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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

All Content

Aviation

Camp

Clothing

Cordura

Fuel Handling

Kits

Medical

Miscellaneous

PPE

Small Engine Equipment

Tools

Water Handling

Deleted Items

Pulaski – w/Plastic Sheath

NFES #
000146
Category
Tools
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Head is within specifications as per gauge (NFES# 000510).
  2. Grubbing end is not bent or twisted.
  3. Blade or grubbing hoe ends have not been tapered or rounded to point the tool cannot be sharpened to meet gauge standards.
  4. Handle is twisted, bent, or open grain.
  5. Cracks, or suspect based on sound of hammer rap on end of handle (sharp ringing sound is good; dull thud sound is suspect), or pressure application to side of handle.
  6. Head is loose and/or contains metal wedges.
  7. Handle has been shortened.
  8. Nonstandard handle.
  9. Dispose of tool if there is obvious structural damage to cutting edges or head.
  10. Dispose of tool if modifications have been made to head, such as rivets through side of head to hold handle.
  11. Return to stock if item does not show signs of use and passes inspection.
  12. Refurbish if damage and/or use is detected and can be repaired.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Remove dirt, rust and grime from head with wire brush or hose.
  2. Let dry or wipe dry.
  3. Wipe handle with damp cloth.

B. Repair

  1. Sharpen tool to specifications as per tool sharpening gauge NFES #000510.
  2. Tool should NEVER be ground to the degree that the metal temperature raises high enough to remove temper, i.e., blue or burned edges.
  3. Ensure that blade corners are square.
  4. Apply rust inhibitor to tool head.  Local cache option for painting tool head.    Black paint only.
  5. Sand handle if it is chipped, dinged, rough or has tape residue. 
  6. Wipe handle with linseed oil after sanding.
  7. For handle replacement utilize NFES #001857 handle with plastic wedge.
  8. Metal wedges can be added only in the field as an emergency measure for field refurbishing.

C. Testing for Performance

  • none

D. Repackaging

  1. Install plastic sheath NFES #000257.
  2. Package 10 each in carton NFES #000338 carton (37” x 18” x 7”).

 

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

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