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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

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Aviation

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Clothing

Cordura

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Small Engine Equipment

Tools

Water Handling

Deleted Items

Pulaski – w/Plastic Sheath

NFES #
000146
Category
Tools
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Head is within specifications as per gauge (NFES# 000510).
  2. Grubbing end is not bent or twisted.
  3. Blade or grubbing hoe ends have not been tapered or rounded to point the tool cannot be sharpened to meet gauge standards.
  4. Handle is twisted, bent, or open grain.
  5. Cracks, or suspect based on sound of hammer rap on end of handle (sharp ringing sound is good; dull thud sound is suspect), or pressure application to side of handle.
  6. Head is loose and/or contains metal wedges.
  7. Handle has been shortened.
  8. Nonstandard handle.
  9. Dispose of tool if there is obvious structural damage to cutting edges or head.
  10. Dispose of tool if modifications have been made to head, such as rivets through side of head to hold handle.
  11. Return to stock if item does not show signs of use and passes inspection.
  12. Refurbish if damage and/or use is detected and can be repaired.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Remove dirt, rust and grime from head with wire brush or hose.
  2. Let dry or wipe dry.
  3. Wipe handle with damp cloth.

B. Repair

  1. Sharpen tool to specifications as per tool sharpening gauge NFES #000510.
  2. Tool should NEVER be ground to the degree that the metal temperature raises high enough to remove temper, i.e., blue or burned edges.
  3. Ensure that blade corners are square.
  4. Apply rust inhibitor to tool head.  Local cache option for painting tool head.    Black paint only.
  5. Sand handle if it is chipped, dinged, rough or has tape residue. 
  6. Wipe handle with linseed oil after sanding.
  7. For handle replacement utilize NFES #001857 handle with plastic wedge.
  8. Metal wedges can be added only in the field as an emergency measure for field refurbishing.

C. Testing for Performance

  • none

D. Repackaging

  1. Install plastic sheath NFES #000257.
  2. Package 10 each in carton NFES #000338 carton (37” x 18” x 7”).

 

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

Leadership Committee 

Coming Soon! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 9, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

On June 8, 1981, the Ransom Road Fire swept across Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, marking a defining moment in wildland fire management. This event led directly to the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's professional fire program.

Later this month, NWCG will release a compelling video that brings the Ransom Road Fire to life through firsthand accounts, official reports, and animated maps. Rob Lee, second on site during the deployment, shares his powerful recollections of that day. 

This video will be going live later this month in NWCG's RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Catalogue.

References:

WFSTAR Catalogue 

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign: "Leadership Levels" Now Available

Date: October 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the Leadership Committee’s 2025–2026 Leadership Campaign, themed “Leadership Levels.” This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

The campaign is structured into four quarters and may be completed at any time between October 1, 2025 -December 31, 2026. Leadership levels will be released quarterly.

Quarter One materials are now available on the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program website and focus on Leadership Level 1, Follower (Self-Leadership).

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal