The U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) issued a policy memorandum on May 17 2026 to establish clear standards for assigning authority during its transition to unified operations.
Director Brian Fennessy announced Policy Memorandum No. 2026-006 to ensure effective and legally compliant management across the Department of the Interior.
This framework supports coordination between the USWFS and departmental bureaus while promoting efficient decision-making at appropriate levels.
Secretary’s Order No. 3448 established the unified national organization to deliver consistent fire management across the department.
Fennessy stated: “As we continue to build and mature this organization, it is imperative that every employee understands how authorities are structured and assigned within the USWFS.
“The attached USWFS Authorities/Actions document provides clear standards and procedures for assigning, exercising, and reassigning authorities across the USWFS.
“This policy clarifies roles and responsibilities and enables decisions to be made at the lowest practical level, consistent with legal and Departmental requirements.”
The memorandum requires Geographic Area Fire Chiefs and Unit Fire Chiefs to ensure all authority assignments are documented appropriately within their organizations.
Supervisors must verify that personnel understand their specific scope of authority and any existing limitations.
The policy intends to maintain departmental operational capability and readiness during the organizational change.
Fennessy added: “Recognizing communication as a core tenet of all fire operations, there is an expectation of professionalism in all communications with the Bureaus.
“All personnel should review this policy carefully.
“Authority must be exercised within established, legally compliant structures.”
The policy remains in effect until modified or incorporated into the Departmental Manual.
