R – 6 Supplement 1500 -90- 11
Effective 8/1/90
1590.1 – 1595.4
Page 2 of 2
FSM 1500 – EXTERNAL RELATIONS
R – 6 SUPPLEMENT 1500 -90 -11
EFFECTIVE 8/1/91
CHAPTER 1590 – DEFENSE AND EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
1590.3 – Policy. In exercising the authority to use Forest Service personnel and equipment to
protect life and property in emergencies the following apply.
1. Initial Action. Individual employees may use personnel and equipment in their
charge when:
a. Requested by the appropriate authority with primary responsibility for the
emergency or
b. Time or circumstances do not permit notifying the appropriate responsible
authorities prior to initial action. Start action then notify responsible authorities
as soon as possible and continue initial action if and as requested.
2. Other than Initial Action. Forest Supervisor is delegated authority to determine the
existence of emergencies requiring follow up or reinforcement to initial actions. At the request of
the responsible authorities, Forest Supervisor may use Forest personnel and/or equipment and
other Regional emergency forces normally available. Forest Supervisor will notify the Regional
Forester of reinforcement actions taken.
1594 – ASSISTANCE IN FIRE EMERGENCIES
1594.3 – Policy. Forest Service air tankers will be dispatched for missions over populated
(congested) areas only at the specific request from the governmental agency for suppression of
the fire (FSM 5713).
1595 – CIVIL DEFENSE
1595.04 – Responsibility. Forest Supervisor is delegated authority to administer emergency fire
assistance within the guidelines provided in FSM 1594 under Public Law 84-46. This authority
may be redelegated to Forest staff officer with fire control responsibilities.