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PMS 448

Flight Suit – Chest Size 44, Inseam 28 1/2” (S)

NFES #
000527
Category
Clothing
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect for holes, cuts, tears, burns, or torn seams. Inspect hook and pile fastener missing or that does not provide adequate closure, repair or dispose of. Inspect for broken zippers or missing a sliders. Open and close the hook and pile fasteners to ensure they provide an adequate and secure closure. Open and close zipper to ensure smooth operations and secure closures.
  2. Return to stock if item is clean and all components are in good working condition
  3. Refurbish if cleaning is the only refurbishment required.
  4. Dispose of item if any damage is found in the inspection process.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Follow the cleaning procedures described in the publication, Nomex®- Aramid Fiber -Laundering Guide (H71603).
    Additional information can be obtained by calling DuPont at 1–800–453–8527 or by writing:
    DuPont Advanced Fibers Systems
    Chestnut Run Plaza
    Laurel Run Building
    Wilmington, DE 19880-0705
  2. Abbreviated washing procedures from above publication:
    1. “Garments of NOMEX® should be washed separately from other articles to avoid contamination with lint of flammable fibers.”
    2. “Tests show that formulations designed for use at a temperature of 140 °F (60 °C) or less – such as high-surfactant, low-alkalinity products – adequately clean NOMEX® and provide the best fabric color retention.”
    3. “For heavily stained and oily garments of NOMEX®, a higher temperature wash formula may be required for adequate cleaning.”
    4. “Garments made of NOMEX® must be adequately rinsed to remove residual wash chemicals.”
    5. “In some instances, tumble dry conditioning is the only finishing necessary for garments of NOMEX®.”
    6. “…dry cleaning is an alternative method of removing heavy soil and may be preferable to repeated high-temperature washing.”
  3. If items are taken to vendor laundry facilities for refurbishment; ensure that they receive a copy of this refurbishment standard. The laundry facility must satisfy both – the requirements as set by the manufacturer specification and the agreement made with the local agency.

B. Repairs

  • None

C. Test for performance

  • None

D. Repackaging

  • Local cache option

 

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