Skip to main content

Waterbag Assembly - 5 gl, M2015 w/pump

NFES #
000909
Category
Water Handling
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

Bag     

  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.

Pump

  1. Inspect for obvious damage. 
  2. Inspect for burns and cracks if so dispose of.
  3. Inspect for damaged threads, if beyond repair dispose of.  Ensure tip is secured to wand with a 3”-4” length of ball chain.
  4. Place hose in water and pump handle to validate that pump works properly.
  5. Return item to stock if it shows no sign of use or damage.
  6. Dispose of item if unable to repair.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

Bag

  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.

Pump

  1. Wash and clean all items of foreign matter, such as mud, dirt, and grease.
  2. Clean in mild detergent with brush or scouring pad as needed.
  3. Rinse thoroughly.

B. Repair

Bag

  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”.

Pump

  1. If pump pressure is not sufficient, remove pump unit and replace O-rings.
  2. Ensure quick connection on pump has proper seating.
  3. Check hose connection to pump for tightness; if loose, use a hose clamp.
  4. Replace length of ball chain between wand and removable tip if missing.
  5. Check supply hose on pump assembly for obstructions and tight connections, bent push rods, and clogged tips.
  6. Check spring and ball bearing.
  7. Lubricate slide with appropriate lubricant, e.g., Chevron NLGI2 or equivalent.

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. Place pump in the center and roll bag around pump as tightly as possible, secure with plastic banding or rope to keep from unrolling.
  2. 8 each in NFES 002006 carton (23” x 19” x 10”).

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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 January 2026.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) 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 January 2026.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page

ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 Risk Management Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Safety Bulletin: 25-001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing

Equipment Technology Committee

Risk Management Committee