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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

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Deleted Items

Rake – Fire (Council Tool) w/Sheath

NFES #
001807
Category
Tools
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
Yes
Storage and Shelf Life Procedure
Per local cache requirements to ensure proper serviceability of tools.

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect handle for cracks, slivers, and warping.
  2. Inspect cutting teeth for cracks, excessive wear, and loose rivets.
  3. Inspect mounting head for cracks and loose handle.
  4. Return to stock if item is clean and has not been used.
  5. Refurbish if item has been used and/or is repairable.
  6. Dispose of rake if tool is not repairable and mounting head is cracked.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Clean head with fine wire brush.
  2. Clean handle with damp cloth.

B. Repair

  1. Sand handle if it is chipped, dinged, rough or has tape residue. 
  2. Wipe handle with linseed oil after sanding.
  3. Apply rust inhibitor to tool head.  Local cache option for painting tool head.
  4. Replace broken or cracked tooth, flat surface inside.
  5. Tighten or replace loose rivets.
  6. Grind on even bevel, use sickle stone.
  7. Retain square point on cutter teeth.  DO NOT ROUND CORNERS.
  8. Apply rust inhibitor to tool head.  Local cache option for painting tool head.  Black paint only.
  9. Smooth handle with fine sandpaper.
  10. Oil cutting edge.

C. Testing for Performance

  • ​None

D. Repackaging

  1. Sheath with NFES #001854 McLeod sheath.
  2. Package 10 each in carton NFES #000305 (56” X 20” X 11”).

 

 

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were 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 January 2026.

References:

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for RADO and INCM

Date: July 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Logistics Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were 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 January 2026.

References:

NWCG Radio Operator Position Page

NWCG Incident Communications Center Manager Position Page

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 NEW Aquatic Invasive Species – Golden Mussels

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-004, notifying the wildland fire community about a newly discovered invasive species and actions to take if found. Golden mussels, a highly invasive species recently identified in California, pose a significant risk to native ecosystems, infrastructure, and fire equipment. These mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos and location details.

Read the complete ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for ICT5 and FFT1

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Command Subcommittee
Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) and Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were 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 January 2026.

References:

NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page