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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

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Aviation

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Deleted Items

Rake – Fire (Council Tool) w/Sheath

NFES #
001807
Category
Tools
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
Yes
Storage and Shelf Life Procedure
Per local cache requirements to ensure proper serviceability of tools.

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect handle for cracks, slivers, and warping.
  2. Inspect cutting teeth for cracks, excessive wear, and loose rivets.
  3. Inspect mounting head for cracks and loose handle.
  4. Return to stock if item is clean and has not been used.
  5. Refurbish if item has been used and/or is repairable.
  6. Dispose of rake if tool is not repairable and mounting head is cracked.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Clean head with fine wire brush.
  2. Clean handle with damp cloth.

B. Repair

  1. Sand handle if it is chipped, dinged, rough or has tape residue. 
  2. Wipe handle with linseed oil after sanding.
  3. Apply rust inhibitor to tool head.  Local cache option for painting tool head.
  4. Replace broken or cracked tooth, flat surface inside.
  5. Tighten or replace loose rivets.
  6. Grind on even bevel, use sickle stone.
  7. Retain square point on cutter teeth.  DO NOT ROUND CORNERS.
  8. Apply rust inhibitor to tool head.  Local cache option for painting tool head.  Black paint only.
  9. Smooth handle with fine sandpaper.
  10. Oil cutting edge.

C. Testing for Performance

  • ​None

D. Repackaging

  1. Sheath with NFES #001854 McLeod sheath.
  2. Package 10 each in carton NFES #000305 (56” X 20” X 11”).

 

 

 

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ETC Bulletin 24-001 regarding Hot/Cold Beverage Kits has been archived and replaced by ETC Bulletin 25-001 for the 2025 season.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