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PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

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Deleted Items

Tank – Gasoline, 5 GL (18.9L), Pump Adapted

NFES #
000218
Category
Fuel Handling
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Check for fuel in tank.  Evacuate tank if fuel is present.
  2. Inspect for missing or cracking and damaged gasket on cap. Inspect all interior surfaces for rust that has pitted, is flaking, or is lifting the interior surface. Rust spots larger than a quarter or collectively multiple areas larger than a quarter will render the tank unserviceable. Some “flash rust” may be present and is acceptable. Using a mirror and flashlight, inspect the ceiling of the can for additional rust.
  3. Inspect for impacts or dents to corners and seams as separation and/or leaks may occur.
  4. Inspect and tighten quick-release fuel valve. See: Testing for performance section.
  5. Return to stock if clean and in unused condition.
  6. Refurbish item if tank is free of damage or rust.
  7. Dispose of item if tank damage is significant, leaks are detected or rust is found inside of tank.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Drain existing fuel and purge. Dispose of fuel according to hazardous material regulations and local policies.
  2. Remove any excess debris from inside of the tank.
  3. Use an air hose to dry the interior of the tank and remove debris inside the female opening of the quick disconnect coupling.
  4. Turn upside down with lids off to dry.
  5. Clean vent hole to ensure serviceability.
  6. Wipe down outside of container and repaint if necessary.

B. Testing for performance

  1. Attach tank specific cap (air adapted) w/pressure regulator to fuel tank.
  2. Open tank vent valve fully.
  3. Ensure the regulator is at minimum then hook up air hose.
    NOTE: THE REGULATOR SHOULD NEVER BE OPENED ABOVE 3 PSI.
  4. Close vent valve once air is escaping.  Using soap/water mix or commercial leak detector, spray in and around fuel port.
  5. If bubbles are present, then open the vent valve fully and shut off air supply. Remove test fitting and begin the process of repairing or replacing fuel port.
  6. If tank and fuel port past performance test, then place back in service.

C. Repair

  1. Replace missing, cracked, or stiff gaskets.
  2. Remove fuel port and replace worn or damaged gaskets if needed. See: ATTACHMENT C.
  3. Ensure fuel port spring is corrosion free and easily compresses.
  4. Ensure fuel geyser warning label is present and legible.
  5. Flammable liquid labels are not required for this fuel tank. Refer to NWCG Standards for Transporting Fuel, PMS 442.
  6. Remove any labels with suggested fuel/oil mix ratio. 

D. Repackaging

  1. Local cache option
     

ATTACHMENT A: TOOLS FOR REMOVING FUEL PORT WICK INDUSTRIES (SIDE PORT) STYLE 0218

Fuel port with side port.
1. Fuel Tank with Side Port WICK
Removal tool.
2. Port Removal Tool (CDK)
Removal tool close up
3. Fuel Removal Tool (NRK)
Adapter cap.
4. Adapter Cap

 

Regulator
5. Regulator

 

ATTACHMENT B: TOOLs FOR REMOVING FUEL PORT FOR WATERAX STYLE 0218

Fuel tank with front port
1. Fuel can with front port
Port removal tool close up
2. Port removal tool close up

 

Port removal tool
3. Port removal tool
adapter cap
4. Adapter Cap

 

Regulator
5. Regulator

 

ATTACHMENT C: COMPONENTS FOR FUEL PORT

Fuel Port Plug
1. Fuel Port Plug
Fuel Port Plug Kit
2. Fuel Port Plug Kit

 

Reference

Fuel Parts available from: 

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters