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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

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Deleted Items

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

NWCG Committee Realignment Website Updates: Content will continue to be updated over the coming days as we work through final reviews and adjustments, and all publications and products are currently under revision.

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 Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2026

Date:  September 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Health and Wellness Subcommittee

The NWCG Health and Wellness Subcommittee (HWSC) and Safety/Risk Management Committee (SRC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The HWSC and SRC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2026 Letter from Leadership

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Health and Wellness Subcommittee

Safety and Risk Management Committee

2025 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  August 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

The NWCG Qualifications Management Committee (QMC) and Leadership Development Subcommittee (LDSC) are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Hunter Bell, U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Shannon Deane, U.S. Wildland Fire Service— Initiative and Innovation
  • Chris Delaney, U.S. Wildland Fire Service — Motivation and Vision
  • Sean Peterson, U.S. Forest Service — Mentoring and Teamwork

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Development Subcommittee

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species – Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

Date:  July 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics and Equipment Management Committee (LMC) issued Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels, reminding the wildland fire community that aquatic mussels continue to be a problem. Mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos (with a pen or your hand for size reference) and location details.”

Read the complete LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001, to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91