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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

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COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

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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

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

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References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

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Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Incident Business Committee Memo 26-01: Updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297

Date: January 22, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Business Committee

The Incident Business Committee (IBC) has released Memorandum 26-01: OF 297 and 2026 Fire Use. This memo informs the wildland fire community that the updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 is available for download and can be ordered through the Great Basin Cache.

Beginning January 15, 2026 the previous version of the OF 297 form has been discontinued.

For further details, please contact your IBC representative.

References:

Incident Business Committee Memorandum 26-01

Great Basin Cache

NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

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