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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

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Aviation

Camp

Clothing

Cordura

Fuel Handling

Kits

Medical

Miscellaneous

PPE

Small Engine Equipment

Tools

Water Handling

Deleted Items

Axe – Single Bit, 4 lb. w/Sheath

NFES #
000707
Category
Tools
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect for obvious damage to head, cutting edges.
  2. Inspect for large chips in blade or cracked head eye.
  3. Inspect for any modifications to head, such as rivets through side of head to hold handle.
  4. Inspect handle for twisted, bent or open grain, if handle has been shortened or is non-standard.
  5. Return to stock if item shows no signs of use and passes visual inspection.
  6.  Refurbish if damage detected in the inspection process is repairable or handle is replaceable.
  7. Dispose of item if unable to repair.

Refurbishing Procedure

A. Cleaning

  1. Wash head and handle.
  2. Wipe dry.

B. Repair

  1. Head
    •  Sharpen tool to specifications according to tool sharpening gauge NFES# 000510.
    • Tools should never be ground to the degree that the metal temperature raises high enough to remove temper, i.e. blue or burned edges.
    • Ensure that blade corners are square.
    • Paint tool head with rust inhibitor (cache option.)
  2. Handle
    • Sand handle if it is rough, chipped, dinged, or has any type of residue that did not come off during sanding.
    • When replacing handle, shape eye for a snug fit. Use high impact plastic or wood-type wedges with appropriate type of epoxy. Metal wedges can be added only in the field as an emergency measure and should not be used during refurbishment.
    • The bottom of the tool head should be within ⅜”--⅝” of the shoulder of the handle.
    • Cut excess off handle make flush with tool head after inserting wedge into handle.
    • Wipe handle with rag and linseed oil.

C. Tests for Performance

  1. On the head check that blades have not been tapered or rounded to the point that tools cannot be sharpened.
  2. On the handle check that it is not twisted, bent or is open-grain.
  3. Grasp the handle of the tool 2- 4” from the end with the head hanging down, but not touching the ground. Using a ball peen or similar hammer give the end of the handle a firm smack. Listen to the sound it makes. If the head is tight and the handle is free of defects, it will make a clear ringing sound. If it is loose or defective you will hear a dull thud, like hitting the end of a 2 x 4.

D. Repackaging

  1. For NFES #000707 install sheath (no NFES)
    • Package 12 each in NFES #000338 carton (37” x 18” x 7”).
  2. For NFES #000352 install leather sheath NFES #000359, package per local cache requirements
  3. For NFES #000383 install sheath NFES #000815
    • Suggested packaging is 6 each in NFES #000385 carton (7.25” x 9.25” x 26”).

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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 January 2026.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) 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 January 2026.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page

ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 Risk Management Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Safety Bulletin: 25-001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing

Equipment Technology Committee

Risk Management Committee