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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

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Aviation

Camp

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PPE

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Tools

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Deleted Items

Berm – Containment, 55 GL (1 to 4 drums)

NFES #
000692
Category
Miscellaneous
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect for dirt, debris, fuel, and other liquids which may be present and/or soiled absorbent cloth.  Dispose of soiled absorbent cloth according to local hazardous materials standards.
  2. Must have foam bumper around the outer edge (see photo below).  The lay flat style is being removed from service.
  3. Inspect for torn or missing tie down grommets, holes, rips, or tears that are large or too numerous. Repair if holes or tears are 1 inch or less, or a combination of 3 holes with a combined length of 1.5 inches.
  4. Return to stock if item shows no signs of use and passes initial inspection.
  5. Refurbish if damage detected is repairable.
  6. Dispose of item if damage is determined to be unrepairable.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Clean with pressure washer to remove matter such as mud, dirt, and grease.
  2. Use a solution of mild detergent and water to remove grease with an absorbent cloth.
  3. Dispose of saturated cloth according local hazardous materials standards.
  4. Wipe dry or let air dry.

B. Repair

  1. Hold up to strong light or sun to locate holes.  Holes or tears 1 inch or less or a combination of 3 holes with a combined length of 1.5 inches are acceptable for repair.
  2. With suitable cleaner, apply vinyl adhesive to both surfaces, i.e., patch and berm.
  3. Let dry till tacky.
  4. Place patch on damaged area and apply pressure with roller or suitable device for at least 1 minute.
  5. Let berm sit flat and dry.
  6. Vinyl welding with patch material like in thickness and color of berm material is acceptable for repair.  Follow instructions or established local procedures for completing vinyl welding repairs.

C. Testing for Performance

  • None

D. Repackaging

  1. Roll berm and band for storage. (see photos below for details)
  2. Suggested packaging is 1 each in NFES #000513 carton (36” x 24” x 17”).

EXAMPLE ROLL FOR PLACING IN #000645 CARTON

Fold left side to center.

Fold right side to center.

Roll up folded berm.

Tie rolled berm with twine.

Place rolled and bound berm in box.

 

 

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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