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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

All Content

Aviation

Camp

Clothing

Cordura

Fuel Handling

Kits

Medical

Miscellaneous

PPE

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

ETC Bulletin 25-001: Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits - 2025 Field Season

Date: April 16, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

Due to spout failures and the associated risk of burn injuries, manufacturers have retrofitted the Hot/Cold Beverage Kits using a heat-shrinking band to secure the black spout at the insertion site. The updated kits feature a fluorescent label on each full kit assembly for easy identification. Catering units are encouraged to confirm the clear heat-shrinking bands are intact around each spout before filling.

ETC Bulletin 24-001 regarding Hot/Cold Beverage Kits has been archived and replaced by ETC Bulletin 25-001 for the 2025 season.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-25-001 Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and Next Generation Position Task Book for Basic Faller Are Now Available

Date: April 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-19 are now available.

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212 includes position standards designed to be used in conjunction with the Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB). The Next Gen PTB for Basic Faller (FAL3) includes an evaluation guide with suggested rating elements to consider when assessing trainees.

References:

NWCG Standards For Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-119

NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3)

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