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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

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McLeod – 11” Wide w/Plastic Sheath

NFES #
000296
Category
Tools
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect for obvious damage to cutting edge, rake fingers, and handle.  Inspect for broken blades, loose heads, missing or severely bent fingers, short or nonstandard handles.
    1. Head
      • Blade to be at least 10 to 14 inches wide from handle base.  USE TEMPLATE.
      • Handle base not tilted, bent, or distorted.
      • Blade ends have not been rounded or severely tapered so that they cannot be ground to specifications.
      • Proper angle of cutting edge as per tool sharpening gauge NFES #000510.
    2. Handle
      • Handle must be straight.
      • Inspect for cracks, chips, or open grain.
      • Head loose on handle (loose or missing rivets).
      • Inspect for tape residue, or other residue (tar, sap, etc.).
  2. Return to stock if item does not show signs of use and passes visual inspection.
  3. Refurbish if damage is detected in the inspection process and is repairable or handle is replaceable
  4. Dispose of item if cutting edge is severely damaged, rake fingers are cracked or missing, or handle base is cracked or damaged.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning and Repair

  1. Head
    1. Remove dirt, rust and grime from head with wire brush or hose.
    2. Square up blade if necessary.
    3. Sharpen cutting edge 1/8-inch wide at 50° angle. Ensure that blade corners are square.
    4. Check large nut on head and tighten or replace as needed.   Sharply strike rivet to tighten head to handle as needed.
    5. Apply rust inhibitor to tool head.  Local cache option for painting tool head.    Black paint only.
    6. Replace as necessary.
  2. Handle
    1. Sand handle if it is chipped, dinged, rough or has tape residue. 
    2. Wipe handle with linseed oil after sanding.

B. Test for Performance

  1. Ensure tool is properly sharpened with no deficiency to materials or craftsmanship.
  2. Ensure head and handle are properly attached with no play caused by a loose head or handle.

C. Repackaging

  1. Install plastic sheath NFES #001854.
  2. Package 10 each in NFES #000305 carton (56” x 20” x 11”).

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

RMC Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNetX Launch

Date:  June 25, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) is pleased to announce the launch of SafeNetX, the modernized safety reporting system now available to the wildland fire community. Effective June 15, 2026, SafeNetX enables reporting of unsafe, unhealthy, near-miss, and high-risk operations across wildland fire, all-hazard incidents, training, and related work environments.

SafeNetX is the result of a multi-agency modernization effort led by RMC, which began evaluating improvements to the legacy SAFENET system in 2021. To learn more, read the full RMC memorandum in the links provided.

References:

SafeNetX

RMC Safety Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNet X Launch

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)