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PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

All Categories

Aviation

Camp

Clothing

Cordura

Fuel Handling

Kits

Medical

Miscellaneous

PPE

Small Engine Equipment

Tools

Water Handling

Deleted Items

Waterbag - 5 gl, suppression, M2015

NFES #
000908
Category
Water Handling
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria    

  1. Inspect vinyl, fabric, and webbing for any holes, cuts, tears, burns, or torn seams that are not economically repairable, if any dispose of.
  2. Inspect plastic cap and fittings for cracks, breaks, missing gaskets or other damage.
  3. If bag appears to be used, inflate bag with air (<10 psi), submerge in water and check for leaks.  Dry vinyl and mark holes with black marker for patching in repair process.
  4. Inspect for any missing fasteners or that does not provide adequate closure.
  5. Inspect for excessive dirt or fuel stains that cleaning cannot eliminate, dispose of.
  6. Inspect for any writings, drawings. Dispose of if cleaning cannot remove markings.
  7. Return to stock if item does not show any signs of use and passes visual inspection.
  8. Refurbish if damage detected is repairable.
  9. Dispose of item if unable to repair.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Remove straps and clean exterior of bag thoroughly with filler cap attached.
  2. Support or hang bag, remove cap and fill with water to rinse out tank.
  3. Replace cap and shake bag vigorously until all foreign matter is removed.
  4. Drain completely.
  5. Invert bag after removing cap and empty as much water as possible.
  6. Let dry inverted for 1 hour in sun, if possible.
  7. Clean the straps with mild detergent and stiff bristle brush, machine launder, or gently pressure wash. Hang to dry.

B. Repair

  1. Patch any hole or tears.  No more than 3 patches should be present on the bag.  If more, dispose of bag.  Small pin hole can be repaired with TEAR-AID® Type B or other similar material recommended by the tank manufacturer.
  2. Larger holes can be repaired utilizing vinyl welding tools and techniques if available.
  3. Holes in the seams may not be repairable.
  4. Place patch on damaged area and apply pressure with roller or suitable device for at least 1 minute.
  5. The filler neck and cap can be replaced following the instructions included in the Fedco Bag Filler Neck Service Kit, part #181874.
  6. Repair or replace any damaged components on bag or straps.
  7. Ensure bags are stenciled with “non-potable” or “suppression use only.”

C. Testing for Performance

  1. Re-inspect any patches or repairs.
  2. Fill with air (<10 psi).  Spray patched area with soapy water and inspect for leaks.

D. Repackaging

  1. 8 each in NFES 002006 carton (23” x 19” x 10”)

 

Reference

Water Handling Equipment Guide, PMS 447-1 

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

RMC Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNetX Launch

Date:  June 25, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) is pleased to announce the launch of SafeNetX, the modernized safety reporting system now available to the wildland fire community. Effective June 15, 2026, SafeNetX enables reporting of unsafe, unhealthy, near-miss, and high-risk operations across wildland fire, all-hazard incidents, training, and related work environments.

SafeNetX is the result of a multi-agency modernization effort led by RMC, which began evaluating improvements to the legacy SAFENET system in 2021. To learn more, read the full RMC memorandum in the links provided.

References:

SafeNetX

RMC Safety Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNet X Launch

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)