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PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

All Categories

Aviation

Camp

Clothing

Cordura

Fuel Handling

Kits

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PPE

Small Engine Equipment

Tools

Water Handling

Deleted Items

Bag – Slingable, Water, 270 GL, Non-Potable

NFES #
006017
Category
Water Handling
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Visually inspect for missing components, or need for repair such as: straps, hoses, spigot, cap, and gasket.
  2. Return to stock if in unused condition.
  3. Refurbish if dirty or need repair.
  4. Dispose of item if it fails inspection and/or is damaged beyond repair.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Clean exterior of tank thoroughly with filler cap attached.
  2. Support or hang tank with spigot closed, 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 through hose and spigot.
  5. Invert bag after removing cap, open spigot and empty as much water as possible.
  6. Let dry inverted for 1 hour in sun, if possible.

B. Repair

  1. Fill with air and look for leaks, visually inspect bags for rips, tears, or obvious defects.
  2. Use a black permanent marker to indicate damage, keeping all markings simple and professional.
  3. In a well ventilated area clean area around damaged spot with lacquer thinner or other suitable cleaner.
  4. Apply suitable glue (manufacturer’s recommendation) to both surfaces (patch and tank).
  5. Let dry until tacky.
  6. Place patch on damaged area and apply pressure with roller or suitable device for at least 1 minute.
  7. Repair or replace any damaged components.
  8. Ensure bags are stenciled with NFES number and “non-potable” or “suppression use only”.

C. Testing for Performance

  1. Re-inspect any patches or repairs.
  2. Fill with air to test for leaks.

D. Repackaging

  • Ensure that tank is stenciled visibly with the words “NON-POTABLE” or SUPPRESSION USE ONLY” and proper NFES # is stenciled on tank.
    • Use NFES #008070 carton (18” x 15” x 5.5”) for NFES #000426.
    • For NFES #006017 and #006021, use local cache option for carton.

 

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