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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

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2026

Date:  September 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Health and Wellness Subcommittee

The NWCG Health and Wellness Subcommittee (HWSC) and Safety/Risk Management Committee (SRC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The HWSC and SRC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2026 Letter from Leadership

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Health and Wellness Subcommittee

Safety and Risk Management Committee

2025 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  August 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

The NWCG Qualifications Management Committee (QMC) and Leadership Development Subcommittee (LDSC) are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Hunter Bell, U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Shannon Deane, U.S. Wildland Fire Service— Initiative and Innovation
  • Chris Delaney, U.S. Wildland Fire Service — Motivation and Vision
  • Sean Peterson, U.S. Forest Service — Mentoring and Teamwork

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Development Subcommittee

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