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Bag – Slingable, Water, Suppression, 55 GL

NFES #
000437
Category
Water Handling
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

1. Dispose of Cordura outer bag if there are: 

  • Any holes, cuts, tears, burns, or torn seams not economically repairable.
  • Any zipper or Velcro closures that do not close properly.
  •  Unsightly dirt or fuel stain that cleaning cannot eliminate.
  • Buckle does not function properly (repair, replace or dispose).
  • Fill and drain hardware.
    •  Inspect fill and drain fittings for proper function and tight seal.
    • Replace or repair any part missing or damaged.
  • Liners:
    • Remove and dispose of any used liners.
    • Inspect condition of spare liner. Unless the integrity of the liner is in question, do not remove from the sealed bag to make this inspection.
  • Return to stock if all components are accounted for and the bag is clean and unused.
  • Refurbish if dirty or used and repairs can be made.
  • Dispose of item if it fails inspection or is damaged beyond repair.

A. Cleaning- CLASS 2 CORDURA (MACHINE WASH OK)

  1. Allow any mud or loose dirt to dry, and remove using a stiff-bristle brush. If stains remain, wash as recommended below.
  2.  Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry. “Mild detergents” includes most home laundry detergents that contain no chlorine bleach or added scents.
  3. For heavier oil or grease, soak in water-soluble biodegradable degreaser for at least 30 minutes, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.
  4. If machine washing, use only cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry.
  5. Where no other method is cleaning the fabric, wash with pressure washer set at wide fan, warm water, and only allow nozzle close enough as necessary for cleaning, the further away the better for the fabric.

DO NOT MACHINE DRY. DO NOT USE BLEACH.
Fill and drain hardware:

  • For NFES #000437 wash fill and drain hardware thoroughly, rinse and dry completely, reseal, place in plastic storage bag and put in zipper pocket.

B. Repair

  1. Repair holes, cuts, tears, and broken seams.
  2. Replace nonfunctioning buckles.
  3. Replace Velcro or zipper if it does not adhere and/or it does not operate smoothly and if it is economical to do so.
  4. Replace used liners: for NFES #000437 use NFES #000438.

C. Testing for Performance

  • Test any replacement buckle, zipper, Velcro or fitting.

D. Repackaging

  • Use NFES #008070 carton (18” x 15” x 5.5”).

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters

Date: January 15, 2025
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters. Non-specification fire shelters claiming to meet Forest Service (FS) fire shelter specification 5100-606 were first found in February of 2023. As of September 2024, non-specification shelters are again being advertised and sold on the open market.

This Safety Warning outlines details and recommended procedures to purchase FS specification shelters made with materials and components that meet performance criteria and toxicity testing requirements outlined in FS Specification 5100-606. 

For additional information on identifying non-specification shelters, please view ETC Safety Warning 23-01.

References:

ETC Safety Warning 25-001: Non-specification fire shelters

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee

ETC Safety Warning 23-01

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Awards

Date: January 14, 2025
Contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee has awarded the 2023 Paul Gleason “Lead By Example” awards to individuals in the categories of Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Sam Bowen, Superintendent of the Mark Twain Veteran Crew with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Greg Titus, Zone Fire Management Officer for the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • Renae Crippen, Manager of the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Eric Carlson, Instructor with OMNA International.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Interview with Paul Gleason

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505