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PMS 448

PMS 448

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COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

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Deleted Items

Tank – Dip, 15,000 GL (Heliwell)

NFES #
000669
Category
Water Handling
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Observe condition prior to take down or after setting up unit following manufacturer’s assembly procedures.
    • Look at rim covers and inspect attached webbing.
    • Remove rim covers and inspect top of tank for abrasions or tears.
    • Look in tank for slices or holes and mark with felt pen if repairs needed.
    • Inspect panels to ensure they are not bent or misshapen and attached clips are functional.
    • Inspect turn buckles and cables for frays and burrs.
  2. Return to stock if unused.
  3. Refurbish item, if repairs are extensive, refer to SEI Industries website.
  4. Dispose of irreparable components and replace as necessary.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Clean tank liner and panels, inside and outside with soapy water and a brush or highpressure wash and rinse.
  2. Rinse well with clean water from high-pressure washer.
  3. Allow to air dry on both sides.

B. Repair

  1. Weld all cracked or broken welds on aluminum panels.
  2. Patch any damaged areas marked in liner. All patches should be welded with patch material that is recommended by the manufacturer.
  3. Rivet rim covers if missing.
  4. Straighten panels and replace clips if needed.
  5. File off burrs on turn buckles.
  6. Replace any missing or damaged fittings, valves, adapters or caps.

C. Testing for performance

  • Verify panels are close together by inspecting placement.

D. Repackaging

  1. Fold tank liner into a shape that fits underneath one panel. See Heliwell operator’s manual on SEI website.
  2. Place folded liner on a pallet and stack panel atop tank.
  3. Box other components together and place on pallet.
  4. Strap down tank, panels, and boxed components securely.

 

Reference

SEI Industries 

Water Handling Equipment Guide, PMS 447-1 

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

Equipment Bulletin 25-002: Chaps, Chain Saw, M-2020, Nonconformities Affecting Use, Appearance, and Serviceability

Date: June 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 to address a manufacturing nonconformity affecting Forest Service specification, 6170-4K Chain Saw Chaps. The issue applies to chaps manufactured in 2024 and 2025 and distributed through FedMall. These chaps may have incorrectly bound edges that expose inner protective layers.

Independent purchasers should inspect all chain saw chaps received from FedMall beginning in 2024, prior to use. Review the full Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 for inspection criteria and recommended actions.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-002