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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

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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

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

Equipment Bulletin 25-002: Chaps, Chain Saw, M-2020, Nonconformities Affecting Use, Appearance, and Serviceability

Date: June 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 to address a manufacturing nonconformity affecting Forest Service specification, 6170-4K Chain Saw Chaps. The issue applies to chaps manufactured in 2024 and 2025 and distributed through FedMall. These chaps may have incorrectly bound edges that expose inner protective layers.

Independent purchasers should inspect all chain saw chaps received from FedMall beginning in 2024, prior to use. Review the full Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 for inspection criteria and recommended actions.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-002