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PMS 448

PMS 448

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Tank – Folding, 1500 GL (5678.1L), w/Frame

NFES #
000664
Category
Water Handling
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect frame for broken or bent parts, cracks or separations in the welds. Inspect the liner for pin holes, tears, or rips and missing grommets. Inspect for frayed or damaged rope or missing nylon ties securing liner to frame.
  2. Return to stock if item is clean and in unused condition.
  3. Refurbish item if able to clean and repair. For repairs requiring materials or skills not found at the local cache, contact manufacturer to determine if it is economically feasible to have manufacturer repair tank.
  4. Dispose of item if damages are not economically feasible to repair.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Clean tank liner and frame, inside and outside, with soapy water and a brush or high-pressure wash and rinse.
  2. Allow to air dry on both sides.

B. Repair

Frame

  1. Straighten frame.
  2. Weld all cracked or broken welds on frame.
  3. Remove rust. Paint as needed.
  4. Lubricate hinges with appropriate lubricant.

Liner

  1. Patch any hole or tears. Small pin hole can be repaired with manufacturer recommended TEARAID® Type B or other similar material recommended by the tank manufacturer. Larger holes should be patched with material recommended by the manufacturer utilizing a vinyl welding process. For extremely large holes, contact the tank manufacturer for recommended repair or replacement options.
  2. Replace any missing grommets. If two or more grommets are missing in succession and new grommets cannot be installed, replace liner.
  3. The use of cable ties or ¼” nylon rope is recommended for securing the liner to the frame. Ensure that ties or ropes are secure. Replace or tighten as necessary. When using cable ties, use one per grommet and utilize large cable ties at corner and midpoints. Use smaller ties in all other grommets. When using rope, secure one end to the frame. Using a lacing motion, go through the grommet, over the frame and through the next grommet. Continue this motion until entire liner is attached to frame. Secure end.
  4. Stencil correct NFES # of item on side of tank if missing or unreadable.

C. Testing for performance

  1. Verify hinges operate smoothly.
  2. Check all patches to insure they are secure and there are no loose edges.

D. Repackaging

  1. Fold the tank ensuring that liner is not pinched during process. Only a minimum, if any, amount of liner is to extend outside the metal frame.
  2. Band 1,000GL tank near ends, Band 1,500GL tank near ends and in the middle.
  3. Secure on pallet.

 

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