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PMS 448

Thermometer – Infrared, Digital, Non-Contact

NWCG Committee Realignment Website Updates: Content will continue to be updated over the coming days as we work through final reviews and adjustments, and all publications and products are currently under revision.

NFES #
009989
Category
Camp
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Bring thermometer to room temperature before proceeding with refurbishment. Allow 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Inspect for obvious damage to plastic casing or sensor. If any, dispose of properly following local disposal guidelines.
  3. Press the power button and ensure thermometer turns on. If it fails to power up, replace batteries, and try again. If still not working, dispose of thermometer.
  4. Following manufacturers instructions, test thermometer by taking temperature of skin. If not reading correctly, or displaying error message, refer to manufacturer for calibration procedures if any. If unable to properly display temperature, dispose of thermometer.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Wipe outside of thermometer with disinfectant wipes or medical alcohol and a soft cotton swap or cloth and allow to air dry. If any stains, smudges, or writing can not be removed gently, then dispose of thermometer.
  2. Take extra precaution when cleaning the sensor area of the thermometer. Even minor scratches or cleaner residue can affect the accuracy.

B. Repair

  1. Follow manufacturers recommendations to calibrate thermometer. Many thermometers can not be calibrated and must be removed from service.

C. Testing for Performance

  • Test thermometer by measuring skin temperature. Follow manufacturer recommendations for acceptable temperature variations.

D. Repackaging

  • Must be placed in sealed plastic bag and have manufacturer-specific instructions included. There are many different brands and models available, and they are not all interchangeable.
  • Do not store with batteries in thermometer unless battery is integrated into thermometer by manufacturer and cannot be removed.
  • Carton and count is cache optional.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

RMC Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNetX Launch

Date:  June 25, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) is pleased to announce the launch of SafeNetX, the modernized safety reporting system now available to the wildland fire community. Effective June 15, 2026, SafeNetX enables reporting of unsafe, unhealthy, near-miss, and high-risk operations across wildland fire, all-hazard incidents, training, and related work environments.

SafeNetX is the result of a multi-agency modernization effort led by RMC, which began evaluating improvements to the legacy SAFENET system in 2021. To learn more, read the full RMC memorandum in the links provided.

References:

SafeNetX

RMC Safety Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNet X Launch

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee