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PMS 448

Fly – Sunscreen, 20’ x 20’, with 10 Guy Ropes

NFES #
006131
Category
Camp
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect for standard 20’ x 20’ size.  Inspect for rips and tears, seam damage and loose grommets, mildew and excessive petroleum products.
  2. Return to stock if item appears to be in clean unused condition.
  3. Refurbish if cleaning is effective and repairs are economically feasible.
  4. Dispose of items that are not of standard 20’ x 20’ size or if damage is excessive and not economically feasible to repair.  Tears greater than 1 inch in length will render the fly unserviceable.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Completely unfold fly on clean, dry floor or work area so that any defects (tears, burns, mildew, etc.) will be visible.
  2. Sweep off entire fly with stiff bristle broom.
  3. Wash with water and mild degreaser detergent.  Power wash with mild degreaser if necessary.
  4. Rinse to remove all soap residues.
  5. Air dry.

B. Repair

  1. Repair any small rips, tears (generally 1 inch or less), or any other defects.
  2. Replace missing or damaged guy ropes with NFES #001043, 25’ X ¼” manila rope w/ one tension dowel.  10 EA of NFES #001043 per NFES #006131 Fly.
  3. Replace missing or damaged grommets with ⅝” brass grommets.

C. Testing for performance

  • None

D. Repackaging

  1. Utilize flat, clean surface greater than 20’ X 20’ 
  2. Fold lengthwise once, fold lengthwise again and sweep each after each fold until fly is in neat, tight bundle.
  3. Secure fly with strapping, ¼” manila or similar rope. 
  4. Recommended packaging 1 each in NFES #002006 carton (23” x 19” x 10”).

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters

Date: January 15, 2025
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters. Non-specification fire shelters claiming to meet Forest Service (FS) fire shelter specification 5100-606 were first found in February of 2023. As of September 2024, non-specification shelters are again being advertised and sold on the open market.

This Safety Warning outlines details and recommended procedures to purchase FS specification shelters made with materials and components that meet performance criteria and toxicity testing requirements outlined in FS Specification 5100-606. 

For additional information on identifying non-specification shelters, please view ETC Safety Warning 23-01.

References:

ETC Safety Warning 25-001: Non-specification fire shelters

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee

ETC Safety Warning 23-01

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Awards

Date: January 14, 2025
Contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee has awarded the 2023 Paul Gleason “Lead By Example” awards to individuals in the categories of Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Sam Bowen, Superintendent of the Mark Twain Veteran Crew with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Greg Titus, Zone Fire Management Officer for the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • Renae Crippen, Manager of the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Eric Carlson, Instructor with OMNA International.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Interview with Paul Gleason

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505