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PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

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Aviation

Camp

Clothing

Cordura

Fuel Handling

Kits

Medical

Miscellaneous

PPE

Small Engine Equipment

Tools

Water Handling

Deleted Items

Bag – Slingable, Water, Suppression, 55 GL

NFES #
000437
Category
Water Handling
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

1. Dispose of Cordura outer bag if there are: 

  • Any holes, cuts, tears, burns, or torn seams not economically repairable.
  • Any zipper or Velcro closures that do not close properly.
  •  Unsightly dirt or fuel stain that cleaning cannot eliminate.
  • Buckle does not function properly (repair, replace or dispose).
  • Fill and drain hardware.
    •  Inspect fill and drain fittings for proper function and tight seal.
    • Replace or repair any part missing or damaged.
  • Liners:
    • Remove and dispose of any used liners.
    • Inspect condition of spare liner. Unless the integrity of the liner is in question, do not remove from the sealed bag to make this inspection.
  • Return to stock if all components are accounted for and the bag is clean and unused.
  • Refurbish if dirty or used and repairs can be made.
  • Dispose of item if it fails inspection or is damaged beyond repair.

A. Cleaning- CLASS 2 CORDURA (MACHINE WASH OK)

  1. Allow any mud or loose dirt to dry, and remove using a stiff-bristle brush. If stains remain, wash as recommended below.
  2.  Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry. “Mild detergents” includes most home laundry detergents that contain no chlorine bleach or added scents.
  3. For heavier oil or grease, soak in water-soluble biodegradable degreaser for at least 30 minutes, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.
  4. If machine washing, use only cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry.
  5. Where no other method is cleaning the fabric, wash with pressure washer set at wide fan, warm water, and only allow nozzle close enough as necessary for cleaning, the further away the better for the fabric.

DO NOT MACHINE DRY. DO NOT USE BLEACH.
Fill and drain hardware:

  • For NFES #000437 wash fill and drain hardware thoroughly, rinse and dry completely, reseal, place in plastic storage bag and put in zipper pocket.

B. Repair

  1. Repair holes, cuts, tears, and broken seams.
  2. Replace nonfunctioning buckles.
  3. Replace Velcro or zipper if it does not adhere and/or it does not operate smoothly and if it is economical to do so.
  4. Replace used liners: for NFES #000437 use NFES #000438.

C. Testing for Performance

  • Test any replacement buckle, zipper, Velcro or fitting.

D. Repackaging

  • Use NFES #008070 carton (18” x 15” x 5.5”).

 

Reference

Water Handling Equipment Guide, PMS 447-1 

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

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

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee