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PMS 448

Heater – Propane, Outdoor, 360° Radiant Heat

NFES #
006187
Category
Camp
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Visual inspect for missing parts (guards, knobs, etc.) or any structural damage preventing repair. Inspect for torn or cut heater element, damaged or cracked hose/hose connections, loose fittings, and damage to regulators.
  2. Inspect hoses for cracks, inspecting for breaks by flexing.
  3. Inspect hose or valve for foreign material that might cause a blocked line.
  4. Inspect O-rings on supply hose and replace if needed.
  5. Inspect for out-of-round fittings by screwing regulator into tank POL fitting.
  6. Return to stock if item passes initial inspection, passes Testing for Performance, is clean, and is serviceable.
  7. Refurbish heater if any damage is repairable, missing or damaged components are available, and it’s economically feasible to refurbish.
  8. Dispose of heaters that have structural damage that prevents repair. Salvage parts that are serviceable for future repairs. Dispose of damaged regulators and cracked or damaged hoses.
  9. Ensure the heater is equipped with a SAFETY TIP-OVER SWITCH (SEE ATTACHMENT).
  10. If not equipped with SAFETY TIP-OVER SWITCH remove from service.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Clean the outside of the heater using a damp cloth. DO NOT clean the heater by spraying water on it.
  2. Clean the inside of the heater using compressed air.

B. Repair

  1. Replace regulator if there is any damage to the regulator or threads do not properly seat.
  2. Replace or straighten any damaged or bent parts.
  3. Repair or replace auto shut off valve if not working properly (if applicable.)
  4. Replace any damaged or cracked hose or hose connections.

C. Testing for Performance

  1. Prior to testing use an air hose to blow unit off of any dust, dirt or debris.
  2. Perform initial inspections prior to testing.
  3. Ensure a fire extinguisher is in the work area prior to lighting any heater.
  4. Mount or connect the heater to a LP-Gas supply cylinder.
  5. Turn on gas supply to the heater and check all fittings and connections for gas leaks using mild soap and water solution. NEVER INSPECT FOR LEAKS USING A MATCH OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF FLAME. Should a gas leak occur, shut off the gas supply to the heater immediately and wait a minimum of five minutes before repairing the leak.
  6. When assured that there are no leaks, light heater/pilot. If heater/pilot does not ignite within 5 seconds, extinguish flame and shut off gas valve. Wait 5 minutes before retrying.
  7. (#006139 heaters) Once pilot is lit, let run for 3-5 minutes, try on/off cycle 2 to 3 times.
  8. (#006187 heaters) Once pilot is lit, turn heater on, let run for 3-5 minutes; try on/off cycle 2 to 3 times.
  9. If heater fails, determine if economical to repair, send to a certified repair shop.
  10. Inspect auto shut off valve is in working condition by tipping unit over (if applicable.)

D. Repackaging

  • Use Carton NFES 8199 16 x16 x 36 1 EA 
  • Palletize so Heater is situated upright (if feasible)

E. Attachments

Image
NFES 6187 showing Tip-Over Safety Switch on underside of heater unit.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions

Date: April 9, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
RMC Member Eric Fransted

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) serves as the position steward for all Safety Officer incident positions and continues to improve position standards, training, and naming conventions. The implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) required changes to position titles. RMC collaborated with the NWCG Incident Position Standards Committee (IPSC) to propose and implement these updates. 

References:

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions 

NWCG Position Catalog

Updated, NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, PMS 412

Date: April 8, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Wildland Fire Investigation Subcommittee

PMS 412 provides guidance for wildland fire investigations. This guide outlines recommended procedures, practices, techniques, and methods to promote a systematic approach. The last update to this publication was in 2016.

References:

NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination PMS 412

Updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508

Date: March 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Airtanker Base Operations Unit

The updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508 standardizes operations and procedures at interagency airtanker bases to ensure safe, efficient, and effective operations in support of interagency goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508

WFSTAR 2025 Core Component Module Package and 2024 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date: March 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Joe Schindel at mschindel@blm.gov
 

The 2025 Core Component Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2024 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2025 Core Component Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2025 Core Component Module Package

2024 Fire Year in Review Module