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Tank – Dip, 15,000 GL (Heliwell)

NFES #
000669
Category
Water Handling
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Observe condition prior to take down or after setting up unit following manufacturer’s assembly procedures.
    • Look at rim covers and inspect attached webbing.
    • Remove rim covers and inspect top of tank for abrasions or tears.
    • Look in tank for slices or holes and mark with felt pen if repairs needed.
    • Inspect panels to ensure they are not bent or misshapen and attached clips are functional.
    • Inspect turn buckles and cables for frays and burrs.
  2. Return to stock if unused.
  3. Refurbish item, if repairs are extensive, refer to SEI Industries website.
  4. Dispose of irreparable components and replace as necessary.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Clean tank liner and panels, inside and outside with soapy water and a brush or highpressure wash and rinse.
  2. Rinse well with clean water from high-pressure washer.
  3. Allow to air dry on both sides.

B. Repair

  1. Weld all cracked or broken welds on aluminum panels.
  2. Patch any damaged areas marked in liner. All patches should be welded with patch material that is recommended by the manufacturer.
  3. Rivet rim covers if missing.
  4. Straighten panels and replace clips if needed.
  5. File off burrs on turn buckles.
  6. Replace any missing or damaged fittings, valves, adapters or caps.

C. Testing for performance

  • Verify panels are close together by inspecting placement.

D. Repackaging

  1. Fold tank liner into a shape that fits underneath one panel. See Heliwell operator’s manual on SEI website.
  2. Place folded liner on a pallet and stack panel atop tank.
  3. Box other components together and place on pallet.
  4. Strap down tank, panels, and boxed components securely.

 

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