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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

All Categories

Aviation

Camp

Clothing

Cordura

Fuel Handling

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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

WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
  • Doug Booster, Instructor, ProHealth Net, Inc. — Motivation and Vision
  • Pam McDonald, Writer-Editor for the National Interagency Fire Center — Lifetime Achievement Award

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Committee

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal