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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

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

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was 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 release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters