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PMS 448

PMS 448

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Deleted Items

Valve – Wye, Gated, 1 1/2” NH-F X 1 1/2” NH-M X 1 1/2” NH-M

NWCG Committee Realignment Website Updates: Content will continue to be updated over the coming days as we work through final reviews and adjustments, and all publications and products are currently under revision.

NFES #
000231
Category
Water Handling
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect for the following:
    1. Handles – bent, broken, missing, too tight, too loose, expansion pins coming out or missing, handles correct (left and right) and positioned properly.
    2. Male flange – flange missing, lock-ring and set-screws functional, damaged threads, smooth flat surface on flange, burrs on threads, or loose male flange.
    3. Female coupling – Coupling spins freely, gasket present, and in good condition free of cracks or damage, burrs on threads.
    4. Casting (body) – Fire damage—look for further damage, O-rings in good condition, corrosion, cracks, and burrs.
    5. Plastic sphere – Inspect sphere while turning handle; if pitted or rough, replace.
  2. Return to stock if item is clean, passes inspection, and is in unused condition.
  3. Refurbish if deficiencies are discovered during the inspection process and item requires cleaning.
  4. Dispose of item if damages are not repairable or item has sustained damage caused by fire.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Clean in a mild detergent with brush and scouring pad or use parts washer or high-pressure wash to remove foreign matter such as mud, dirt, or grease. Rinse thoroughly.
  2. Do not soak for extended periods of time as detergent will corrode the metal.
  3. Stand upright with barrels in open position to drain water and dry.

B. Repair

  1. Replace missing or damaged O-rings and gaskets.
  2. Replace broken, or missing handles.
  3. Repair or replace male flange if damage is discovered on face or threads.
  4. Replace female coupling or bearings if not spinning freely. When replacing female couplings or bearings, ensure set screw is flush with inner diameter of body. This will prevent O-ring from tearing. Don’t lubricate ball bearings; keep dry and free of debris.
  5. Lubricate O-rings using a small amount of petroleum jelly or silicone base lubricants. 

C. Testing for Performance

  1. Install valve on test pump.
  2. Turn on water to pump and open valve to expel air, then close valve.
  3. Turn on pump.
  4. NFES #000259 and NFES #000231 test at 300 PSI for 3 minutes.
  5. Inspect for leaks around the gasket, at the handles, and around flanges while on test pump.
  6. If valve leaks, repair as necessary, or dispose of through local procedures.
  7. Retest after repairs are made.

D. Repackaging

  1. Ensure item is completely dry prior to packaging.
  2. Run jute twine through either valve body and tie.
    Wye, gated valve body
  3. Packaging:
    • Use NFES #000823 carton (15” x 15” x 10”) for a standard pack of 10 EA.

 

Reference

Water Handling Equipment Guide, PMS 447-1 

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species – Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

Date:  July 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics and Equipment Management Committee (LMC) issued Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels, reminding the wildland fire community that aquatic mussels continue to be a problem. 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 (with a pen or your hand for size reference) and location details.”

Read the complete LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001, to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

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

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900