. 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.

Quarter Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making. 

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee