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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

All Categories

Aviation

Camp

Clothing

Cordura

Fuel Handling

Kits

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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

WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
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  • Pam McDonald, Writer-Editor for the National Interagency Fire Center — Lifetime Achievement Award

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

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Leadership Committee

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal