Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Forest Service today announced an alignment of national wildfire management authorities that strengthens operational efficiency and clarifies reporting roles across the agency. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz delivered the formal delegation of authority letter today, consolidating all fire and aviation authorities under the agency’s Deputy Chief of Fire and Aviation Management, Safety, and Employee Wellbeing, a position currently held by Sarah Fisher. The delegation is effective immediately and implements Executive Order 14308 and Secretary Memorandum 1078-017. Under the delegation, all fire and aviation authorities outlined in Forest Service Manual 1230 (Delegations of Authority) and 5100 (Fire Management) are reassigned to the deputy chief, except where a specific delegation restricts the exercise of certain powers reserved to the chief. The action establishes distinct lines of authority and reduces administrative layers to support more efficient delivery of national wildfire response and aviation operations.